By MIRIAM YORDANOS

From Redlands, California to Staten Island, New York, Redlands East Valley senior Madison Ferrao has committed to continue her education and softball career at Wagner College.

Maintaining a 3.5 GPA or above each year, volunteering at an animal shelter and receiving many notable awards and recognitions in sports, Ferrao created quite the name for herself, perfect for Wagner College.

In the past four years, Ferrao has played for the varsity softball team at REV, playing positions such as pitcher and outfielder. During the last six years, she has also played travel ball for softball.

Ferraro has managed to have her many workouts while maintaining a GPA of at least a 3.8. “Balancing sports and school can be tough, but I try and get my workouts done during the day and study at night,” Ferrao stated.

As a freshmen, Ferrao earned the honorable mention of “Rookie of the Year” for softball. Ever since sophomore year, she received the title of Most Valuable Player of her team. While in her junior year, Ferrao was awarded the title of Citrus Belt League MVP.

“A common misconception is that softball is very easy and you don’t have to workout,” Ferraro said. “But softball players work the same or more compared to other sports.”

She has learned how to work with a team and not be selfish because of softball. Her proudest moment with her team was winning the California Interscholastic Federation, advancing them to the championship. REV’s Varsity softball team also earned 1st place in CBL during her sophomore and junior years.

Throughout her life of many memorable achievements and challenges, Ferraro’s biggest inspirations has been her mom and dad as they have shown what it means to be a hard worker and never give up.

Her most memorable game was when her college coach watched her play for travel ball at Nationals.

With plans to get into the honor programs and break athletic records, Ferraro’s academic and athletic future is set at Wagner College.