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By Spencer DuPuis
LoCoSports Journalist
Ashburn (May 13, 2015) — Briar Woods High School sophomore softball player Michelle Sullivan made a very early commitment to James Madison University starting in the 2017-2018 academic year, where she hopes to contribute in the utility role.
“I chose JMU because it’s always been one of my top schools,” the 5-foot-3 Sullivan said. “They’re coaching staff is amazing, and they know how to make a player the best that they can be. They’re facilities are really nice, too. Also, I love the JMU community, and I know I’ll be able to earn a good degree there.”
In 2015, head coach Mickey Dean returned for his third season at JMU where he has led the Division I Dukes to a 47-8 record and the national No. 15 rank. As a team they are hitting .350 – aided by Stone Bridge graduate and JMU leadoff batter Niki Prince – and their three pitchers have a combined 1.66 earned run average – helped by Potomac Falls graduate Heather Kiefer.
“I believe that I will add a leader on the team and bring a hardworking and a positive attitude,” Sullivan said. “I’ll be a strong competitor, and the team will be able to rely on me to get the job done.”
Briar Woods is currently 8-1 in Conference 14 and 12-5 overall. Sullivan hopes to lead the Falcons back to the state playoffs again this year and for years to come.
“I couldn’t be happier with my decision to commit to JMU, even if I won’t be there for another two-and-a-half years,” Sullivan said. “I immediately knew that this was the school I wanted to go to. I’m relieved that I’m committed because now I have over two years to prepare and work harder than ever before. Also, I go down to Harrisonburg pretty often for their camps, so I will know and be ready for their coaching styles before I actually play for them.”
Sullivan started playing softball when she was seven and loved it ever since.
“I quickly fell in love with the game because of its competitiveness and the fact that you have to be prepared for anything at all times,” Sullivan said. “What keeps me motivated is I know if I put in 110-percent then I’ll get something really good out of it. Softball has taught me so many things such as work ethic, patience and determination, and I’m so grateful to be able to continue playing the game I love at such an amazing school.”
Spencer DuPuis is a junior at Heritage High School in Leesburg. Follow LoCoSports on Twitter (@LoCoSports) for up-to-date news and scores from around Loudoun County.
