Buffalo Grove's DiPrima will play at Northwestern

After playing tee ball and a couple of years of baseball, Andrea DiPrima began playing travel softball when she was 9 years old.

"Once I started, I could not get enough of it," said the Buffalo Grove junior first baseman-pitcher. "I fell in love with the game and would talk about it all the time. I have always loved watching college games on TV."

In a few years, fans will be able to watch DiPrima on TV playing college softball.

She has made a verbal commitment to play for Northwestern University, where she plans to study secondary education.

"Playing Division I softball has always been a dream of mine along with winning a national championship," said DiPrima, who has been one of the top hitters in the area since her freshman season at BG.

"I am so excited about playing for the Drohans (coaches Kate and Caryl, who are twins) and feel very blessed to have the opportunity to receive an education at Northwestern University and be a part of a great softball program."

She has been great so far at BG, where last year she set the school's single-season record for hits (65) shattering the record of Lindsey Hamma, who played for Illinois.

"My dad (Tom) has been my biggest inspiration because he has taught me so much about the game," DiPrima said. "From a young age, he explained what my mindset should be in the batter's box depending on the count and the pitcher."

DiPrima listened well as her hitting skills make her one of the most dangerous batters in the area.

This season, she tied a school record that had stood for more than 30 years. DiPrima's sixth home run tied the career mark set by Sharon Bouchard in 1977.

"My dad would also quiz me on defensive game situations," DiPrima added. "I am very fortunate to be surrounded by such incredibly supportive people. My mom (Cindi) is my biggest fan and my brother Vince is always willing to soft toss or hit me ground balls or flyballs.

"The instructors at Drive Performance have also helped me improve my game."

DiPrima's game is just as sharp in the classroom, where she possesses a 5.29 GPA on a 5.0 and scored a 30 on the ACT.

The National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society student has been a member of the A Honor Roll every semester in high school and was a Math/Science Student of the Month last October.

An NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete, DiPrima has played varsity softball and basketball since freshman year.

She was a freshman on Tom Dineen's basketball team, which was third in the 2008 Class 2A state tournament.

As a sophomore, she earned all-tourney honors for coach Pat Dudle at the prestigious Dundee-Crown Charger Classic.

DiPrima holds the single-season (74) and single game (7) school records for 3-pointers.

In softball, she holds hitting records in single-season hits, doubles, and extra-bases hits.

"Hitting is definitely my favorite part of the game," DiPrima said. " I love the mental aspect of it and how the entire game can change with one swing of the bat."

Bison softball coach Laura Stock has had few bats bigger than DiPrima's.

"She is absolutely one of the best hitters we've had here," Stock said. "She's just a great kid who comes to practice every day and works hard. Then she goes and works alone, too.

"It's a luxury to have her in the lineup."