MALDEN — Three Rivers softball found success a year ago when it won a game in the NJCAA World Series. Couple that with the 35 minute drive from Malden, and it was easy for Malden senior Gracie Thomas to decide to sign with the program. “I loved how close it was to home, and their softball program is so good,” Thomas said. “I know some of the girls up there. My parents and my family can still come support me, but it’s also out of the way and it’s still out of Malden. “But just everything, the coaches, the environment, it’s just awesome to be around.” Not only are Gracie’s parents, Misty and Jason, excited to see her stay close to home, but they also see value in going to a program that is coming off its most successful season. “We’re just excited because it’s a great program,” Misty said. “We know she’s going to benefit being there. Being at a juco is a great time for her to continue to build on who she is, and then if she wants to go on and continue playing, they’ll be amazing to get her on to the next level. So that’s what we’re super excited about, her getting that opportunity.” Added Jason, “There were ups and downs and struggles, you know, and as a parent, you want what’s best for them and you want to see them succeed. There were times when it was hard whenever she would struggle or slump … and it was hard not to push. I’m beyond excited. I’m very proud of her. “It’s new. She’s our first child, so we didn’t understand the process, but (Three Rivers coach Jeff Null) was great.” 

Gracie will be in a different role than what she’s used to when she arrives to Three Rivers. Null plans to have her play catcher instead of her typical utility position. “I didn’t really get to see her a whole,” Null said. Then I saw her in the summer and she was catching. The first time I ever really saw her catch, she just had a cannon for an arm. She threw two girls out and just threw lazers down to third base and it just caught me like, wow. That plays at our level. “She has the tools. She has the size and can swing the bat.” Malden coach Kelsey Snider said Gracie’s discipline at the plate is one of the areas in which she’s seen consistent improvement in her game during her time with Malden. “Now that she’s developed and grown as a player, she’s able to control her bat. She’s able to be more disciplined as a player,” Snider said. “She’s so athletic. She’s going to be able to player wherever you wanna put her.” As a goal she’s strived to meet since she first picked up a bat when she was able, Gracie is just glad to be signed to where she wants to play collegiately. “It’s just awesome to actually officially sign. It’s always something I’ve worked for since I was little and it’s been a goal,” Gracie said. It’s just awesome and a relief to know where I’m going and to be in this moment.”

Nate Fields - Daily American Republic