Todd Rose | Daily Press Gladstone’s Marnea LaFave (center) signs her letter-of-intent to play softball at Bay College Tuesday at Gladstone. Joining her are parents Tina (left) and Todd (right).

GLADSTONE — Gladstone’s Marnea LaFave will be staying close to home while playing college softball next year after she signed her letter of intent to play at Bay College Tuesday morning in Gladstone.

“I’m super excited to further my academic and athletic (career) at Bay College,” said LaFave. “I think it’s a great place to start out and just get a good experience.”

Being close to home was always a priority for LaFave when choosing Bay — a place she has already earned classroom credits.

“I was kind of more towards Bay (over other colleges) just staying close to home. I’ve always wanted to start there. I’ve been dual enrolling since sophomore year. So, I’ll just finish up a lot of the classes I’ve already started.”

After two years at Bay, LaFave intends to transfer to further her education at a four-year university. Starting at Bay, though, she will be majoring in pre-professional health and orthodontics.

One thing that excites LaFave about the transition is the opportunity to play with new teammates and old teammates alike.

“I would say I’m most excited to play with girls from other places,” she said. “I know we have a few girls from Canada, and I think we even have one from Australia. So, just meeting new people and building those types of relationships I’m excited for.”

LaFave joins fellow Delta County softball players Natalie Belanger and Lexi Berg — who both signed over the past several months — in signing to play at Bay next year.

“I’ve played with (Natalie Belanger) and Lexi Berg for many years on travel teams,” she said. “So, I’m excited to play with them again.”

LaFave added how great it has been to get in one more season at Gladstone, especially after last year’s cancellation due to Covid. She also thanked those who have supported her throughout the years.

“A huge thank you to my parents. I could not be the person I am without them today. My coaches have been incredible all throughout back to Tri-County Thunder and Rodney Schwartz. Big thank you to him,” she said. “And my friends and staff here at Gladstone. I’ve had a great support system all throughout. Bucky and Goby are two influential people in my life, so hats off to them. Just thank you to Gladstone schools.”

Gladstone varsity softball coach Rick Pepin shared how happy the Braves are for LaFave.

“Obviously, we are very proud of Marnea, and we’re excited for her,” said Pepin. “Any time you can celebrate student-athlete success like this is always a great thing.”

In her time at Gladstone, according to Pepin, LaFave has brought intangible qualities to the team.

“She’s brought energy, she’s brought leadership — even when she was younger in the program,” he said. “An at this point now, under these tough circumstances as a senior in this program, again leadership and stability for us.”

Pepin believes LaFave will be a great addition to the Norse and help the team.

“If you were to ask the (Bay) coaches, I think they’re pretty excited,” he said. “She is going to be very instrumental in their success there.

“We know that Marnea will do really great things for the Bay program.”