Bloomingdale Softball Player Signs with HCC

Balloons, cake and the ubiquitous red ceramic bull in the principal's conference room could mean only one thing: another Bull athlete received a college scholarship.

On May 14 the honors went to senior Katie Marion, an outstanding outfielder on the softball team and powerhouse at the bat.

Surrounded by family, friends and teammates, Marion signed a scholarship to attend Hillsborough Community College where she'll continue her outfielding career.

"I'm very proud of her," said her dad, Kerry Marion, a frequent spectator at his daughter's games. "I knew she was going to do great things."

So did Marion's cousin, Max Kriegbaum. "She's very talented and smart," he said.

The 18-year-old began playing softball at age 11 and said the game quickly became a passion.

"I didn't realize that it would be my ticket to college," she said. "It was just something I loved to do. I love every aspect of the game, especially the competition."

While she's a standout in the outfield, it's her batting skills that earned Marion distinction. She carried a .360 batting average this season.

"She has been a staple for us in the outfield but is known more for her bat," said Bloomingdale softball coach Melissa Gentile. "She earned Second-Team All-Conference and was one of our senior leaders. I'm thrilled she's moving on in her softball career."

"Katie's one of the hardest workers I've ever met," said teammate Leah Pemberton. "She always came and put everything into her game."

In addition to her skills on the field, Marion carries a 4.0 grade point average.

This is the fifth scholarship signing Gentile has attended for a player.

"It's definitely a good group of kids," said Gentile. "I was just hired in January so I was able to walk into a great group of players."

The ceramic bull was pulled out again on May 15 when soccer player Sierra Siegal signed a scholarship to attend Maryville College in Tennessee.