Columbus East third baseman Julia Sitterding throws to first against Hauser Friday, March 26, 2021 at Hauser.
The Republic file photo
Julia Sitterding was all set to go to Indiana Tech and play softball, but when the school dropped its pre-law program she was fortunate enough to find another option.
Middle Tennessee State invited the recent Columbus East graduate to a camp on July 11, and after attending that, she decided to decommit from Indiana Tech and commit to the Blue Raiders.
“They reached out to me because they were looking for a 2022 middle infielder that bats left-handed,” Sitterding said. “I went down there for a camp and talked to the recruiting coordinator, and it seemed like a good fit.”
Sitterding was a starter for the Olympians as a freshman, and again as a junior after the COVID pandemic wiped out her sophomore year. This year, she opted to run track instead of playing softball.
“I knew that I wanted to play in college, and I just thought that track would benefit me more for speed, and I wanted to try something new,” Sitterding said. “I think it was the best decision I made because high school softball made me iffy if I wanted to play in college. Travel ball, I always loved, so that really made me want to play.”
Meanwhile, Sitterding continued to play travel softball for the Indiana Gators through the spring and summer. She played third base in high school and shortstop in travel softball and also can play second base.
“The recruiting coach said I could get rotated in right away, and with my speed, I could bring a lot of assets,” Sitterding said. “I’ve always been told by coaches I’m a triple threat, so I can slap and hit away.”
Sitterding plans to move into the Murfreesboro, Tennessee, campus on Friday, and classes start Aug. 22. She will major in psychology and minor in pre-law and Spanish.
“Indiana Tech recently dropped its pre law program, and Middle Tennessee offered that,” Sitterding said. “Also, I was interested in minoring in Spanish, so it seemed like a better fit for me.”
