Butler senior Lily DeMeio, center, signs a letter of intent to continue her academic and softball career at Grove City College. She is flanked by parents Chris and Melissa DeMeio. Standing, from left, are Butler softball coach Cait Baxter and Lily’s sister, Julie. John Enrietto/Butler Eagle

BUTLER TWP — Lily DeMeio had no reason to believe a collegiate softball opportunity was headed her way.

The Butler senior missed her freshman season with a concussion. She lost out on her sophomore season when the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellation of that spring sports campaign.

“I didn’t think I’d have much of a chance,” DeMeio said of playing college softball. “But I still wanted to.”

And she will.

DeMeio recently signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and softball career at Grove City College. Carrying a 4.06 grade point average in high school, she plans to major in psychology.

“This is great for her, great for our school, great for our program,” Butler softball coach Cait Baxter said. “Lily’s been through a lot. Anytime a player from your team moves on to college ball, it helps the program.”

DeMeio plays third base for the Golden Tornado. She saw action at second base and the outfield last spring as well, hitting approximately .300 as the No. 2 hitter in the lineup.

“Lily is a versatile player and a team player,” Baxter said. “Wherever we need her to play, she takes that position. She is an excellent defensive player.”

DeMeio also considered Thiel before deciding to join Grove City. The Wolverines like her as a third baseman as well.

“This is a big opportunity for me, especially after missing my first two years (of high school softball),” DeMeio said. “I want to take full advantage. I want to get on the field for them right away, start as a freshman.

“I work on my fielding all the time, five days a week. I take pride in my defense.”

Grove City is coming off a 16-20 season and has not had a winning campaign since 2015. Kristen Cramer is entering her seventh year as head coach.

Morgan Prouty, a senior outfielder from Seneca Valley, is the lone Butler County player on the Wolverines’ roster this spring.

“As soon as I saw Grove City College, I wanted to go,” DeMeio said. “It fits academically and I feel like I can be a productive player there over the next four years.”

Baxter is looking forward to DeMeio’s senior season at Butler first.

“We’re expecting a lot from Lily,” the Butler coach said. “She will be one of the leaders on our team. Leadership is one of her best traits.”