Chelsy Testa will be continuing her academic and athletic career next fall after signing with Walsh University to play softball.
Realizing that academics come first, the final reason for her deciding on Walsh was for her major of Psychology. The campus was also appealing.
“It’s beautiful, the campus was very nice,” Testa said. “And it’s close, kind of homey.”
The outfielder and all around utility player will be playing for Sara Renard, who is the head softball coach at Walsh University.
“We are real excited to get her talent on this team,” Renard said. “Up at Baldwin-Wallace, we knew nothing of the people we were watching. After seeing her, we wanted to chase her down. She stuck out like a sore thumb.”
The first impression Renard had of Testa was belting a home run at a event were some of the top local softball players were showcased at B-W.
Chelsy’s father Mark said the decision to go to Walsh was all hers.
“I made her do all the work,” Mark said. “I believe coaches want to hear from the athletes, not me.”
Mark said they visited eight colleges. He reiterated Chelsy’s desire to stay close to home. Chesley played five years of travel ball which included going to Florida, Virginia and Pennsylvania. This experience helped her to be able to play in college.
Chelsy will miss Lake when she leaves and the close bond she has with her friends. Even still, she looks forward to the future.
“I wanted to stay close to my parents (Mark and Barbara) so they could watch me and enjoy it,” Chelsy said. “I’m excited to start my college (life).”
New Lake softball coach Julie Boyes complimented Chelsy’s ability to be a leader and help her as she settles in as coach.
“I’m excited to see what she’ll do for us,” Boyes said. “She has a lot of passion for the game.”
