Commodores’ Curcio heading north to play ball

By JEREMY SELLEW
jsellew@yourmvi.com
Before gaining recognition as the softball player who petitioned the PIAA to not cancel her season, Frazier’s Emi Curcio was known as the slugger in the heart of the Commodores’ potent lineup.
The shortstop was instrumental in Frazier winning a state title last season and is looking forward to having the chance to defend that crown this season.
In the fall, she’ll take her winning attitude and determination to Penn State-Behrend, where she’ll join the softball team after signing her letter of intent recently.
Her choice of schools was based academically, though. Getting a chance to continue her softball career is an added bonus.
“I chose Penn State-Behrend because they are one of six schools in the nation to offer plastics engineering technology as a major,” Curcio said. “They’re the only Penn State school to offer that major and one of the best schools in the nation for it.”
West Virginia University, Penn State-University Park and Penn State-Fayette were other schools on her list until she decided on her choice of engineering programs. She was also contemplating Embry-Riddle Aeronatuical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. for homeland security.
Curcio hit .378 with a .695 slugging percentage last season for the Commodores (21-4). She hit three home runs and finished with 18 extra-base hits out of her 31 on the season.
“I think one of my strengths is being able to put the ball in play,” Curcio said. “I do think I need to work on my speed and baserunning the most, but I want to continue to work on my game as a whole.”
She has the opportunity playing under head coach Don Hartman.
“Coach Donnie’s practices are very intense,” she said. “I think that will be a similar environment to college practices.
“I think my high school career has prepared me for the next level by teaching me time management skills. I’m glad I learned to balance school work and practice. I think it will really help me in college.”

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