Perry outfielder Angela Vicini on Saturday announced her commitment to continue her education and softball career at Gannon University in Erie, Pa.
“Knowing that I get to play softball for Gannon honestly feels so surreal,” Vicini said. “They won the (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) last year so they are a very good team and to be able to have the opportunity to play for them is such an honor.”
Vicini first visited Gannon last month for a hitting clinic and it felt comfortable with the coaching staff. She also loved what she saw on campus.
“I didn’t have any prior relationship to the coaches before I met them, so I was a bit nervous going in,” Vicini said. “When I met them, they were extremely nice and welcoming and I could tell they would be great coaches, which definitely had a huge impact on my decision. The campus is absolutely beautiful and the setup makes it easy to get from one building to another.”
The decision to choose Gannon over Case Western Reserve University, Ohio Wesleyan University and Ohio State University wasn’t an easy one for Vicini but the opportunity to play softball while pursuing her degree played a role.
“There were multiple variables that went into my decision to commit to Gannon,” Vicini said. “Most importantly, they have an incredible Pre-Dental program that partners with Case Western Reserve University. They are also a small Catholic school, which is what I was looking for when making my list of colleges to apply to and it’s only an hour away from home, so I could get back easily if I needed. Of course, the prospect of playing softball definitely helped my decision.”
Vicini expects to play in the outfield at Gannon.
“I think I will be able to fit in well,” she said. “I met a bunch of the girls when I visited and they were all very sweet and fun.”
The Pirates, who finished 25-5 last season, won the Division II Jefferson District championship and played in the Akron Regional semifinals.
Vicini hopes to lead the team even deeper in the playoffs in her final season of high school softball.
“I have some huge goals for our school season,” she said. “We did so well last year but we lost it late into the playoffs. We have so much skill and we click together so well as a team, so I think we can make it farther than we did last year. I don’t really have any individual goals; I don’t think you can when it is such a team sport. We strongly believe that individual success comes with the success of the team.”
