When do you know a university is the right one for you?
It is, after all, quite the huge decision as it will likely impact what you study, who you make as friends and possibly even where you live post-college (many end up taking jobs in the geographical area of their studies).
Extra Inning Softball announced on Friday that the Signing/Verbal Database updates will be coming back soon and the response to our invitation to athletes to complete our “I Committed” page has been tremendous!
One of those was Maraina Smith, a talented pitcher/first baseman with the Indiana Gators 18U – Craft team coached by Kayla Craft.
Known for her good speed and spin, the senior has committed to Oakland University, a DI school in Rochester, Michigan (Detroit area) that competes in the Horizon League against schools like Detroit-Mercy, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Purdue-Fort Wayne and several others. The school’s nickname: the Golden Grizzlies.
Said Coach Craft about her talented pitcher:
“Maraina is an extremely hard worker. She does exactly what is asked to better her team and is the true definition of a great teammate. Anyone would be lucky to have her on their team.”
“Something we love about her is her energy and presence on the mound. Maraina gets hyped for herself and for her teammates in the field. She also has a ton of power offensively. We can’t wait to watch her play at the next level!”
We’re always intrigued about why an athlete feels a school is the right one and we asked Maraina how she came to her decision to play for the Grizzlies.
She said it was a wild ride!
“What a crazy recruiting process,” she began. “With dead periods and dark period extensions (due to COVID), the stress level was crazy.
“I always said that I would know what school was the right fit for me when I visited,” she continued. “I felt I would know that it was home right away and I always thought I would go to school far away from home.”
“But as soon as I visited the Oakland campus and met Coach (Lauren) Karn and Coach (Jenna) Blythers in person I knew I found my home.”
Even though it’s pretty close to home?
“Yes, it’s less than an hour away from home,” she laughs. “But sometimes you just have to know that God has a plan for you. I’m so happy with my verbal commitment to Oakland and can’t wait for this next chapter in my life!”
