San Benito hurler signs letter of intent to pitch at San
Francisco State University
HOLLISTER
Now, San Benito pitcher Marisa Ibarra says, there will be a lot less pressure next season to perform.
Opponents are already buckling at the knees.
The senior hurler signed a letter of intent on Nov. 17 for a partial ride to San Francisco State University, a school that she felt comfortable with and met her needs in terms of proximity.
“Now I can just have fun,” said Ibarra, who’s helped lead the Lady ‘Balers to three straight Central Coast Section championships.
“It was close to home, I like the campus, I knew a few girls on the team and I felt comfortable there,” Ibarra added. “I really wanted to stay close to home. My mom and dad have always been to my games, so it was nice to know they could still be there.”
Few high school athletes enjoy a near-seamless transition to the college level like the one Ibarra is expecting. And more than likely, Ibarra will feel rather comfortable next season in San Francisco.
That’s because Ibarra has played with several members of SF State’s softball team already, a factor that certainly figured into her decision process. She played with three of her future teammates through her club team, the Salinas Wildcats, as well as another teammate that will be joining SF State next season.
Receiving looks from Dominguez Hills, Humboldt State, Cal State University at Stanislaus and Sonoma State – schools that were a bit too far away for the pitcher – Ibarra finalized her decision to attend SF State once she visited the campus on Nov. 10.
“It was on top of my list at that point, but just going there put it over the top,” she said. “Just in terms of how comfortable I felt.”
Ibarra is the second player from the softball team in as many weeks to sign a letter of intent to play in college. On Nov. 21, second baseman JC Clayton signed on to play at BYU next year.
San Benito manager Scott Smith says SF State will be a fairly good fit for the 5-foot-2 pitcher, who could be approaching the century mark in wins sometime next season.
Through three years at San Benito High, Ibarra has compiled a 78-8 record.
“I think San Francisco is gonna enjoy her playing there, for sure,” said Smith, who was able to witness a few SF State games last season.
“Watching the girls pitch for them, I think Marisa should come in as a freshman and probably get some pretty good pitching time,” Smith said. “There was no doubt she was gonna sign.
“It’s good to see a family put so much time and effort into their daughter’s softball career, and to see it pay off is awesome.”
