Rio Grande Sports Information
    BIDWELL, Ohio - As things turned out, Courtney Shriver couldn't stay away from the game of softball.
    Shriver, a 2011 graduate of Gallia Academy High School, has signed a letter-of-intent to continue her career at the University of Rio Grande.    Despite a troublesome knee throughout the course of her high school playing days, Shriver was a standout player for the Blue Angels. A four-year starter at shortstop, she was a first team All-Southeastern Ohio Athletic League four times and the league's Player of the Year as a senior.
    The continual injury issue forced Shriver to make a decision to step away from the game, but her desire to return to the diamond - in addition to a call from Rio Grande head coach Kristen Bradshaw - has her coming back after a one-year hiatus.
    "I was in the recruiting spotlight at a very young age but, due to my injury, I'd decided not to pursue playing at the collegiate level," Shriver said. "After taking a year off from playing, I missed the game and I couldn't give it up that easily. I'm very excited to get back to the game I love and to have the opportunity to be a part of the Rio softball team. Coach Bradshaw has rekindled my passion to play and I look forward to playing for her."
    Shriver, a 5-foot-4 middle infielder, also was an All-SEOAL District selection three times and was the Southeast District Player of the Year and a 2nd Team All-Ohio honoree as a senior. She hit .453 in her prep career and Gallia Academy won 81 of the 103 games its played while she was in a Blue Angels' uniform.
    "Courtney is a great addition to our roster," said Bradshaw. "She had an outstanding high school career at Gallia Academy and I'm confident that she will contribute to our team this year. She has a love for softball and I'm excited to get her out on the field."
    Shriver also showed her athleticism on the volleyball court as a high schooler. She was a three-year member of the varsity program at GAHS and was named All-SEOAL and All-Southeast District in each of those three seasons.
    Still, it was softball that provided her first love.
    "Playing college softball has been a dream of mine since I was nine years old when I started playing travel ball," Shriver said, referring to her summers spent as a member of the Lady Lasers Green. "I've got many treasured memories and accolades, including two ASA Eastern National Championships."
    In addition to her desire to play again, Shriver noted Rio Grande's strong nursing program - and the fact that her mother, Amy, also played softball and volleyball at the school - as important factors in her signing with the RedStorm.
    She's looking forward to the opportunity that awaits.
    "I've always been a leader on and off the field and I'm hoping to add some  depth to the team, especially with my offense," Shriver said. "Hitting has always been my strength. I think I can have a positive impact. My main goal as a player is to play to the best of my ability and be free of injury."
    Bradshaw also likes the fact that Shriver's signing adds another bit of local flavor to her roster.
    "It's always nice to bring in local girls so the community can come out to games and follow them throughout their collegiate careers ," she said.
    Shriver is the daughter of Bruce and Amy Shriver of Bidwell.