St. Charles North's Korth finds good match at Loyola University

With so many senior friends, St. Charles North junior Annie Korth learned a valuable lesson.

"They are all stressed about getting college applications done and everything," Korth said. "It is nice to already know what school I'm going to. It's a relief."

Monday night, Korth committed to play softball at Loyola University. She joins Natalie Capone (Indiana State) and Loren Cihlar (Ball State) as part of the North Stars' deep and talented junior class already with Division I scholarships - and several more players on that team with the potential to join them.

Korth also is the fourth member of her Wasco Diamonds travel team to commit to a Division I school.

Korth said she went to a few games at Loyola to watch former North Star and Loyola senior Stephanie Cihlar play last year.

"I met their coach (Yvette Healy), she came to a bunch of summer games, a couple fall tournaments," Korth said. "I went on a visit and it was great, a good match."

Loyola is coming off a 28-win season in 2009, posting its most victories since 2004.

"They do have a really good program, well known all around the country," said Korth, who said she's looking forward to the road trips Loyola takes to play in California, Arizona and Florida.

"Loyola just seemed right. I love the city and it's right on the lake. I'm Catholic. It has a great academic program. Everyone I talk to who went there say they got a great education."

Korth can play almost any position on the diamond. She saw most of her time in the outfield and catcher for the North Stars last year and also can play either corner infield spot. She'll likely catch for Loyola. At the plate she has plenty of power from the right side.

"Wherever they need me," Korth said. "I caught the majority (of summer) but I love playing outfield too."

In the top five percent academically at St. Charles North, Korth is looking forward to a major related to a medicine field. She chose Loyola over Dartmouth, Purdue and Illinois Wesleyan.

"Once I had a D-I offer I didn't think twice," said Korth, glad she has one less thing to do than her high school friends. "It will be great at (high) school the next couple years, smooth sailing from here out."