Independence senior pitcher/first baseman on Thursday announced her commitment to continue her education and playing career at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio.
Piteo plans to major in Health Science and eventually hopes to become a physician’s assistant.
“It is very exciting to have my college decision decided,” she said. “I can finally relax and just enjoy the remaining part of my senior year.”
Muskingum began recruiting Piteo during the summer ball season prior to her junior season.
She visited the school in September and liked what she saw.
“The location is really good being only two hours from home and I love how, although it’s a small school, the campus is spread out giving it a bigger school feel,” she said.
Piteo attended a fall camp at Muskingum and made a unique connection with the coaching staff.
“They made me feel as if I was already a part of the team, which made me feel at home,” she said. “It’s actually funny because Coach (Hannah) Murphy, one of the assistant coaches, names her glove, so we got to connect over that because I name all my bats.”
Meeting and interacting with the coaching staff secured her commitment.
“As soon as I met the coaching staff, I knew I wanted to go there,” Piteo said. “The energy they brought when showing me around the campus made me want to commit on the spot. I also love the small school atmosphere.”
At Independence, Piteo pitches and plays first base. The Muskingum coaches hinted at a similar role in college but they also expect to try her out at other positions on the field as well to keep her bat in the lineup.
Heading into her final season of high school softball, Piteo has some unfinished business as she hopes to lead the Blue Devils back to the regional tournament and beyond.
Independence lost to eventual state champion Warren Champion in a Division III regional championship game last spring.
“My goal for our program this year is to make it back where we were last year and hopefully advance further,” she said. “Although it will be tough because of the seniors we lost, we have talented underclassmen who I believe are ready for the challenge. We definitely have unfinished business. I am very much looking forward to an exciting senior season.”
