Division I softball has been Casey Crozier's dream since the Valparaiso senior pitcher was 8 years old.

On Nov. 11, Crozier will sign her National Letter of Intent with Youngstown State University.

"I was so relieved," said Crozier, who committed to the Ohio school in September. "A huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders."

Crozier admitted that her 10-year road to this moment had its share of potholes. Northern Iowa offered last December, and she also talked with Indiana, Valparaiso and Division II Saint Joseph's College.

"There were some rough patches; some things fell through," said Crozier, a second-team All-State selection last spring. "I just tried to stay strong, remain positive and not get discouraged."

Crozier commended teammates, coaches and her parents Kevin and Marci for providing support.

"My parents have been there for me; when I started, they were my first coaches," said Crozier, who also plays varsity basketball. "Everyone has been incredible."

Crozier had an incredible junior season for the Vikings. She posted a 1.36 ERA in the spring with 259 strikeouts. She had a school-record 19 strikeouts against Crown Point on April 22. She broke the single-game mark three times last season. On offense, she hit .304 with two home runs.

Crozier is familiar with the Youngstown area, which made her feel even more comfortable with the decision.

"My grandpa was born there," she said. "I have some relatives in Philadelphia, which is less than an hour away.

"I just got that warm and fuzzy feeling when I made my college visit."

PREP SOFTBALL

Casey Crozier broke Valparaiso's single-game school record for strikeouts three times last season.