It is truly a sign that hard work and dedication can pay off with a reward in the end. After tirelessly working at improving skills, mastering new talents, and relentlessly pursuing different avenues for the future, Oak Lawn Community High School senior Brittani LaRusso recently signed a letter of intent to attend and play softball at Graceland University in Iowa.

The pitcher, outfielder, and utility infielder made it official at an official signing in late November. LaRusso will take the field for head coach Bryn Braddock in the fall. According to LaRusso, the plan is for her to use all of her talents by seeing some time as an outfielder, a middle infielder, and as a closer on the pitching staff.

“Brittani is one of those student-athletes who does not ever give less than her full effort,” Oak Lawn head coach Brian Frangella said. “I remember when last season started, and Brittani told me she was not going to be satisfied until she was the number-one pitcher on our staff. That is the type of athlete we are talking about.”

“Whether it is working in the offseason to turn herself into a varsity pitcher, working to improve her hitting skills or fighting back onto the field after serious injury, Brittani has earned this reward. Now she has an opportunity to have a great senior season for us and ride the wave of that momentum into college. She definitely earned this opportunity.”