Photo provided by: Nick Henthorn
WHEELING – Sports have long been like family to Gia Recrosio of Linsley. She was coached by her father, Paul Recrosio, during her days as a softball player for Linsley Cadets, and she shared the diamond with her younger sister, Karena, during her freshman year at the school.
So family ties were once again at the forefront when Recrocio officially joined the St. Bonaventure University softball team on Wednesday.
“Actually, my sister is there right now and she’s playing,” Lecrocio said. “That’s why I get to play with her for so many years. It’s a great school, I love the area. It’s a small school, but that’s what I was looking for and I love the coach. And that was everything I was looking for.”
Karena Recrosio is currently a junior at St. Bonaventure Bonnies, a program that Gia will soon join, and her older sister’s experience has inspired the young Recrosio to commit to college and the softball team coached by Mike Threehaus. influenced the decision.
“He makes you feel like you’re wanted there, that you’re important,” Recrosio said. “He’s a really nice guy. My sister loves playing for him, so I think she’s going to be great.”
St. Bonaventure is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Reclosio, a shortstop by trade, was named first-team All-OVAC in his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons, but his senior season with the Cadets has yet to begin. Lecrocio also plays travel ball for Team Pennsylvania.
The Cadets senior credits her time at Lindsley with giving her the opportunity to become a collegiate athlete.
“I actually got to play for my dad, who is my coach, for four years and it was great, not only athletically but academically,” Recrosio said. “I really had fun here.”