Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PROCTORVILLE — Mollie Morris tried to find her perfect match and she did. But it had nothing to do with any online dating service.

The Fairland Lady Dragons’ senior softball standout found a way to get match to the right college to continue her playing career and get the education she wants.

During her sophomore year, Morris signed up on NCSA Sports.com that helps players match their academic goals with their desire to play college softball.

“I went through soooo many different colleges,” said Morris. “You get to meet a lot of different coaches through that. I met coaches from Kentucky, Iowa and California. I got matched with St. Joseph’s 100 percent so that’s how I found them and then their coach reached out to me.”

Morris completed the process on Thursday as she signed a letter-of-intent with the St. Joseph’s College Lady Bears of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Morris began playing softball at the age of 7 and has 11 years of experience.

“My dad (Jason) put me in it as soon as he could. It’s a really big part of my life,” said Morris.

Morris visited New York when she was 8-years old and has mixed emotions about returning to attend school and play softball.

“I’m nervous. I can’t lie. But I’m very excited and I think that God has a plan and this is the plan for a reason so I’m going to follow through with it,” said Morris.

St. Joseph’s is an NCAA Division III program coached by Danielle Fazzolare. The school of about 1,200 students competes in the Skyline Conference that includes Mount St. Mary, Mount St. Vincent, St. Joseph’s-Long Island, Old Westbury, Purchase, Farmingdale State, Maritime and Yeshiva.

Morris signed with the Lady Bears over other schools such as Glenville State, University of Pikeville and St. Lawrence (N.Y.) University.

“They don’t have any slappers on their team. I’m their first slapper. They’re trying to build their program up. That’s one of the reason (she drew their interest). Another reason is I’m a utility player and I can play outfield, I can play infield and then I can catch,” said Morris.

A four-year starter, Morris is batting .480 this season with 12 stolen bases who plays a variety of positions that includes catcher and third base.

“I was supposed to (do a workout) and I was supposed to go to one of their games and hang out with them, but it got rained out,” said Morris.

Morris plans to major in biology so that she can go into pre-med and become a pediatric psychiatrist.

“I’d like to help people. I’d like to own my own business where I can work with other psychiatrists to help children with their needs. I’d like to live back here whenever I’m done with college,” she said.

Mollie is the daughter of Christie and Jason Morris.