By Chayse Held, Bowling Green Sentinel Tribune

PERRYSBURG - Kim Granata has worked hard to become the softball player she is today.

Now the Perrysburg High School senior is seeing the results of that hard work.

Granata signed her national letter of intent earlier this week to play college softball at Kent State University.

"Everything kept looking better and better about Kent State," said Granata, who also made visits to Bowling Green and Akron. "Deep down in my heart, even like a year ago, I knew that's where I wanted to go.

"The coaches are amazing at Kent State. I love every single one of them."

Granata, who primarily catches for the Yellow Jackets, could play outfield at Kent State. She received a partial athletic and academic scholarship.

"I'd like to hit and field as a freshman. That would be an amazing opportunity. I'm going to do everything I can to make that happen," Granata said.

Granata is an excellent hitter, setting the Perrysburg school record for most home runs in a season with eight last year. She needs one more to tie the school's career record.

As a junior, Granata batted .450 with 19 extra-base hits, 24 runs batted in, and 31 runs scored.

"This is something that Kimmy has wanted since I've known her," said Perrysburg coach Ryan DeMars, who became head coach during Granata's sophomore season. "She wanted to go on and play at the next level.

"She loves the game and she wants to continue playing as long as she can. I know it's a tremendous accomplishment for her," DeMars continued. "She is a tremendous worker. She's going to go at it and she's going to push herself. She's going to go all out for everything. She's the type of player who wants to be the best at whatever she's doing."

It is the third consecutive year Perrysburg has had a softball player sign to play at the Division I level. Last year Lindsay Rich signed with Eastern Michigan and two years ago Kim Bryson signed with Niagara.

"It's so gratifying, not just for me as a coach, but because I know everything they've put into it," DeMars said. "We've been blessed here at the high school the last three years to have D-I signees that have brought a great deal of ability and talent to our team.

"It's something that's helped our teams be successful. It's just really exciting. I'm very proud of the girls and how hard they work."

Granata has a 3.4 cumulative grade point average and plans on majoring in integrated mathematics in hopes of becoming a high school math teacher.