On Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011, Hatboro-Horsham seniors Jackie DiPietro, Valerie Sadowl and Nicole D’Andrea were recognized at a special news conference for signing letters of intent to play softball at the collegiate level.
Jackie DiPietro – Seton Hall (Softball)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Seton Hall, UMBC, Marist
Reasons for choosing Seton Hall: “Seton Hall was the first visit I took. I just fell in love with it right away. I went to other schools just to see if there was something else I was interested in, but I always kept coming back to Seton Hall. I loved the coaches, and I loved the team. Everything together – it just felt like that’s where I should be going.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate softball? “Ever since I started playing intense softball and getting more into travel ball and switched to a higher level – I knew I didn’t want to stop playing. I knew I wanted to continue playing and get on a Division One team where I could learn a lot of skills and get better.
“It was really stressful, but you have to take every second for what it is. If you give up on one school, that might end up being the school you want to go to. I’m happy where I chose, so it was worth it.”
Coach Joe DiFilippo says: “Jackie is probably for the last few years the best all-around athlete on the team. She has speed, and she is a strong fielder and hitter. I hope this year she becomes the leader of the team like the three seniors we had last year.”
About Jackie:
Favorite food: Ice cream
Favorite movie: Horrible Bosses
Favorite music: Dave Matthews Band
Valerie Sadowl – University of Connecticut (Softball)
Major: Biology
Final list of colleges: UConn, Notre Dame, UMBC, Mount St. Mary’s, Florida State
Reasons for choosing UConn: “I went up there for a visit, and I loved it. I saw an indoor game at their indoor football field, and during pregame warm-ups, I was watching how the coach was interacting with the girls. It was a fun atmosphere. I enjoyed that about it. I want to have fun when I go up there and play but have it be competitive too, and they provided both of that and the academics.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate softball? “I grew up at softball tournaments ever since I was little, and I could not wait to start playing travel ball. I just enjoy playing.
“The recruiting process was stressful at times, but all my best friends were going through the same process. We could all talk about it – what our problems were going through it, and we helped each other through the process. It was a fun time period when all of us committed.”
Coach Joe DiFilippo says: “Val comes from a family of great softball players, and you know what, she definitely holds her own with all of them. She has been a starter in the infield since her freshman year. She’s versatile and has moved back and forth from shortstop to second and never says a word.”
About Val:
Favorite food: Crabs
Favorite movie: Billy Madison
Favorite music: Dave Matthews Band, Mac Miller
Nicole D’Andrea – University of New Haven (Softball)
Major: Biology/Veterinary Medicine
Final list of colleges: New Haven, Wilkes, Salisbury, Susquehanna
Reasons for choosing New Haven: “Connecticut was so pretty when we went to visit. The coach was really nice, and when I visited with the team, they were super nice. I really liked them. I started looking at the other schools, and it was more a process of elimination that led to New Haven.”
When did you start thinking about playing softball at the collegiate level? “Since I was in seventh grade. You have to start (the recruiting process) early. You have to keep e-mailing coaches, hoping they will come see you. It’s frustrating when they don’t, but it makes you work harder. At the end of my junior year, the coach reached out to me. It was definitely a work in progress. It’s really exciting.”
Assistant coach Kathy Lutz says: “I have coached Nicole for the past two years. She was my starting catcher. She’s a great kid and would do anything for you. She’s very coachable. She’s a leader and would do anything for you.”
About Nicole:
Favorite food: My grandmom’s ravioli
Favorite movie: The Goonies
Favorite music: Bruce Springsteen
- Log in to post comments
