Graham hoping to make impact
BUTLER TWP — Softball and Ali Graham get along just fine.
The Butler High School senior pitches. She plays third base. She plays first base. She plays during the spring and summer.
Next year, she'll be playing at Mercyhurst University. Graham recently signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and softball career with the Lakers. She plans to study nursing.
“They want me to pitch up there, but I imagine I'll play some third base, too,” Graham said.
Along with being the Golden Tornado's No. 1 pitcher, Graham often hits fourth in the batting order. She's hit three home runs in high school and four with the Butler County Sting, her summer travel team.
She is a four-year starter at Butler. She was a four-year member of the rifle team as well.
“I'm excited for her,” Butler coach Tina O'Donnell said of Graham's college opportunity. “Ali has the right work ethic. She didn't hit for as high an average as she would have liked last year, but she got some big hits for us.”
Graham hit .280 for the Golden Tornado last season. She describes herself as a “contact pitcher” who relies on her defense.
“I try pitching to contact, force the batters to get hits to get on base,” she said.
Graham also considered Slippery Rock and Westminster before deciding on Mercyhurst.
“When I made my visit up there, got a tour of everything ... The school is phenomenal,” Graham said.
Mercvhurst softball has not had a winning season since 2012, when the Lakers were 26-25. The team was 16-30-1 last year and dropped 14 of its first 16 games this season.
Scott Pierce, coach of the Butler County Sting, believes Graham will get on the field for Mercyhurst right away.
“I've been in contact with their coach and I know they're thrilled to get her,” he said. “I think Ali will do everything for them, pitch, hit and play a regular position.”
The Sting won three tournaments and placed second in three others last year. The squad also won the state tournament.
Pierce said Graham was a big part of the program's success.
She's played on his team for five seasons.
“Ali was our No. 1 pitcher last year, our go-to girl,” he said. “And she hit .470 for the season. She is definitely an all-around player, a versatile player who can play either corner spot in the infield.”
O'Donnell said the Butler coaches “will work with Ali to help get her ready for the next level.”
Graham has been playing fast-pitch softball since second grade.
“I want to make a difference (at Mercyhurst) and help win a championship,” she said. “I'm looking forward to playing up there.”
