Ankeny Centennial senior Cora Boyle has signed a letter of intent to play softball at Maryville University (Mo.), an NCAA Division II school that competes in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
“I looked at a couple schools before I went on my visit to Maryville,” said Boyle. “All those coaches and universities were very nice, but as cliché as it may sound it didn’t give me the same sense of home as Maryville did. So when it came to committing, it was an easy decision!”
Boyle, a second baseman, started all 41 games as a junior, when she helped the Jaguars to a 36-5 record and the Class 5A state championship. She batted .331 with four doubles and 19 RBIs.
Boyle also saw some action in the pitcher’s circle. She compiled a 3-0 mark with a 2.24 ERA.
Boyle batted .203 with 11 RBIs as a sophomore, when she started 30 games and helped Centennial to a 25-13 record. She went 4-1 with a 4.32 ERA.
Maryville is coached by Courtney Conley, who started for four years at Alabama and won the 2012 NCAA Division I Women’s College World Series with the Crimson Tide.
“I think what drew me to coach Conley is we share the same softball philosophy, and I like her coaching style,” Boyle said. “She prioritizes the physical part of the game as well as the mental side. Not only does she have plenty of coaching experience, she has experienced the highest level of success this game has to offer being a World Series champion. On top of all that, I love the layout of the campus and the athletic facilities are top tier.
“I can’t wait to be a Saint!” she added.