Brandon softball player Chelsea Wengren had plenty of choices when deciding where to ply her softball skills at the collegiate level.
In the end, she decided to stick close to home.
Wengren, 17, a senior with the Blackhawks, signed a letter of intent to attend Oakland University in Rochester, where she has earned a scholarship with the Golden Grizzlies? softball program for the 2006-07 school year.
On hand were several of Wengren’s family and friends, including parents, Kristen and Rick, and younger brother, Chad, 15.
She said she considered other schools such as Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, Ohio State University and Grand Valley State University. However, she said the Golden Grizzlies provided just the right combination for her.
‘It’s a Division 1 school and it’s close ? I wanted to stay somewhat close to home,? she said. ‘They play some Big 10 schools, such as Michigan State and Ohio State, so there’s good competition.?
Brandon varsity softball Coach Carl Gabrielson echoed Wengren’s sentiments, saying although were several schools interested in Wengren, Oakland offered the best possible situation for her.
‘The university is very nice, and they have a nice coach,? he said. ‘Hopefully, she’ll step in and be their first baseman. It’s a good fit for her and the college. The coach has a vision for the future.?
The Golden Grizzles will begin the 2006-07 season under a first-year coach, Glenn McDonald, who is in his fifth year at Oakland (having spent the previous four years as an assistant).
Last season, Oakland went 28-31 overall and 12-12 in the Mid-Continent Conference.
Wengren said she had an opportunity to meet some of the Golden Grizzlies? current players, and she said they had an influence on her decision.
‘They were really fun and really nice,? she said. ‘They made me feel like I was welcome.?
She said she plans to major in nursing at Oakland and hopes to adjust well to living on her own. As far as her softball goals at Oakland are concerned, she said she wants to be ‘one of their leading hitters and do well offensively and defensively.?
Last year, she had a .359 batting average and .424 on-base percentage, while she tallied a .390 batting average and .435 on-base percentage in 2005. She earned a .984 field percentage both years.
Wengren has been an All-League selection from 2004-06, and made All-District and All-Region in both 2005 and 2006. She was an honorable mention All-State selection in 2005.
In addition, Wengren has been a member of the Compuware travel team since 2003.