Junior Gabriella Chrapek has committed early to play Division I softball for Syracuse University after she graduates from Deep Run, entering the upstate New York university as a member of the class of 2030.
Chrapek knew she wanted to play softball from a very young age after watching several games. She never considered playing in college until she grew into the sport as she got older and received a call.
“I got called on September 2, 2024, at 9 a.m., and I was not expecting it at all. I had a great conversation with Coach Will, and he said he would shoot me a text later. He ended up scheduling a visit for me. Coach Will and Coach Shannon took me around campus, and I went to a communications class with one of the players on the softball team. I got food with the team, they ended up loving me,” Chrapek said.
On the second day of her visit, they extended an official offer to play for the team. She started thinking about it on the way home from the visit, and the next day she called another Syracuse coach and committed. Chrapek considers it the best decision and the most exciting moment of her life. She has put in a lot of hard work over the past few years and it seems to be paying off.
“I have had a fielding coach since I was 12 and he played in the MLB (Major League Baseball), so at a younger age I developed really good mechanics for fielding. For hitting I have been working with one of my USA coaches, he has turned me into a way better and more confident hitter. I also have gotten my overhand velocity up to 71 mph which is a really important key to play at a collegiate level,” Chrapek said.
Chrapek’s long-term academic goals include majoring in communications and becoming a broadcaster or something adjacent.
“[Commitment] makes me want to work harder than I already have been working. It also makes me feel I have something to look forward to, and something to showcase who I am as a person and athlete and Syracuse University,” Chrapek said.
For those uncertain about their collegiate athletic journey, Chraprek offers the following advice.
“Email [colleges of interest] and go to a lot of camps. You need to make a connection with the coach so they know you ahead of time, and know to look for you when they come to see your team play. Also, get on a good travel team with a coach with a lot of connections, and a coach that wants you to succeed.”
