Covert opts for Grove City
CHERRY TWP — Emma Covert is as locked in on Grove City College as she’s been at the plate.
And that’s a good thing for all concerned.
The Moniteau senior recently signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and softball career at Grove City College. She plans to major in mechanical engineering.
“I was going to look at a couple of other schools, but once I visited Grove City, knew about the quality of academics there, really liked the coach and the players, I had no doubt that’s where I wanted to go,” Covert said.
After hitting .400 last season, Covert’s bat has simply exploded this season.
She’s hitting .600 with 10 home runs — including five during a three-game stretch — while collecting 40 RBI from her No. 3 spot in the batting order.
“Emma’s been a starter for us since her sophomore year and would be a four-year starter if that 2020 season wasn’t lost to COVID,” Moniteau softball coach Bob Rottman said. “As a hitter this season, she’s been absolutely relentless.”
Because of need, Rottman has been using Covert as a pitcher this season. He projects her as a first baseman in college softball.
“I know that’s where Grove City likes her,” he said.
The Wolverines have two sophomore pitcher-first basemen on this year’s roster. Grove City is 21-15 overall under seventh-year coach Kristen Cramer, including 13-7 in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play.
Cramer was an assistant coach for five years at Grove City before taking over as head coach. She played softball at GCC from 2005-08.
“They’ve had a really good season this year and I’m excited about joining them,” Covert said. “It’s not far for my family to come watch me play and I’m happy about that, too.
“I just want to go up there, continue learning the basics and play some ball.”
Rottman has little doubt she’ll have any trouble doing either.
“Grove City is getting a heck of a ballplayer in her,” he said. “I have no doubt she’s going to step in there as a freshman and play for them all four years.
“Emma just keep getting better. That improvement is going to continue.”
Covert said her inflated power numbers this season probably came from experience.
“I’m not doing anything differently at the plate,” she said. “My job is to drive in runs and I’m not a fast runner myself, so I have to hit the ball out there. That’s all I try to do.
“The home runs have just come this year.”
Covert entered this season with five career home runs in high school.
“She’s a hard-working kid and has earned everything she’s gotten,” Rottman said.
