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Chautauqua Lake’s Herrington Taking Pitching Talent To Canisius College

Chautauqua Lake’s Olivia Herrington, flanked by her parents Charlie and Tammy, recently signed her national letter of intent to continue her academic and softball career at Canisius College. Standing, from left, are: Ryan Robson, Sue Teets, Katie Gardner, Kevin Pratt, Marley Queen, Samantha and Hudson Robson, Jason Queen, Jessica and Bryson Shearer, Joshua Liddell, Tyler Shearer, Jim Tennies, Rachel Curtin, Brian Haskin, Mallory Morrison, Jenna Waters and Jeff Angeletti. Submitted photo

For anyone who has had a chance to see Chautauqua Lake Thunderbirds senior pitcher Olivia Herrington take the circle during the past several seasons, there was no doubt she possessed the talent to compete at the collegiate level. It was just a matter of where she would go.

The wait on her collegiate decision came to an end last November when Herrington announced via social media that she would be continuing her softball career at NCAA Division I Canisius College to compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

“I’m excited to announce that I’ve verbally committed to play D1 softball at Canisius College to further my athletic and academic career. Next, I want to thank my family and parents for supporting my dream. Lastly, thank you to all the coaches that have helped me along my journey,” Herrington announced via her social media pages.

Herrington was able to earn her scholarship prior to even playing her senior season with the Thunderbirds, but looking at her junior season statistics there is no wonder why she received an offer from the Golden Griffins. Herrington was named the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Division 2 West Pitcher of the Year as she posted a 6-2 record with one save in 12 games, including nine starts. She posted a 0.53 earned run average, struck out 141 batters in 66 innings and held opposing batters to a .071 average.

“Olivia Herrington’s ambition to be a top-notch softball pitcher has been evident throughout her career,” Chautauqua Lake head coach Susan Teets said. “Her dedication and work ethic is second to none. As Olivia’s high school coach, I have been privileged to watch her hard work pay off on the diamond. Olivia has mastered how to spin the ball and her command of pitch selection is phenomenal. I am so very proud of all that Olivia has accomplished and I am so looking forward to watching her on the diamond at Canisius.”

Chautauqua Lake senior Olivia Herrington signed her letter of intent to attend Canisius College and play with the NCAA Division I softball program. P-J file photo by Christian Storms

Herrington’s pitching ability did not come to her overnight. She had to put in a lot of hard work during the season, offseason and with her travel team.

“Olivia Herrington is the epitome of what hard work can accomplish,” added Jeff Angeletti, Chautauqua Lake athletic director. “She is dedicated to perfecting her craft as one of the best pitchers in New York state. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Olivia and greatly look forward to following her career at Canisius.”

Herrington has worked hard not only in the circle, but also when facing opposing pitchers in the batter’s box. Last season she hit .400 with eight doubles and a triple while driving in 12 runs and scoring 16 for the Thunderbirds. Her long commitment to softball has made her proficient in all aspects of the game.

“Olivia and her family have been on their softball journey for over a decade,” said Joshua Liddell, Chautauqua Lake superintendent. “They have traveled all across the country to ensure she had the opportunity to play against the best competition possible and be trained by some remarkable coaches. I am sure the sacrifices the family made were abundant and amazingly it has all paid off with a Division I scholarship. Chautauqua Lake is grateful and blessed to have Olivia and her family part of our school district and athletic program. We are confident that her work-ethic, talent and dedication to the sport will enable her to be successful at the next level.”

Herrington would not have been able to get where she is today without the support of her parents, Charlie and Tammy.

“As parents we couldn’t be more proud,” Charlie and Tammy said. “We saw it in this girl at an early age and since then we have never lost confidence in her. We would like to thank all the coaches, her sisters, friends and relatives that have made this dream come true for her. We are so excited for her to attend Canisius College. It is a perfect fit both academically and athletically for her to succeed.”

Herrington has learned a lot from playing softball and she will take that with her when she competes with Canisius College in Buffalo.

“Softball has taught me so many morals in my life,” Herrington said. “I always think back to where I came from. It goes back to little me on a 10U team spending every weekend in the scorching hot sun with my best friends. The amount of laughs, love and support I have gained on my journey has been incredible. I thank everyone who has helped me accomplish such a dream of mine and a massive thank you to my parents for being my number ones since the first day I stepped on the field.”

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