Chartiers-Houston pitcher Ferri selects Kent State
Despite a background in gymnastics, don’t expect Chartiers-Houston senior Meadow Ferri to be performing any back flips when she is pitching this season.
Ferri, who has been the starting pitcher for the Buccaneers’ softball team the past three seasons, had to choose between gymnastics and softball at an early age.
Ferri chose the latter, which has proven to be the right choice, and she signed her national letter of intent last month to continue her academic and softball careers at Kent State.
“I started playing softball when I was eight, and when I was 11-years-old, I had to pick either gymnastics or softball,” Ferri said. “You have to be so mentally tough with gymnastics, and that has really helped me in softball.
“You are out there performing on your own, and then someone judges you. There are a lot of mental obstacles to overcome in softball, especially as a pitcher, but there is nothing like gymnastics.”
Ferri’s official visit to Kent State helped make her decision easy, as the school provided her with what she needed for academics and athletics.
“Kent State felt the most like home, and it was the best fit for me in terms of the whole softball program,” Ferri said. “I always wanted to play for a Division I team. I am not sure what I will study in college, but I have some ideas.”
The majority of aspiring collegiate softball players compete in travel ball, and Ferri is no different. She plays for Team Pennsylvania under the direction of Richele Hall.
“A lot of my looks from colleges came from coaches seeing me play in travel tournaments,” Ferri said. “My high school coaches helped me a lot, too. I can’t thank them enough for what they did to help me.”
Kent State plans to use Ferri as a pitcher, but will allow her to bat if she produces at the plate. She uses a drop and straight curveball in her repertoire, plus a changeup, and if it is working, the rise ball.
Ferri and Chartiers-Houston won the WPIAL Class A softball championship last season and advanced to the state semifinals.
She looks forward to her senior year, and her last with catcher Ella Richey, who has been her batterymate since ninth grade.
“I have a special relationship with Ella,” said Ferri. “I am excited to see what we can do this year.”