Another Falcon made their college decision official recently, as West standout softball player Sofia Marella signed her National Letter of Intent to play for Division II St. Thomas Aquinas.

Marella was one of the top sluggers in the state last season, finishing with a .427 batting average, four home runs and 20 runs batted in. Her performance helped guide the Falcons back to the Division I playoffs and earned her Division I, Second Team honors.

“I’m so glad it’s over and I’m glad I’m where I ended up. As a sophomore, I was going to so many camps, any camp I could, and St. Thomas Aquinas was at one of the camps and they loved me. They told me to come to their school for a visit and for a personal tryout. I went down and I just loved the school, loved the coaches. I just really loved St. Thomas Aquinas,” said Marella of her decision.

Marella had her sights set on playing college softball and expects a significant rise in competition at the next level.

“I’ve always wanted to play in college. I would watch college softball on TV every night and it was a longtime goal of mine. To be able to do it is amazing. I’m looking forward to bonding with my teammates and to meet more people. Softball is all about family, so I’m looking forward to getting to know my new family,” said Marella. “(It will take) a lot of practice, especially with girls that are at the same level as me. It will be a higher level of competition between pitching, hitting and fielding. It’s going to take a lot of practice and working with coaches and players that have been there.”

Although she is excited to start preparing for the college game, she still has one last ride with the Falcons next spring. After multiple trips to the postseason, Marella hopes that the team will take the next step forward and hoist a championship plaque before it’s time to graduate.

“I definitely want to win a state championship my senior year. We’ve come close the past few years so I know that we’re capable of doing it. We just have to work hard and put everything together,” said Marella, who will also miss her softball friends and family at West. “I’m going to look back on my teammates and the families that have supported me since my freshman year. I will also miss Coach PJ (Bessette), he’s had a huge impact on me since even before high school.”