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Emily Nagle couldn’t imagine her softball career ending when she played her final college game last May.

While playing the last few weeks for Slippery Rock, Emily said she thought to herself “this cannot be the end.”

As it turned out, it wasn’t. Emily went on to play professionally in the American Softball Association in the summer of 2018 for the E1 Pro Ballers in Alabama.

Emily said she learned a lot by playing with the best players in the country and having the best coaches around. She loved the idea of showing younger girls and players that they have a chance to play after high school and college.

Bellwood-Antis high school softball coach Jim Payne, who coached Emily from 2011-2014, could not be more proud of what she has accomplished.

“Emily’s own determination made her great,” Coach Payne said. “As a coach, you stay out of the way of a player like her. You actually had to try and keep her talent, speed, and aggressiveness under control because she believed in herself so much that everything was possible to her. She was a blessing to coach and even more fun to be around. Emily elevated her teammates and that made her who she is today.”

A  triathlete from the Bellwood-Antis Class of 2014, Emily chose to continue her education at Slippery Rock, where she graduated last spring  with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Geology, Aquatics, and Sustainability. Emily is currently working as an Environmental Scientist at the environmental consulting firm Gwin, Dobson, and Foreman Inc.

Her goals have now become a little more career oriented.

“My goal is to keep learning and growing within the company Gwin, Dobson, and Foreman Inc,” she said.

While at B-A Emily earned four letters each in both volleyball and softball. She also lettered three years for the Tyrone-Bellwood-Bishop Guilfoyle swim team.

Once she arrived at the Rock, she had an immediate impact on the softball team. She batted over .300 every season, including a .444 average as a junior.

Emily ended her career with 179 hits and 58 RBIs, finishing first all-time in triples and second in hits.

While she isn’t playing professionally now, Emily said she hasn’t ruled out another run at the game.

“If there is a time I can play professionally again, I will take it,” said Emily.

Instead, Emily said she plans on giving private or small group lessons for softball. She also plans on coming back to the community of Bellwood to be a volunteer coach for the junior high softball team.

“My goal is to inspire girls to play in college and after college,” said Nagle.