Wednesday afternoon in front of her coaches, teammates, friends, and family, three-sport standout Marissa Warren made her choice of collegiate destination.

The 2023 all-state selection signed her letter of intent to attend the University of Toledo and play softball for the Rockets. When asked why she chose Toledo, it was the fit with her intended major of exercise science and the program’s style of softball.

“For me, it was ultimately the coaching staff,” Warren said. “Coach (Bracamonte) is changing the environment there and bringing a better culture. I love what she is trying to do and I think her coaching style really fits with my personal style.”

Warren helped lead Big Rapids to three straight district titles and back to back conference championships during her three years starting on varsity. She also collected 1^st team All-Conference and Pioneer Dream Team honors individaully all three years. 

The current senior has broken numerous records already for the Cardinals, holding the current top marks for single season batting average (.603), home runs in a single season (15), and RBIs in a single season (84). According to head coach Dawn Thompson, she also holds a top-five statistical ranking 15 different times in the Big Rapids history books.

“Marissa is a coach’s dream,” Thompson said. “Not only is she athletic and extremely talented, but more importantly she is a leader whose work ethic, determination, and commitment to her team is admirable.”

As one of Toledo’s eight early signees, Warren will join the team in the fall of 2024. The Rockets will look to improve on a 21-25 season this coming spring in the second full season for Coach Bracamonte.

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