Astin Donovan signed her National Letter of Intent early Wednesday morning to play Division 1 Softball for the University of South Florida.
Astin a lefty slap hitter batted .491 with 56 hits, 37 runs and 33 RBIs as a junior and led her team to the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) tournament title and an appearance in the Class LL state championship game. Additionally, Astin was named New Haven Register All Area MVP, CT High School Coaches Association All State, and All SCC in 2013.
Astin is a well-rounded student, as noted by being a SCC Scholar Athlete, her high honors GPA and induction into both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. She was elected to her Class Executive Boards for both her Junior and Senior years. She played Varsity Volleyball as well as Indoor and Outdoor track her freshmen and sophomore years at Mercy.
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According to Tony Calcagni, Mercy softball coach, Astin’s impact on our program is just as important and meaningful off the field as on. She has been a wonderful young woman to coach. Astin is not only talented but is a bright and articulate person who leads by example. “South Florida is getting not only a great athlete but a great person. I want to thank Astin for all she has done in representing Mercy and I also want to thank and congratulate her parents for raising a wonderful young lady, stated Calcagni. Athletic Director Tim Kohs added, “I am sure that the combination of good personal traits and great athletic skills will serve Astin well. She will be an immediate asset to the South Florida program and community. “
Astin’s parents, Lauri and Kevin Donovan of Guilford added, “She has worked very hard at softball since she was eight years old. Playing softball at the college level has been her goal and USF has an excellent program.
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Along with being a key member the Mercy team, Donovan has played extensively with the Gold Coast Hurricanes, a travel team based out of Florida with numerous other highly regarded high school players.
“Astin is an athlete that will add to our speed game. However, don't be surprised if she pops a few over the wall. Her incredible athleticism gives us a tremendous amount of diversity as far as the defensive side of the field is concerned,” USF head softball coach Ken Eriksen stated.
Donovan thanked Mercy for a great education and career and to the coaches that impacted her life. “Winning SCC was terrific and everything fell into place last year. We worked hard as a team and it showed, said Donovan. I look forward to playing at the college level as a USF Bull.”
