Alumni Check-In: Marino Standing Out at Springfield

After a brilliant career with the Harrison softball team, Ashley Marino  to continue her softball career after graduating high school in 2010.

Marino set Harrison's career record for strikeouts her senior year while leading the Huskies to a 21-2 record and a number one seed in the Section 1 tournament. After lettering in three sports at Harrison, Marino was even named the high school's 2010 .

So it comes as no surprise to see she has carried her success on to the college ranks.

Marino has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with in her first year pitching for the Pride, leading the team in several statistical categories as a freshman.

Springfield had a stellar year in 2011, finishing 26-15. Marino went 13-8 in the pitcher's circle and was the team’s leader in earned run average and innings pitched.

Although her statistics are impressive for any player, let alone a freshmen, Marino admits that the jump from high school to college was a challenge this year.

“Going from Harrison High School softball to college softball was very different and it took some time to get used to the change in play, but since Coach Dean (Marino) was such a strong coach and I was so successful it was a great way to start a college career,” Marino said. “I was still able to use my skills from the past and apply them into the game.”

One thing Marino says made the transition easier was the chemistry on her new team. At Harrison she was playing with girls she had known her entire life and it was difficult at first to duplicate that on-field comradery in college. 

“Pre-season was a great learning experience and a great way to know your teammates as a player, teammate and friend,” Marino said. “There was consistent cheering and pushing of my teammates with positive attitudes throughout practice.”

Marino added she was always prepared and ready to play because she had confidence in the team she had on the field behind her.

The standout pitcher is majoring in physical education with a minor in health. Many college athletes have trouble juggling athletics and academics, but so far Marino enjoys being busy because she feels it helps her manage her time. This year Marino said her hectic schedule forced her to hit the books and work harder on the field than ever before.

With one solid season under her belt, Marino appears to have plenty to look forward to over the remainder of her college career. Next year opponents better be on alert, because with Marino pitching for the Pride, Springfield will be a very difficult team to beat.