ROBERTS LOOKS TO SHINE ON CLEVELAND STATE DIAMOND
Bradley Central senior Tori Roberts made her decision to play softball for Cleveland State Community College official Friday.
“She’s got a strong work habit, a great academic push, she’s going to be fine at the college level and she’s going to help Cleveland State out,” Bearette assistant coach Terry McElhaney said.
Roberts, a first baseman, has been playing softball since she
was a toddler and is excited to transition into a Lady Cougar
uniform.
“I’m usually a first baseman so hopefully I will bring
success. Whatever they need me to do, I’ll do it,”
Roberts stated. “It feels great. I’ve played since I
was 2 years old so 15 years and it’s finally here,” she
said of reaching her sport’s next level.
According to Roberts, her main goal has always been to go on and
play college ball. She had looked into the Cleveland State program
for a few years, went to a camp, and was then chosen by Lady
Cougars head coach Katie Willingham.
“Local athletes are great to have. I look there first. If
they’ve got good talent, a foundation in Cleveland, I always
look for that,” Willingham explained. “Tori’s
just a solid ballplayer, has a great attitude and is willing to
work hard, so that is going to make my job a lot easier.”
With Cleveland State losing their sophomore first baseman,
Willingham expects Roberts to step up and fill that gap.
“I definitely think she’s going to bring a solid glove
at first base. I’m actually losing a sophomore first baseman
who’s just been dependable since day one, so I’m
looking for that dependability and to fill that gap.”
McElhaney knows Roberts’ softball skills and leadership
abilities will greatly impact the Lady Cougars next season.
“Her strongest point is that she’s a first basemen and
[plays] great defense at first base. She has natural abilities and
on that side of the corner it’s a lockdown when it comes to
her. She’s going to make sure that everything gets taken care
of and she’s a leader too.”
Saralyn Norkus Cleveland Daily Banner Sports
Writer
