By LYNN GROLL
groll@crescent-news.com
Athletes excelling in three sports over the years in high school has become more of a rarity with many athletes focusing on one or two sports. However, Defiance senior Marissa McDonald hasn't been able to get enough of athletics during her tenure with the Bulldogs.
"My opinion is it's like I can never get enough of one sport," said McDonald. "I think I'm just really into playing for my school and I guess I'm just getting used to it now. We're usually successful in every sport I play, so it's always nice to be part of a good team."
McDonald points to whatever sport she is currently playing as her favorite and excels on the volleyball court in the fall, the basketball planks in the winter and currently on the softball diamond this spring.
"It's more like whatever sport I play I call it my favorite at the time," said McDonald. "Then I'll move onto the next sport and be like, oh, that one's my favorite. I really don't have a favorite, I just prefer playing them all."
Playing three sports is an advantage according to DHS coach Krista Johnson. "I think with Marissa playing three sports, it helps build her up to be able to handle the pressure situations and to come out on top," said second-year coach. "She does a great job under pressure."
The first baseman and clean-up hitter is currently in the midst of helping DHS to a 8-4 overall start and 3-2 mark in the Western Buckeye League on the softball field.
"We're doing a lot better than we planned," admitted McDonald. "I knew we were going to be a good team, but since we've started playing this year, we've really improved. We've had some hard times but I think our big wins against really good teams have paid off and I think we have a really good thing going for us right now."
The Bulldogs two paramount wins this season have come against WBL powerhouses Lima Bath and St. Marys, who've each been long-time nemesis for DHS in the league.
Defiance claimed a slim 6-5 triumph over the Roughriders, the Division II state runner-up last year, on Tuesday and hope to parlay that success into a strong finish during the final month of the season.
"I think it just proves how hard the WBL is, we've probably beat the two biggest teams in the WBL right now," added McDonald. "We've lost to some other teams we shouldn't have probably but it just proves how good the WBL is and how even the teams really are."
McDonald nearly averaged a double-double on the hardwood over the winter by pacing the Lady Bulldogs with 13.1 ppg and 8.9 rebounds per outing while recording 283 digs and 43 aces on the volleyball court during her senior campaign.
Now heading into the final month of the softball season, McDonald hopes to end her high school career on a high note.
"For some people it's not their last year, but once you realize it's your last year you want to do everything you can to do good that season," said McDonald. "I think that's what we try to get across to the younger people - that they need to help us out for the last year."
McDonald has learned under the leadership of past standouts at DHS that have went on to play at major Division I programs.
Former DHS volleyball standout Rachelle Hagerty started her collegiate career at the University of Minnesota before transferring to Ball State earlier this spring while softball talent Dee Dee Hillman is a current freshman starter at The Ohio State University.
"Each sport we've had good athletes come through," said McDonald. "It seems there's always a Rachelle Hagerty and Dee Dee in each sport. There's always someone successful and they've really helped us and taught us a lot."