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2010-02-09

2010-01-19

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Friday, November 13, 2009 8:52 PM

Herald file photo

Ottawa High School senior Shelby Miller’s athletic versatility made her a Division I college softball prospect. Miller signed Friday with Northern Illinois University, located in DeKalb, Ill. Miller led the OHS softball team to a runner-up finish in May in the 4A state tourney.

Northern Illinois impressed with Miller's athletic skills

Versatile athlete

By Greg Mast/Herald Sports Editor

By GREG MAST

Herald Sports Editor

Shelby Miller’s talent on the softball field makes it easy for her to get noticed.

The Ottawa High School senior is a force in all facets on the diamond. She honed her skills by playing competitive softball for most of the past decade.

The past few years, she played with the Olathe Rockets, a top-flight softball club, that played in many summer tournaments across the country.

It was at those tourneys where she caught the eye of college coaches from all levels.

This past summer, Miller met Northern Illinois coach Lindsay Chouinard at one of those tourneys. She made a visit to the campus in DeKalb, Ill., and was sold on the Lady Huskies.

Miller made it official by signing with Northern Illinois Friday morning in the OHS library. Miller is the third Cyclone to sign with a Division I college program. The others are Megan Ramsey and Hallie Ray.

Miller is a four-year starter at shortstop for the Cyclones and plays third base for the Rockets. Miller helped lead Ottawa to a second-place finish last spring in the 4A state tourney.

Miller said Northern Illinois felt like the right place. She also visited Bradley and considered Emporia State.

“I wanted to go to a school where I was wanted,” Miller said. “They knew I was athletic and versatile. They want me to play on the left side [of the infield].

“They are building a program.”

The Lady Huskies went 20-37 last year and had just 13 victories in 2007, the first year for Chouinard, who is a former All-American pitcher for DePaul. Chouinard also was an assistant coach for DePaul when the Blue Demons advanced to the College World Series.

She also played in the pro softball league for the Chicago Bandits.

Miller said it will be good to play for a coach with that kind of background.

OHS coach Corey Katzer said Miller made herself into a top-flight college prospect.

“She is the one that put in all of those hours, days, months and years preparing for this,” Katzer said. “It goes back to her. This is the highest level you can play at in college.

“This is a great day for her.”

Miller makes it look easy. She can hit for average, power, has a good arm and speed. She also can hit anywhere in the lineup and play about anyplace on the field.

“She brings a good skill set [to the table],” Katzer said. “Her statistics speak for themselves. She is very athletic.”

Katzer began last year with Miller hitting in the third spot, but changed her back to leadoff.

“She did not miss a beat,” Katzer said. “That goes back to her versatility. She is a five-tool athlete.”

Miller got her start at a young age playing in the Ottawa Recreation Commission leagues. She also was helped along that her older brother Jordan was a baseball player and coached by her father, Randy.

Greg Mast can be reached at sports@ottawaherald.com