College Softball Recruiting: Walsh Jesuit's Natalie Susa commits to Minnesota

After developing a love of softball at a young age, Natalie Susa planned early for where she wanted to go.

"I actually wanted to go to Walsh since fifth grade," she said.

Since arriving at Walsh Jesuit, Susa has been a revelation in the pitching circle. As a sophomore, she led Walsh to the Division I regional semifinals, finishing with a 1.12 ERA.

Now, much like her high school choice, the 2022 Beacon Journal Softball Player of the Year has charted her college path early — and it's a chilly one.

"I'm going to need a lot more coats," Susa said.

Susa announced via Twitter Tuesday her commitment to continue her softball and academic careers at the University of Minnesota.

While joking that she did visit Minnesota "when it was still warm," Susa said she felt at home in Minneapolis.

"All three coaches, coach [Piper] Ritter, coach [Karly] Wynn and coach [Annie] Smith, they were just very welcoming to me. I had never been to the state of Minnesota before, but they made it feel like home.

"Coach Ritter has been a great coach. Minnesota has produced a lot of All-American pitchers. Being able to learn from them, not only as a softball player, but as a person, will be great. Having them kind of be my mother while I'm there is something I'm looking forward to."

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Walsh coach Tony Scibelli agrees Minnesota is prefect for his ace.

"The coaching staff is a perfect fit for her personality," Scibelli said. "Every year of the last three. they've been in the top three of the Big Ten. They've got a long history of All-American pitchers."

Having always envisioned herself a Big Ten pitcher, Susa said she also looked at Northwestern and Ohio State, as well as Notre Dame as her college choices.

While saying she remains an Ohio State fan, she noted the academic aspect was a major draw for Minnesota.

"Minnesota has an awesome business program," she said. "I want to major in business and minor in sales. I've always been interested in sales, but I'm not sure exactly where I want to go with it. I love meeting knew people."

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A native of Macedonia, Susa carries a 4.33 GPA at Walsh. Scibellii said her choice of major makes sense.

"She has the personality that she can along with anybody," he said. "I think that she's a great teammate. To be a good teammate, she understands when people are struggling and when to lift them up."

As proof of her leadership skills, Scibelli said Susa has been class president all three of her years at Walsh.

Before heading to Minnesota, however, Susa wants to win a state championship at Walsh. The Warriors return all nine starters this spring.

Last spring, Susa pitched 113 innings, allowing just 18 earned runs and 31 walks while striking out 179.

"She had great command of a couple pitches, her curveball and her riseball," Scibelli said. "Her changeup really sits down. It's really hard to get a solid hit against her. All the intangibles are there for her."

There is more bad news for opposing hitters: Susa said she's working on developing her dropball over the winter.

Susa also excels with a bat. She hit .438 last spring with a team-leading .535 on-base percentage to go with nine doubles and 20 RBIs.

"[Minnesota] allows their pitchers to hit and play the field, if they're playing," she said. "I want to go in as a freshman and try to hit if I can."

Before all that, however, Susa said she is "super excited" for her final two season on softball. Scibelli said he's enjoyed every moment with her as coach.

"She's a just a very special player and very special kid," he said. "From the time I first met her as a seventh-grader, I knew she had a bright future. The combination of maturity, competitiveness and work ethic she has is just perfect."

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Walsh Jesuit's Natalie Susa commits to Minnesota softball