Music, softball lure Massaro to Ky.

By Tom Williams

BOARDMAN — The chance to play Division I softball and major in performance jazz made Kentucky’s Morehead State University irresistible to Boardman High senior Jamie Massaro.

“Morehead has a huge music program,” said Massaro who plays saxophone as well as catcher and first base for the Spartans softball team. “I chose to go with my major rather than something closer [to home].”

Morehead State is located in Morehead, Ky.

“I’ve never really been too far away from home, but I‘m really excited because it will be a new experience,” said Massaro who signed her national letter-of-intent on Tuesday.

Asked which she enjoys more (softball or playing saxophone), Massaro said, “It’s hard to pick. My whole life I’ve been trying to balance music and softball.

“Morehead will accept me for music and softball, so I’m really excited,” Massaro said.

The daughter of Jim and Sandy Massaro, she credits her dad (baseball) for her athletic skills and her mom (piano) for her music talents.

Massaro, who was a varsity catcher as a freshman and sophomore, split time at catcher and first base last spring as the Spartans went 25-8 and were Division I regional finalists. Boardman’s season ended with a 1-0 loss to Hudson.

“Jamie has a lot of the intangibles that you need in softball, including a big heart,” Boardman softball coach Mike Trell said. “She’s a hard worker and plays every position at 100 percent.

“She’s a very unselfish player,” Trell said. “We asked her to move to first base to strengthen that position. She did it without complaining.

“We intend to catch her more this year, that’s her first love and that’s what she does the best,” Trell said. “But she’s a super first baseman.”

In addition to Trell, Massaro credited Maddogs travel coaches Bill Hileman, Burt Newman and Steve Etter as well as former Boardman varsity coach Bill Amero for her development.

Massaro said Morehead State made her an offer after she won a MVP award during a college showcase in South Carolina.

”They also saw me play at a tournament before the showcase where I was a MVP,” Massaro said. “They invited me down for a visit, then offered me the scholarship.”

Massaro prefers catching.

“My personality is all about leadership so I feel like catching is where I belong,” Massaro said. “I like being in charge and seeing everything that is going on.”

williams@vindy.com