Mary DeFore, an infielder and pitcher from Mendota, Illinois, has made a great impact on the Blue Angel softball program.  She serves as an offensive ignitor near the top of the lineup and also has done a fine job in the infield and the pitching circle.

Mary answered some questions for the MMU athletic communication department earlier this week.

Why did you choose Mount Mary?

I chose Mount Mary because it was a small tight knit school. I come from a small high school and wanted to go to a small college. This small school allows me to make connections with my professors and classmates and just allows me to feel comfortable in class. They also had many resources coming in that I looked for such as free tutoring. Choosing this school also gave me a chance to play softball at a collegiate level. 

 What has been the highlight of your time at MMU?

The highlight of my time at Mount Mary would have to be making connections with my teammates. Creating relationships with everyone has made my time at Mount Mary exceptional. I would also have to say going to Florida during Spring Break each year with the softball team is also a core memory. 

 What are your plans and goals after graduation?

My plans and goals after graduating this year would be to go to law school to become a lawyer. 

 Why would you tell a prospective student to come to Mount Mary?

Going to a small school is an asset because you are able to connect with your peers and professors. You aren't just another body in a lecture hall. My professors have helped me immensely throughout my time here. They have helped me in graduating early. In a larger school it would have been difficult to do that since I wouldn't be able to have the one-on-one conversations that I can get with my professors now.