On Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015, Upper Merion seniors Micaela Ghanayem, Dezerea Kandy and Olivia Sborlini were recognized at a special news conference for signing letters of intent to play softball at the collegiate level. To view photos of the signing, please visit the Photo Gallery.
“I consider this the best group in school history, and I’ve told them that,” Upper Merion coach John Whitney said. “It’s kind of tough for me to say that because my daughter came through in 2004 with her group. That was a very good group, but I think this group is even better. I’ve been around the program. I’ve watched it for 40 years. I graduated from Upper Merion in ’75, and I’ve watched all the kids since then, and this group coming in is the best group I’ve seen.
“With these kids, I think the travel ball is a big thing. They all started with the travel ball at an early age. They’re playing eight, nine months out of the year. They work hard. Anything they’re short on, they’re in working hard. All the kids were willing to move around and do whatever made the team better. They’re just multi-talented and can move around. Anything we’ve asked of them, they’ve had no problem if it made the team better.
“They have a great ethic, and they stick with it,” assistant coach Missy Toto said. “They like a challenge. They’re willing to change positions. If we need them to go somewhere, they never back down from that. All three of them have played multiple positions for us.”
Dezerea Kandy - Kutztown University (Softball)
Major: Biology, Pre medical and other health careers
Final list of colleges: Kutztown, Chestnut Hill, Philly U, West Chester
Reasons for choosing Kutztown: “I selected Kutztown because of its beautiful campus and they have a great softball program. This was my top choice since I was young and after seeing the campus the second time I realized this was the school for me.”
What was the progression that led you to playing softball at the collegiate level? “I have been playing softball since sixth grade. I knew I wanted to play in a collegiate level since I was little, but ninth grade was when I knew I honestly wanted to do it more than anything. The recruiting process started when I joined the Valley Forge Patriots, which is a travel team. When we started doing college showcases, I started emailing some coaches of the schools I was interested in. After keeping in touch with Coach Lawes and visiting, I remember me being so excited that I was actually going to be playing softball at the school of my choice.”
Coach John Whitney says: “A couple of years ago, Dez came up as probably one of the best outfielders around. I needed a first baseman, and she moved right to first without a problem. She lights a fire under people. I think she fires us up too. She has a lot of energy, a lot of passion, and she has a big will to win, and I think she brings the kids along with her.”
Assistant coach Missy Toto says: “She’s a sparkplug, and she’s very passionate. When she sets her mind to something, she gets it done.”
About Dezerea:
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite movie: The Notebook
Favorite music: PnB Rock
Micaela Ghanayem - Shippensburg University (Softball)
Major: Elementary Education
Final list of colleges: Shippensburg, Millersville, IUP, Slippery Rock, Bucknell, Monmouth University
Reasons for choosing Shippensburg: “I picked Shippensburg because it was the perfect fit. I originally started looking there because of the Education program. It has an elementary school on campus, which puts Ship over a lot of schools for education. I knew I wanted a rural setting and the size is just right. I absolutely loved the softball coaches and team when I went to Ship for a camp. As our relationship started to grow, I 
really could picture myself there. Ship is such a family-oriented atmosphere. It worked out perfectly as it was my first choice for education and softball. I am so excited for the next four years and can’t wait to start next fall!”
What was the progression that led you to playing softball at the collegiate level? “Since I was younger, I always dreamt of playing softball collegiately. I have been playing since I was six years old. As soon as I hit high school, I started my college search. Many might say that is early, but I have an older sister, Maddalana, who I have always looked up to. She was a junior at the time when I was a freshman, and her college search had a very positive impact on me. I believe that you can never start too early because to be recruited you have to build a relationship with the coach and they need to know you. You also have to give yourself time to go see if you even like their college. I went to some schools that I thought I was going to love, but they were not the best fit. I feel that everyone will find a fit and people always say, if you want to play in college, you will. You just need to have the dedication, commitment, competiveness and drive.”
Coach John Whitney says: “Micaela started out at second base for us because I had her older sister Madds catching. She’s very consistent, and she hits the ball hard all the time. She’s kind of quiet – she just does her business.”
Assistant coach Missy Toto says: “She’s consistent. She comes through a lot because she just always comes through. When she’s up to bat, you know something’s going to happen. She’ll put the ball in play.”
About Micaela:
Favorite food: Mac & Cheese
Favorite movie: The Parent Trap
Favorite music: Country
Olivia Sborlini - Kent State University (Softball)
Major: Exploratory
Final list of colleges: Kent State, Rhode Island, Saint Joseph’s
Reasons for choosing Kent State: “Great academic support, great softball program and a beautiful campus”
What was the progression that led you to playing softball at the collegiate level? “I’ve been playing softball since I was five and can’t imagine not playing in college, so in 10th grade, I started looking for colleges that I like and went to camps and sent coaches my travel ball schedules.
Coach John Whitney says: “Liv has been pretty much a pitcher for us, but we used her at short and third. She’s like a bulldog. She’s just tough. She doesn’t show you a lot, and on the mound, and that’s what you want from your pitcher – not showing a whole lot of emotion. I’ve always told her, ‘If you want to show emotion, turn around to center field, do whatever you want and then turn back around and go back to work.’ Liv is just a tough kid.”
Assistant coach Missy Toto says: “She’s got grit and determination, and she has ice water in her veins.”
About Olivia:
Favorite food: Chipotle
Favorite movie: 42
Favorite music: Country
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