(Posted Nov. 11, 2021)
Three Jonathan Alder High School seniors committed to playing softball at the college level during a College Signing Day on Nov. 10.
Kylie King
Kylie King signed to play softball at Ohio Northern University (ONU). The university is a member of NCAA Div. III and competes in the Ohio Athletic Conference.
“I chose ONU for three main reasons. The psychology program would put me on an amazing career path, the school gave me the opportunity to play my sport, and it is just close enough to home,” King said.
She expects the transition from high school athlete to collegiate athlete to be a challenge at first but is confident she will manage.
“Talking with the head coach at ONU (Jackie Price), she predicts that I am going to make an immediate impact on the team. I wouldn’t be myself if I said I didn’t agree with her,” King said.
When asked what skills she brings to the next level of play and study, she pointed to her perfectionism and year-round work ethic.
“I have an immense respect for the game and, as a catcher, I command the field. As the designated team leader, I hold my teammates accountable and push every single one of them to be better both on and off the field,” she added.
King is the daughter of Monica and Nathan King.
Danielle Robbins
Danielle Robbins signed to play softball at Ashland University. The university is a member of NCAA Div. II and competes in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
“I chose Ashland University for several reasons, a few being that it has a nice campus, wasn’t too big, was a good distance from home, had a great atmosphere, and the softball coaches are great,” Robbins said. “I really wanted to play for a competitive Div. II school that has coaches that love their school, and I think I found just that.”
Her goals are to play softball all four years at Ashland, earn a degree in education, and land a teaching job her first year out of college.
“I’d love to come back and be a teacher and softball coach at Jonathan Alder once I graduate,” she said.
When asked what skills she brings to the next level of play, Robbins listed competitiveness, willingness to learn, determination and perseverance. She also said she works hard, doesn’t give up easily, gets along with most people, and loves being part of a team.
Robbins said she has always wanted to play softball in college.
“When I was 12 years old, I wrote on a dream wall that my dream was to get a softball scholarship and play in college. Everything I’ve done has helped to make me a better player and person so I could reach this goal,” she said.
Robbins is the daughter of Ron and Lori Robbins.
Marlee Jacobs
Marlee Jacobs signed to play softball at Ohio Dominican University. The university is a member of NCAA Div. II and competes in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC).
“Ohio Dominican has a great program for nursing students and allows me to find a major I’m interested in while still being a student-athlete,” she said.
Jacobs hopes to get into the university’s nursing program and one day become a neonatal nurse. She also wants to help the softball team win a GMAC championship.
As for the skills she brings to the team, Jacobs said, “I feel that I’m good under pressure and calm in situations which can differ from other athletes. I always want to be able to play to the best of my ability for my team and coaches rather than wanting to do good for only myself.”
Jacobs said she has wanted to play college softball since she was 10 years old. She has a balanced perspective when it comes to her expectations of playing at the next level.
“I want to be able to play softball at a competitive level but still be able to have fun with it. I think the team allows us to be serious and fun, all at the same time, which is why I started to love softball in the first place,” she said.
Jacobs is the daughter of Greg and Kelly Jacobs.
