Kristi Marsili is a leftfielder and one of the new freshmen players on the Pioneers softball team. Hailing from Vandergrift, PA, Marsili started playing softball when she was seven years old. As a teenager she played for four years at Kiski Area High School, acting as a team captain for three years. She also played for the Kiski Valley Storm, an Amateur Softball Association (ASA) fast-pitch tournament team, coached by her dad, Mike Marsili, for six years and for a team in Allegheny Township.

“I was playing on three teams during my high school career” Marsili said. “I also got to go to Paris and Amsterdam to play softball for the USA team in my senior year, that was pretty cool.”

The Pioneers’ head coach; Michelle Coultas would be one of those to notice Marsili’s talent.

“The first time I [saw] Kristi play I knew I wanted her to come here. I knew she would fit in perfect here” Coultas said.

For Marsili, playing softball in college is different from what she experienced in high school.

“I like it, I think it’s more laid back, but it’s still more competitive” Marsili said.

Before each game, she dresses in her uniform, making sure that her hair is fixed and her teeth are brushed before she leave her house. While she is on the van going to the game, Marsili keeps to herself.

“I just like to focus, I really don’t talk to anybody then, I get really nervous,” Marsili said. “When it comes game time, I’m just ready.”

With half the season concluded, Marsili’s performance as a hitter and as an outfielder have been noted as some of her best qualities.

“She’s been awesome, what I expected. She’s hitting the ball well; she’s solid in the outfield,” Coultas said. “Kristi has a good arm and nothing gets by her.”

Marsili’s talent has been noticed by her teammates as well.

“She is a great outfielder, I am completely confident with her in left field” Pioneers Senior Pitcher, Katie Tripp said in an e-mail interview. “If a ball is hit there, I know that she will catch it.”