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Florida may seem like a long way from West Des Moines, IA but for one Midwest ball player Florida State just felt like home!
Marin Heller comes from a small town in Central Iowa. She started playing ball when she was 8 years old. Although she found herself often the smallest player on the field that didn’t let it stop her from working hard and dreaming BIG! Marin considers herself a “late bloomer” but many who watched her compete in those early years would say “that kid has something special”. With a natural athletic ability and a little bit of swag she found ways to get in the lineup and on the field playing for a top Midwest organization.
Marin is like many standout ball players who go on to the collegiate level. While it is not always the case many start to set themselves apart around the ages of 10-13. Player evaluators and coaches start to see signs indicating a young player COULD be a future Elite Top 100 ranked player with the possibility to be a part of the 7% who go on to play in college. (Note: 1.7% play Division 1). Most recruited softball players start around that same age range to look for a club team that will challenge them and play a level up so they can develop faster as a player.
Those who have followed Marin’s softball career saw her and her parents’ choosing teams that would stretch her skills as a player and mature her as a young woman. For example, she was one of the youngest players on a very talented 14u IPF team in the summer of 2020.
Heller played for a team that went 63-13, never placed lower than 3rd in tournaments, often playing at the 16u level, 12 of 13 players either playing or committed to play softball in college, 9 of 12 committed to D-1 programs.
Marin’s Family is a big part of her success. In the early years, her dad Chris helped coach but these days you’ll find him in the stands (more like walking the perimeter of the field) cheering her on. Marin’s family is active and loves to do things like golf, ski, play basketball and watch a lot of football. As a Iowa alum Linda roots for her Hawkeyes but many family members are Iowa State Alum so in the past it’s a toss-up who they are rooting for. Marin says now that all changes” because they are Noles all the way!”
Marin’s current Select Fastpitch out of Kansas City area team had a great Spring/Summer Season. Marin is their starting short stop and bats in the top of the lineup. The team went 35-13 and most notably placed 2nd at PGF National in Hunting Beach, CA this past July. Select FP Jones/Salazar is EIS top 100 ranked team. Loaded with talent. Many of their players are committed. When I asked Marin what she was most looking forward to this club season she said, “Getting back to PGF and making another great run.” Marin is also looking forward to playing her first HS softball season. Iowa is the only state that plays high school softball in the summer months. It’s something that can be difficult when working around club season. Many Iowa players forgo playing HS softball for this reason. Marin decided to play for her high school and is excited to be able to represent her school and community as a part of the Valley High Varsity softball team. Select FP coach Eric Jones says “although we would like to have our Iowa players around more in the summer, we support our other players from other states that play in the Fall and Spring so how can we not support our Iowa players? It is not their fault the state chooses to play high school ball in the summer.” Not all the Select FP players from Iowa play HS but those that do Select FP do its best to make it work. Coach Jones says “we do have to be honest with them that they will have to pick up players to fill their spots for the summer and they will need to continue to earn their playing time when they return.”
We asked Coach Eric Jones what makes Marin a standout player?
Her competitiveness, athleticism, the ways she moves on the field, she spends so much time honing her skills. She set herself apart by doing the extra things in takes to be elite. She has so many schools interested in her because when you watch her play you can see her competitiveness.
More from Marin Heller
What factors influenced your decision to commit to Florida State for softball?
– coaches
– the way FSU plays softball
– culture
– loving community and culture
– beautiful weather and campus
– felt like home
How do you feel your skills as a player align with the team and coaching style at Florida State?
I think I’m a good fit. They rely on great pitching and defense. They are always looking to take an extra bag. FL State led the ncaa in doubles. They are a close team and play for each other. They give off strong family culture and close knit. They always have each other’s backs which helps them find ways to win close big games.
What was it about the school that you fell in love with?
Basically everything. But mostly the coaches, campus, environment, and traditions.
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