ERIE, Pa. - With spring sports unable to honor seniors with in-person ceremonies due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, Gannon will be celebrating the Class of 2020 with virtual senior days throughout the spring. We conclude the GU Senior Day Series with the nine seniors of the Gannon softball team.
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The members of this senior class are part of one of the most successful runs in Gannon softball history. Together they have won the PSAC West three times, the PSAC Conference one, and earned two consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament in the last two years.
The Knights played their last games of the 2020 season at home vs. Clarion the day before spring sports were canceled. Gannon posted a 9-8 record before the schedule came to a halt and was looking forward to making a run into conference play.
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Read on for details on the Class of 2020:
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Head Coach Michelle Wiley on the class:
"I want to begin with thanking all of the seniors for their hard work and dedication to GUSB over the last four years. I have had the privilege to be an assistant coach with them for two years and the head coach in the most recent two years. They have a strong work ethic and dedication in achieving their goals. With the support from their parents and family members, who I cannot thank enough, I feel we have been able to grow as individuals and as a team. Our accomplishments would not have been such without the years of dedication and knowledge shared with us from Assistant Coaches
Joe Dolak and Dave Jakubowski. In addition, two former teammates rejoined us in fall 2019 as student coaches/managers,
Jackie Vizza (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) and
Ally Tucciarelli (Hudson, Ohio/Hudson), as well as strength/conditioning Coach, Tre Hall, who assisted our athletes in improving their agility and strength training.     Â
Academically, this senior class along with the whole GUSB team has been incredibly successful. In 2019, they were ranked number seven in the nation for overall team grade point average with a 3.6. This is an incredible accomplishment for them. It shows their dedication in being excellent student-athletes. We always talk about how they are here to get an education first and foremost and that is what they are doing. The majors that our senior class have varies between the sciences, health sciences, business, engineering, and social sciences. They have also been ranked number one on a couple occasions as well in the PSAC for team GPA and have received numerous all-academic conference and NFCA academic awards. It can very difficult to be a successful student-athlete, but our seniors have found a way to excel both on and off the field.
This senior class has demonstrated excellent leadership and accomplishments on the field. They take that same hard work and dedication they put into their school work and apply it to the softball field as well. They are one of the most successful senior classes in the history of GUSB. They won the PSAC West three times, PSAC Conference once, went to the NCAA the last two years, and we have had numerous Players of the Week, PSAC All-Conference selections, Pitcher of the Year, All-Region, All-District and even All-Americans (academic and sport based). I think back and look at all of these accomplishments and can only wonder what success we may have endured this season based on all of our experience and hard work.
When we first started back in the fall, there was no way to predict how the spring was going to unfold for us. The fall was great and our seniors and other players welcomed our five freshmen. Family has always been important to GUSB and this spring we have needed to lean on each other even more than we could have ever imagined. Right before Florida spring break, we had lost a former player/family member due to an automobile accident. It was agreed on by everyone we would dedicate this season to Kaity Eckleberry. She was the ultimate GUSB player who showed love for softball, teammates, academics, and her family. We were able to have a successful road trip to Florida while honoring Kaity. Then, on March 12, 2020, we had our home season opener at GU against Clarion University. At the time, we did not know this would also be our last games of the season. This is when GUSB Family (players, coaches, family, friends, and fans) rallied around each other and supported each other through these challenging times.
We always talk about leaving a place better than when we got there and that is definitely something this senior class has done. This season may not have ended the way we had hoped or dreamed. Like all of the other sports who were looking forward to their seasons, we have been able to persevere and through it all, I could not be more proud of the way this senior class and GUSB as a whole has come together to continue to support one another. Softball is a great sport and a way to bring us all together. In the end, we are a family and will be there for each other and make memories that will last a lifetime. I know that no matter what journeys are ahead for our nine seniors, there is no doubt they will be successful. They have left GUSB a better place because they were a part of our team and family. We are all better for having had the opportunity to be around them."
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Taylor Wilp (Cincinnati, Ohio/Oak Hills)
Major: Nursing with a minor in psychology
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursue a career as a critical care RN in Cincinnati
Senior Thank You: "First off, I would like to thank my mom and dad for their continuous support throughout my four years at Gannon. Thank you for always being my number one fans and for making the countless trips to see us play. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to be the best person, student, and athlete I could be. I would also like to thank all my coaches past and present for never letting me settle for average. Because of all of you, I pushed myself to be better every day and in the end it has helped me become the person I am. Thank you for giving me the skills and knowledge not only for on but also off the field. Especially a big thank you to Coach Wiley, Coach Joe, Coach Dave, and Coach Jake for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to continue to play the sport that I adore for four more years. Lastly, thank you to all my teammates. Because of all of you, I have become a better person and teammate. We have countless memories that will last a lifetime and for that I am forever grateful. You all have blessed me with sisters that last a lifetime and I am again grateful for everything we have been through together. I love you guys."
Thoughts from Coach Wiley: "In the classroom, Taylor has excelled balancing the academic expectations in the classroom for her nursing degree and the work she needed to do on the field. It is always a challenge to be a collegiate student-athlete who excels in both areas but to be a nursing student-athlete is exceptionally difficult. Taylor made it look easy. Pursuing a nursing degree means endless hours of both classroom work and clinical hours starting early on in the curriculum. From the very start, Taylor had to balance these demands in addition to practice with a tremendous amount of time management. Taylor was able to do all of this, but not without sacrifices. Her determination to become a nurse is evident if you ever talk to Taylor. With the assistance from Gannon's Nursing Department and her advisor, her dream to play softball and major in nursing was made possible. I know Taylor will make a difference in the lives of all the patients that she will care for and will continue to an asset.
On the softball field, Taylor started in the outfield during her freshman year. After that season, Taylor moved to second base where she has been a regular for the last three years. However, she still liked to jump into the outfield every once in a while. Taylor is an extremely hard worker and is always looking to improve. Taylor always worked hard in the infield. You would find her always trying to improve her defense. Another place where Taylor would put in hours of work was on the batting tee. She would spend countless hours hitting off a tee, working on her form and mechanics, always striving for the perfect swing. After going through all of the stations, you would always see Taylor getting in more reps at practice and also on her own. The number of reps she took over the years is incredible and it definitely paid off. Taylor went from batting just over .300 her freshman year to batting .378 as a senior when our season was sadly cut short. Taylor had a beautiful swing and never got cheated at the plate. Even when she got out, they were usually "loud outs" and she made the defense work for them."
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Madi Beining (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny)
Major: Physician Assistant
Post-Graduation Plans: After completing the PA program, she will pursue a career in orthopedics or sports medicine
Senior Thank You: "I would like to thank most importantly my family for always being there for me throughout my entire softball career, which started when I was just 5 years old. It's truly a blessing to see my parents, Bob and Theresa, and my dog, Angus, in the stands at EVERY game, both home and away. I don't think they've missed a game in my entire career. I'd also like to thank my coaches, past and present, for helping to make me into the player and person I am today. Each coach instilled a different lesson in me, and I will never forget this! I will always be thankful for my high-school coaches who helped me discover Gannon and introduced me to Coach Jake. I knew the second I walked on campus that this was my home. Gannon softball and my Gannon family will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I'm just so grateful for all the opportunities that it has given me. To all the teammates I've been blessed to play with, you have made softball so enjoyable and I will cherish these friendships for life."
Thoughts from Coach Wiley: "Madi showed what it took to be a student-athlete who excelled both on and off the field. Majoring in the physician assistant program, Madi has devoted a vast amount of hours in the classroom, labs, and most recently, in the field. Madi had mastered balancing her schedule of school work, practices, and games. Often on road trips, you would see Madi studying and preparing for a test or quiz that was coming up. She also helped others on the team. Having many health science majors on the softball team, Madi would share her knowledge and experiences with them. This not only was in regards to the classroom, but also on the softball field.
It has been a pleasure watching Madi grow and develop into the pitcher she is today. Madi was always working hard to improve her game. She spent countless hours working on her pitches and bringing in new pitches into her rotation. To be a good pitcher, it is important to keep batters off balance and that is what Madi worked hard on to achieve. She was committed to the time spent on perfecting her change-up and also brought in an off-speed pitch to assist in throwing off the timing of batters. Another area that can be extremely beneficial for a pitcher is having a special bond with your catcher.
Lisa Szajn (Maple, Ontario/St. Joan of Arc Catholic) and Madi have worked closely together throughout their four years and it is evident they have developed an incredible pitcher/catcher connection. It has been a pleasure watching the two of them grow and work together so well over their careers at Gannon. In addition to working on her own pitches, Madi would help out the other pitchers on the team while also sharing her knowledge and understanding of pitching through being instructional to campers at our pitching clinics. Madi has displayed her ability to be a leader in the circle."
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Rachel Tanilli (Gibsonia, Pa./Deer Lakes)
Major: Psychology
Post-Graduation Plans: Currently completing the 4+3 Physical Therapy Program at Gannon and expects to graduate with her doctorate in 2023
Senior Thank You: "I'd like to thank my coaches, Coach Wiley, Coach Jake, Coach Joe, and Coach Dave, who believed in me enough to make me a part of this wonderful program. Choosing Gannon to continue my education and play Softball was the best decision I've ever made. I'd like to thank my parents, Bob and Ann, for their love and support throughout my career. When it came to softball they've done whatever I needed, so I could continue to play softball no matter what. Lastly, I have to thank my team. I'm so sad I didn't get to finish out my last year with you all, but know that I am so grateful for the time I got, especially with my seniors. We are a special group, and you guys bring out the best in me. I don't know what I would do without all of you, on or off the field. I thank you for your love and I am so proud of all of you."
Thoughts from Coach Wiley: "Rachel has excelled in the classroom since she first started at Gannon. She has been able to balance the demands of being a student-athlete and has performed at an incredibly high level. In addition to her own academic success, she was also a teacher assistant for the human gross anatomy class where she used her skills and knowledge to help others develop an improved understanding of the body. All of Rachel's hard work and dedication in the classroom has paid off. When she told me that she was accepted into the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program at Gannon, I was so excited and proud of her. Rachel is one who takes her academics, health, and fitness very seriously and now will be able to share that passion with others.
Rachel has achieved great success on the softball field since her freshman year. She has always played in the outfield and performed very well. Rachel was someone who was always striving to improve and was able to do so. She is one of the fastest individuals on the team and has used her speed to catch line drives and fly balls that other outfielders would not be able to catch. This speed has led to her having been nicknamed "The Rocket". The defense Rachel has shown over the last four years has been tremendous. In addition, Rachel has added power into the lineup. Through her dedication in the weight room, she has gained physical strength which has been noted at the plate. With the combination of her speed and power, she can race around the bases for an easy double or use it in hitting home runs. It has been a pleasure watching Rachel play and grow as an athlete and a person over the last four years."
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Lisa Szajn (Maple, Ontario/St. Joan of Arc Catholic)
Major: Accounting and Finance
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursue a professional designation as either a CPA or CFA with a job within her field
Senior Thank You: "I would first like to thank my parents, Bill and Anna, as they have loved and supported me throughout my softball career wherever it took me. They were always more than excited to make the drives every weekend to watch our games no matter where they would be, and I am very thankful for that. I would also like to thank my sister, Marianne, as she tried to support as much as she could with being in school as well. I would like to thank the coaching staff, Coach Wiley, Coach Joe, and Coach Dave, for all they did for us, especially with this past season being so difficult. I would also like to thank former coach, Coach Jake, for bringing me into the Gannon Softball family and always believing in me. I would like to thank all of the Gannon Softball parents and families for always taking care of us all between games and for their constant support. Lastly, I of course would like to thank all of my teammates throughout the years. You guys have made Gannon feel like a home away from home for me and there would be no other people I would have enjoyed playing more with on the field and spending with off the field as well. To the seniors, I couldn't imagine the last four years without all of you and even though our time was cut short, I like to think we made the most of it. Love you all always."
Thoughts from Coach Wiley: "Lisa has been double majoring in accounting and finance. Throughout her four years, she has worked extremely hard to achieve success in her business classes and take in all the information taught to her. She is someone who has been able to balance the demands of being an exceptional student-athlete and a great example for others. Through her knowledge and experience, she has been able to assist others on the team who are also majoring in business or taking such classes. The time and dedication she puts into her studies is commendable.
On the softball field and behind the plate, she has been a solid foundation and a constant for GUSB over the last four years, missing only two starts. Lisa had incredible demeanor behind the plate and was definitely someone who could lead the pace of the game when needed. If our pitchers were doing well, she was encouraging and positive. In times when our pitchers were having more difficulties, she would call time and help them settle and refocus. No matter how many innings or days in a row she caught, she always gave 100%. She understood our pitchers and the game of softball. Behind the plate, she had an incredible framing ability. She knew the strike zone of the umpires and also could call a great game, especially with her battery mate,
Madi Beining (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny). The two of them worked very well together over their careers with the team and were always on the same page. When you have a pair that work that well together, great things can happen and they did. It was great seeing Madi and Lisa form that special pitcher/catcher bond. In addition to Lisa's great catching skills, she also was a force to be reckoned with at the plate. Over the four years, Lisa had continued to work hard and get stronger. I still remember like it was yesterday when Lisa hit the 2 run home run against West Virginia Wesleyan to take us to the first-ever Super Regionals. That is a game I will never forget and will stay with me forever!"
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Maria Taliani (Cheswick, Pa./Deer Lakes)
Major: Environmental Science with a minor in biology
Post-Graduation Plans: Plans to pursue a master's in public health following use of NCAA granted year of eligibility
Senior Thank You: "First and foremost, I want to thank my family. My parents, Craig and Lisa, my sister, Katrina, you guys have been the biggest supporters and leaders in my life. Softball has become more than just a sport for us. I'm thankful for the bond and memories it has given our family. I will cherish every experience we've shared. Thank you to Uncle Mark and Nanu. I will never have all the right words to express my gratitude and love for you. To my GU coaches, thank you for the experience of a lifetime. Coach Wiley, Coach Joe, Coach Jake, and Coach Dave, I love you all and hope to give back to the game half as much as you've given me. To my GUSB sisters, it is because of you that I've been blessed to know the true meaning of "team." You've shown me love, support, kindness, and have been my second family. Through thick and thin our bond has remained steady. Keep leaving things better than how you found them. You are the best group of women I will ever know. I love you guys forever."
Thoughts from Coach Wiley: "Maria has excelled during her four years in the classroom. She is majoring in environmental science and is passionate about her major. Over the past summer, she was able to have an internship in her field where she gained a valuable experience. She is someone you can always find studying, trying to improve herself, and excelling in her studies. Â All of that hard work has paid off as she is also in the Gannon's honor program. No matter what direction Maria will pursue for her future endeavors, she will be someone who will always be there to help others and be an incredible role model for others. Maria has been an extraordinary leader both in the classroom and on the field.
Maria has been an asset over the last four years in the outfield. She has shown tremendous leadership skills. In the outfield, she would show new players or campers how we complete our outfield drills and how to work hard to improve those skills. Maria is an incredible young lady who always plays with a level head and never lets anything bother her, or at least did not let it show. I think back to the NCAA Tournament against West Virginia Wesleyan in 2018 when there were two out in the bottom of the 7
th and down by 1. Maria came up to the plate, cool, calm and collected. Next thing you know, she hits a deep ball to centerfield and it's a homerun! It still gives me chills to think about it and remember all the excitement from her and her teammates. This is just one of many examples that shows how special Maria is to GUSB. She is someone who is always looking to improve herself and help others to become better. As a four year starter, she has shown consistency and hard work throughout her time. When she is at the plate, she shows tremendous power and strength. There have been times when I have been astounded on how far a home run has gone. She also uses her speed to move around the bases and make things happen. She understands the game of softball and no matter what she does in the future, I know that she will be successful."
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Raygan Walters (Cardington, Ohio/Mount Gilead)
Major: Sport and Exercise Science, Pre-PA
Post-Graduation Plans: Plans to attend Physician Assistant school at Marietta College
Senior Thank You: "I would like to thank my mom and dad first off for allowing me to be where I am today and for always giving me anything I needed when it came to softball, schooling, and my dreams. I'd also like to thank my sisters and grandma for supplying endless amount of support and love through my four years at Gannon. To my fellow seniors, thank you for becoming some of my greatest friends, teammates, and sisters. To no surprise, Gannon has given me such a special bond between us and all my other teammates I've had throughout my time here. To my coaches, coach Jake, coach Wiley, coach joe, and coach Dave, thank you for building me up and allowing me to grow not only in the game of softball but also as a leader, as a woman, as a friend, and as a person. I will carry all the lessons you've given me into my next steps in life. Some of our coaches always said after a practice, "go make a difference today" it is you, my teammates, and everyone in the Gannon community who has given us a path to do at Gannon and beyond. There is no greater gift than that."
Thoughts from Coach Wiley: "Raygan has worked extremely hard in the classroom during her time at Gannon. She set goals for herself and has worked hard to get into graduate school to become a Physician Assistant. I remember when she told me that she has been accepted into PA School. I was so excited and happy for her. All of her hard work had paid off and I know that she will be a great PA one day and help so many. She is someone who is a great role model for staying the course, having a dream, working hard, and achieving her goals.
Raygan has also been instrumental for our softball team. Though she had faced some injuries which did not allow her to play as much as we had hoped; her contributions to the team were priceless. Raygan understands all aspects of the game of softball. She was able to work with her teammates and pushed them to get better every day. I loved the many times we had conversations about strategies and what it would take for us to get better every day and be in contention for a championship. Raygan was an incredibly hard worker and would assist wherever we needed her. I have no doubt that if Raygan chooses to coach someday, no matter what level; she will make a significant impact as a coach. She understands the game, loves the game, and would make a difference in the lives of her players."
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Sarah Ingerick (Middlebury Center, Pa./Wellsboro Area)
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursue a Master's in Biomedical Engineering
Senior Thank You: "I would like to first thank Coach Jake, Coach Wiley, Coach Joe, and Coach Dave for giving me the opportunity to continue playing this game I love. From day one they welcomed me into this team and community and without them I wouldn't be the player I am today. Next, I would like to thank my parents, brother, and sister for always supporting me and supporting me through this tough time. They've always allowed me to play this sport and have given me that opportunity to do so and for that I am forever grateful. Finally, I want to thank the other eight players in our senior class. Thank you for being my friends, teammates, but most importantly, my sisters. You guys are amazing and made these four years something I will never forget. I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to spend my college years with and thank you for that. I love you guys."
Thoughts from Coach Wiley: "Sarah will be graduating with a biomedical engineering degree and has demonstrated how to be a role model while excelling as a student-athlete. Sarah has worked extremely hard in the classroom and that hard work has paid off by her being part of the Gannon honors program. In addition, Sarah has been able to manage her time with athletics and school by also being involved with the Society of Women Engineers and also has worked on three different undergraduate research projects during her time at Gannon. Not only has she been a standout in the classroom, but she has also been outstanding on the softball field. Sarah obtained All American Honorable Mention Achievement via D2CCA.
Sarah has started every single game at shortstop during her career at Gannon. She has been the rock and leader of the infield during her tenure. It has been remarkable watching Sarah grow throughout her four years. As a freshman, she was a leader who led by example, came to practice every day and her work ethic was extraordinary. As the years went on, Sarah has taken her leadership to the next level. She continues to lead by example, but she also became a vocal leader on the team. She is someone who knows and understands the game of softball. She then shares that knowledge and various strategies with the team to support them in development of their successes. In the shortstop position, she amazes me on the grounders she is able to reach and get to as many other shortstops would not be able to do so. Her fielding is incredibly smooth and her footwork allows her to get to what may be perceived as an impossible grounder, but not for Sarah as she still gets the runners out. Her quick release to turn a double play is like no other! In addition to her fielding, she has become one of the best leadoff batters that I have had the privilege to coach. Sarah is able to take a walk if needed, can hit for singles, doubles, and also has home run power. Over the years, Sarah has improved in a variety of statistical categories and has worked hard on her skills. Sarah is what I would call a softball player. She is not someone who just plays the game to play, but she plays the game how it should be played. Sarah knows the game, loves the game, and has made GUSB a better place because she played here."
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Morgan Nyman (Howard, Pa./Bald Eagle Area)
Major: Biology and Biochemistry double major
Post-Graduation Plans: Attending Indiana University - Bloomington to pursue her PhD in Biochemistry
Senior Thank You: "I would like to thank my family for supporting my athletic and academic career. I would like to thank all of my coaches from little league, junior high, high school, travel ball, and college for shaping me into the person I am today. I would like to also thank my teammates for creating so many amazing memories with that I will cherish forever. Lastly, I would like to thank my entire Gannon Family for making these last four years some of the best years of my life. From amazing friends to outstanding professors, I will miss all of you dearly."
Thoughts from Coach Wiley: "Morgan is a player who took to heart what it means to be a student-athlete. She has a double major in biochemistry and biology and has excelled in both. I know she will do great things in the future. Where ever she ends up for graduate school, they will be extremely lucky to have her. She was also the SAAC President for two years where she worked extremely hard with the athletic administration and was the voice for student-athletes. One event which she supported tremendously while in SAAC was Make-a-Wish, which is also near and dear to our softball team. In addition, she was a tutor in the STEM Center and so much more. She is a great example of what it means to be an amazing student-athlete who has excelled in numerous areas.
On the softball field, it has been a pleasure working with and watching Morgan grow and improve over the last four years. Through her time, Morgan has improved her strength tremendously which has made her into the player she is today. With her strength and conditioning, she was able to help others on the team and push them to also be better in that area. As a catcher, Morgan was able to take control behind the plate. She did well when it came to setting up catching drills for the team and at our camps. She understands the role of a catcher and worked well with all of our pitchers while also having an understanding of the pitchers, their strengths, and challenges. When she worked with the pitchers, she was not afraid to push them and help them make improvements. She was able to see the potential that was there and assisted them to reach their potential. Morgan was willing to play anywhere; in addition to catching, she would also work with the outfield in addition to also fielding grounders with the infield. She was a true team player and willing to do what was asked of her."
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Megan Fitzgerald (Pittsburgh, Pa./Thomas Jefferson)
Major: Psychology with a minor in Social Work
Post-Graduation Plans: Attending IUP to pursue Master's in Educational/School Psychology
Senior Thank You: "I would like to thank my parents, sister and brother for supporting me through my athletic career until the very end. I also want to thank the rest of my family and Gannon softball family for their love and support. Thank you to the seniors that I have gone through this journey with and will never forget the memories we made together. To the underclassmen, coaches, and former teammates, thank you for making my four years at Gannon so special from every up to every down. I love you all."
Thoughts from Coach Wiley: "Megan has worked extremely hard in the classroom during her time at Gannon. She has put much time and effort to do well in her studies while also being able to balance her academics with her dedication to GUSB. Megan is an example of someone who truly was a well-rounded student-athlete. In addition to her school work and softball, she also worked with our sports information department and stayed connected on campus. Megan has an amazing voice and is an incredible singer. Megan plans to one day be a school psychologist where I see her excelling. She will definitely make a difference in the lives of students and be a positive role model for them.
On the softball field, it was a pleasure watching Megan grow and develop over the years. Megan was successful in taking on a variety of roles in the infield as she played second, shortstop and third base. She had always worked hard and did what was asked of her. Megan was not afraid to lay out for a screaming grounder or line drive. Megan continued to work hard also in the weight room, continued to get stronger as noticed in her hitting, and was always a great role model on the field with her work ethic. She was always working with her teammates and pushing herself and her teammates to do their best. When called upon, Megan was always ready for a challenge and gave it her all. She is very knowledge about the game of softball and shared that knowledge with others. When she worked at our camps, she did extremely well with teaching the campers and made a positive impact on them. Through Megan's hard work and dedication for greatness, Megan will leave a lasting impression on those who cross her path."
