I Committed: Middlebury College Adds Uma Corcoran to Lineup

Uma Corcoran of the New Jersey Vipers 18U accepted an offer to continue her academic and athletic career at Middlebury College, starting in the fall of next year.

Able to play anywhere on the field, Uma has been trained as a “softball player first,” rather than any specific position, which made her a very attractive recruit for several programs.

“I’ve been playing softball ever since I in a little tee ball league,” shared the student-athlete. “My dad loved baseball and my older sister loved softball, so I was basically born into the sport. I’ve made my best memories, my best friends, and I even got to play with my sister one year on the varsity high school team as a freshman.”

Uma has been a part of the Vipers organization for many years, coached by Steve Olshalsky, and has grown tremendously on both offense and defense in recent years, which is reflected in her status as Team Captain for two consecutive seasons.

On her teams, Uma is known for her competitive edge and dirt-covered uniforms after games, as the athlete loves to dive for anything she can get a glove on, according to her coaches.

“When it came to the recruitment process, Uma knew she wanted a small school, and she liked Middlebury, so she went to a camp over the summer,” shared Coach Olshalsky. “The coaching staff came to watch her play and she was nervous, because she really wanted to do well in front of them. But she was lights out, like always.”

The athlete grew up travelling to Vermont, and actually learned to ski there, which developed into a passion that Uma partakes in often, so Middlebury’s proximity to prime ski locations was also a huge pull.

“I was always amazed by Vermont’s beautiful nature and fresh air,” recalled Uma. These things made me want to visit the state as much as I possibly could. The fact that Middlebury College has its own ski mountain—and that it is in my favorite state—was probably the biggest enticement of the school. Not to mention the very sweet coaches and athletes that I met there when I’ve visited, who made me fall in love with the college even more.”

Uma received a phone call from Middlebury College’s Head Coach Kelly Bevere on August 18^th. By the end of the call, she had accepted an offer to spend the next four years with the Lady Panthers.

“What matters to me is to know I’m putting my best self out there, every game, and to be unselfish for my team. I’d rather us win together than me get any individual rewards,” shared Uma. “I’m upset that I have to leave my teammates and coaches from high school, but I can’t wait to meet my new Middlebury family and continue playing for the next four years!”

Uma is currently undecided on a major as she fields the countless amazing academic paths available to her at the prestigious institution. With Middlebury, she will wear #17 and is excited to be a force in their lineup.