On Friday, May 3, 2019, Council Rock South seniors Karley DeSpirito and Ally Kirschner were recognized for committing to continue their softball careers at the collegiate level. To view photos of the college recognition breakfast, please visit the Photo Gallery at the following link: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/p775859561
Karley DeSpirito – Ursinus College (Softball)
Major: Health Science/Dermatology
Final list of colleges: Ursinus, Franklin & Marshall, Bucknell, Colgate
Reasons for choosing Ursinus: “It was a good fit for me both academically and athletically speaking. I also loved the overall energy from the campus and the people.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in softball at the collegiate level? “I always dreamed of playing at the collegiate level ever since I knew what college softball was. The actual recruiting process started for me in freshman year when I joined the travel team that I am still a part of now (Rock Gold). I was playing with girls who at that time were a lot older than me, so I pretty much got thrown into the recruiting process quite early.”
Coach Frank Marino says: “Karley was a four year varsity starter. She plays the game hard the way it is supposed to be played and provided leadership on the field. She spent three years playing outfield and moved to second base her senior year to help fill a void in the infield. My favorite moments were watching her hit two home runs (two-run and three-run shots) her senior year versus Truman. It was her first game back after being away for a week on vacation and I almost did not start her that game due to her having so much time off between games. Boy, would I have made a big mistake. Ursinus is getting a solid softball player but more importantly a bright and wonderful young lady. Good Luck #18.”
About Karley:
Favorite food: Ice Cream
Favorite movie: The Incredibles
Favorite music: Country
Ally Kirschner – Alvernia University (Softball)
Major: Criminal Justice
Final list of colleges: Alvernia, Lebanon Valley, Widener, Arcadia
Reasons for choosing Alvernia: “Small campus, small classrooms and very good softball/criminal justice programs.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in softball at the collegiate level? “When I was a freshman in high school, my travel coaches started mentioning college showcase tournaments, and it really got me thinking about what I want to do after college. During school softball season, being around older girls who were playing at a collegiate level really motivated me more.”
Coach Frank Marino says: “Ally was a two-year varsity starter with four years in the South program. She provided leadership behind the plate and was a team player who moved to first base her senior year to help round off a more solid infield - moving from her primary position of catcher. My favorite moment was watching her throw out a Neshaminy runner her junior year late in the game where we held on to beat them, and her smile behind the mask as she glanced over to me was ear to ear. Alvernia U is getting a solid softball player but also a strong and intelligent young lady. Good Luck #21.”
About Ally:
Favorite food: Quesadillas with an iced coffee
Favorite movie: Miracle
Favorite music: Today’s top hits
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