SECTION 4 SOFTBALL: CORNING'S DEROSA COMMITS TO PLAY DIVISION 1 SOFTBALL AT GEORGE MASON (2021-09-27)

By Brian Fees
Southern Tier Sports Report
In high school Ellie DeRosa has done a little of everything for the Corning Hawks.

She’s been the ultimate utility player, someone they could plug in wherever they needed her.

It’s the type of trait that had a number of schools interested in DeRosa, and it’s a role she’s ready to continue at George Mason University.

“Throughout my time on the softball field, I’ve been a utility player,” DeRosa said. “Coach (Justin) Walker is planning to have me continue this by developing me into a stronger infielder and outfielder. I’m expected to strengthen the line-up as a left-handed power hitter. Quite honestly, I’ll be happy to play anywhere I’ll be the most helpful to my team.”

When it came to looking at colleges, George Mason checked all the boxes for the Corning senior.

“The main factors that I considered in my decision were academics, athletics, and location,” she said. “When it came down to it, GMU checked all the boxes and exceeded what I was looking for in a school and in a college experience overall.”

When DeRosa met with the coach at George Mason, she knew it was a good fit for her.

“I had a great experience with the head coach, Justin Walker,” DeRosa said. “He showed me and my family around GMU’s campus when we went for an unofficial visit this summer.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to meet the players or the entire coaching staff yet. However, later in the school year, I’ll go on an official visit to meet my recruiting class, the team, and the rest of the coaching staff, which I’m really looking forward to.”

While George Mason was the right fit for softball, it’s also a good fit academically for the Corning senior.

“George Mason has the academic programs I’m looking for,” DeRosa said. “I’m looking to go into the hard sciences and GMU has several strong programs in physics and engineering that fit my area of interest.”

For DeRosa it’s special to know she is going to be playing at the collegiate level next year.

“I am beyond excited to play at the next level,” DeRosa said. “I’ve always sought out the ability to grow as a player, so taking this next step up in my athletic career is an incredible opportunity and I welcome the challenge.”

The recruiting process can be a long, tough process, so getting a choice made is nice so DeRosa can focus on her senior season.

“The college application process is very intensive so having a decision made and a plan laid out for me is tremendously helpful,” DeRosa said. “With early action, I’ll be finished with my application process soon. Right now, I’m looking forward to having it off my plate so I can focus on enjoying my senior year.”

After Covid altered the past two softball seasons, DeRosa is excited for a final year with the Hawks in the spring.

“Since I wasn’t with the team my freshman year, I’m very excited to experience firsthand what Corning is capable of with a full season to work with. We have a solid base of very talented returning players that I’m confident will lead us to another very successful season.

“Mostly, I’m just looking forward to getting back out on the field for a full season with my teammates.”