Palomar Softball sends all 8 sophomores onto 4-year universities
SAN MARCOS, CA (7/31/2024) -- The 2024 softball sophomore class gathered to celebrate the completion of their academic and athletic careers as Comets and celebrate their next steps! All 8 sophomores from the 2024 softball team completed associate degrees and are transferring on to 4-year universities. This year's sophomore class posted a combined 14 associates degrees at Palomar.
Two-time All-American right fielder, Faith Steffany, is excited to make the move a little North to continue playing softball for the Division I Roadrunners at Cal State Bakersfield next year!
Sophomore All-State and PCAC Conference Pitcher of the Year, Giulianna Clavel accepted a softball scholarship to continue playing at Division I Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York.
Sophomore shortstop, Tess Altevers-Harris (played one season for the Comets after transferring in from University of Illinois Chicago), accepted a softball scholarship to continue playing at Division I George Mason University in Washington DC.
All-American third baseman, Itzell De Los Rios, signed a softball scholarship and will be transferring to compete at Chico State next year as part of the #WildcatFamily.
NFCA Gold Glove centerfielder, Madison Scott transferred to Palomar after playing one season at San Fransico State, she will continue playing next season as a running rebel at UNLV under Head Coach Kristie Fox.
Outfielder Carlee Herrmann (not pictured) is transferring to CSUSM to pursue her bachelor's degree in Wildfire Sciences and Urban Interface.
Sophomores Mariah Diaz and Sarah Vega will continue as pre-nursing students at Grand Canyon University together this fall!
Head Softball Coach, Lacey Craft remarked, "We are so proud of the continued success of this sophomore class and seeing them reach their end goal as Comets! It is challenging to ensure every sophomore in our program meets their academic goal and has opportunities to move on to a 4-year university while balancing the demands as a full-time student-athlete as well. This is the second year in a row we have transferred 100% of our sophomore class onto 4-year universities. It is a culture of success that we strive to maintain both on the field and in the classroom in our softball program. This year was proof again that you can do both at a high level and it is beyond fulfilling to celebrate this 2024 class that is moving on!"
Coach Craft also recognized the academic success team in their role assisting the program and these athletes in achieving their goals as well. "We couldn't do it without the hard work, effort and personal interest that our athletic counselors take in each and every athlete – Melissa Allen and Amber Slivick. They are amazing and go above and beyond to help our students with scheduling, overcome hurdles, and persist to achieve their goals." Assistant Coach Megan Wachholtz oversees the academic mentoring of the softball team. Megan helps connect students with resources for tutoring, monitors grade checks, helps develop time-management skills and provides academic assistance for the team. During her past 2 seasons under her supervision as the academic mentor, the softball program has produced a 3.559 team GPA (2023-2024) and 3.536 team GPA (2022-2023) which was highest in the state for softball teams earning them the 3C2A Scholar Team Award.
We can't wait to continue following the success of the Comet Alumni from #Team46!