Wharton’s Santos picks USF

Posted Feb 15, 2010 by Nick Williams

Updated Feb 16, 2010 at 03:10 PM

Since she was 6, Wharton sophomore Monica Santos has dreamed of playing softball for the University of South Florida. Although her college days are two years away, Santos has verbally committed to the Bulls, choosing USF over Florida Gulf Coast and Florida State.

Last season, Santos batted .390 with 23 hits, 17 RBIs and 21 runs scored for the 12-9 Wildcats. She also had five extra base hits with three triples and two doubles, seven stolen bases and defensively, recorded a .986 fielding percentage with 56 put outs. As a pitcher, Santos went 5-2 on the mound with a 3.57 ERA, 35 Ks and 20 walks in 35 innings pitched.

Santos said she committed in November.

“I wanted to stay close to home,” Santos said. “I have a little brother who is 5 and I want to see him grow up. If I go to USF, I’m 15 minutes away.”

Santos was also the starting second baseman for the Puerto Rican 16-Under National Team last summer, helping the team claim the bronze medal at the International Softball Federation Youth World Cup in Prague, Czech Republic.