Cardinal Newman’s Nazley Wilson signs with the Eckerd Tritons to play softball. Pictured above are (l–r) front row – James Wilson (father); Nazley Wilson, Cathy Wilson (mother); back row – Steve Evans (assistant coach), Mike Darnell (athletic director), Doug Frye (head coach), and Lou Gareis (Wilson’s pitching coach). Nazley Wilson, Cardinal Newman School senior softball player, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Wilson was the 2008 SCISA State Player of the Year and state championship pitcher. Additionally she is the two–time Region Player of the Year (2008 and 2009) and two time All–Area Player of the Year. She was also named to the 2009 All–Region volleyball team and SCISA State All–Stars volleyball team.

It is definitely hard work and determination that helped Wilson receive this honor. Doug Frye, Cardinal Newman School varsity softball coach says, “I have watched Nazley develop into an outstanding pitcher over the past few years. She is one of the most coachable players I have ever had in my program. She will surely be an asset to the Eckerd College pitching staff.”

Wilson’s longtime pitching coach Lou Gareis of Grease Lightning Pitching Academy adds, “As Nazley’s pitching coach for the past several years, I know that she will be a great asset to Eckerd College. She possesses an excellent attitude and has the ability to learn quickly.”

When speaking of her accomplishments, Wilson states, “I was fortunate to be recruited by dozens of schools all across the country. I visited almost 20 schools before narrowing the list to the five where I made official visits [Eckerd College; Dominican University of California; Notre Dame DeNamur; University of Charleston; and West Liberty University (WV)]. I am confident that I can be successful at Eckerd and look forward to making a positive contribution to the softball program.”

Wilson is not the only one excited about her choice. Josh Beauregard, Eckerd College head softball coach says, “We are thrilled Nazley has chosen Eckerd College as the place to continue her softball success.”

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Eckerd College is a private co–educational liberal arts college. The college is a NCAA– Division II institution and a member of the Sunshine State Conference (University of Tampa, Barry University, Florida Southern College, Florida Tech, Lynn University, Rollins College, Nova Southeastern University, and Saint Leo University).