Mariah Runco '11 Recruiting Profile

I am a 5'5" Third Baseman and National Honor Society Student from Olyphant, PA and I will graduate in the year of 2011.I have been singing take me out to the ball game since I was 3yrs old. I have such a love of the game that I could play every day and often do. I have been a starting varsity player since my freshman year. I was a second Team League all-star pick sophomore year and a first Team League all-star this past year. My high school team did not always have the drive and determination that I had, but I walked in to every game looking to do my very best and tried to lead by example to help my teammates find the love of the game. I am not afraid of hard work because that is the only way you will get anywhere in life. I often would call my teammates to practice in between our regular practices. I am the first on and off the field, and will give 150 percent whether we are winning or losing because I have seen some of the greatest come backs. It's never over until it's over. As A little girl I watched Baseball on TV with my dad and now it is awesome the women have earned the honor to be on Television too. My dream has always been that someday my dad would be standing at the fence watching me play College Ball. With a bigger dream of him watching me on Television, but I know he would be okay with the fence. This past summer my Big league Team had a great opportunity to go to the Big League Little League World Series in Kalamazoo, MI. We were the youngest and smallest Team there. I was so proud to be playing with a team full of amazing girls. We were young and wanted it more than anything. We went home 4th place in the World, but in our eyes we went home 1st. We were the only team that had beaten the two teams that were on ESPN. I am looking for a college that I can make a great impact on the team even as a freshman whether it is on the field or on the bench cheering my teammates on. I understand everyone has to pay their dues, but I know when I earn my spot I will serve my team well. I am willing to balance my academic life with my time on the field. I am looking to pursue a career as a Pediatrician. I am willing to explore any size school in any division. Financial assistance would be a great help to my family. So I hope that were ever life my lead me I have the honor that when I look back College Softball was part of my journey.