Elk Grove's Goranson commits to MSU
When Dani Goranson was just six years old, she was in the car with her older sister Nikki, who was being driven for a tryout with the 10-under Elk Grove Heat softball team.
“I was dragged along so I just decided to try out for the fun of it,” Dani said.
The little sister showed she had some talent, too.
Dani ended up beginning her softball career that day. And it's far from over today.
Goranson still has one year left to play in coach Ken Gram's state-recognized program at Elk Grove High School.
And after that, it's off to the Big Ten for Goranson.
The senior pitcher-third baseman has made a verbal commitment to Michigan State University.
“My sister and I played together for 9 years,” said Dani, whose sister Nikki was the Daily Herald all-area honorary captain in 2009 and now plays for Kankakee Community College. “There is no better way to play a sport you both love.”
Jim and Wendy Goranson always brought their youngest daughter Dani to their son's baseball games, too.
“And I fell in love with the game,” Dani said. “My dad had a big effect on me becoming a softball player. I always wished I could be a college player and he was pretty confident in my abilities to become one.”
She said her father, the director of the Illinois Bash, and pitching coach Lisa O'Rear have taught her the most about the game.
“But I have also gained many things from all of my coaches,” she added. “Jeff Jacobson, Frank Hill, Ken Grams, Dick Trent, Pete Geneuso, Tim McGuire, Jim McGreevy, Brian Mahoney and Gerry Mauro have all taught me many things I still use today.”
Goranson began working with O'Rear when she was eight years old.
“She and my dad have inspired me to become the player I am today,” Goranson said.
That player has been a three-time Daily Herald all-area selection.
She has become one of the few players from the Mid-Suburban League to commit to a Big Ten softball program.
“I chose Michigan State because I felt it was the right fit for me,' Goranson said. “I fell in love with the campus and the coaches gave me a great, fun welcome. It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I had many friends I could have followed to other schools and have been comfortable with, but I like the challenge of State.”
Goranson plans to study sports marketing,
“I just want to stay involved with as much sports as possible,” she said.
Goranson was 18-2 on the mound last spring with a 1.13 ERA in 124 innings. She struck out 177 batters and gave up 20 earned runs while helping to lead the Grens to a third-place finish in the Class 4A state tourney.
“My favorite part is pitching with pressure and having to come through for you and your team,” she said. “It gives me an adrenaline rush that I can only get playing softball. My favorite thing about the game is the friends you make and the people you meet in the softball world that will be in your life forever.”
Grams believes Michigan State's consistent visibility and communication with Goranson created a comfort level.
“I know that she was extremely impressed with all that MSU softball had to offer regarding staff, teammates, facilities and opportunity when she made her visit to the campus earlier this fall,” he said.
Goranson has been attracting the attention of colleges for more than two years.
“She has a great deal to offer,” Grams said. “Her pitching accomplishments have been many thus far in her high school career but her abilities as a hitter continued to get better and better as the years have gone on.”
Goranson batted .344 with 20 RBI, 8 double and 3 home runs as a junior.
“Additionally, she's really quite an outstanding infielder,” said Grams, who has 714 career wins. “She attacks the ball and possesses a powerful arm and a quick release. I'm certain that she can be an asset to Michigan State softball in many ways.”
Football
Eastern Illinois freshman Jimmy Garoppolo (Rolling Meadows) did not seem to be affected by some strong winds as he found Chris Wright on two long scoring passes in the second quarter of a 28-10 win over Austin Peay.
Garoppolo was 5-of-6 for 129 yards in the quarter as Wright hauled in touchdown passes of 52 and 39 yards in the Panthers' (1-8) first win of the season, snapping a 10-game losing strak.
Women's volleyball
Altrese Hawkins (Hoffman Estates) of Memphis hammered a match and career-high 29 kills in a 3-2 loss to visiting Southern Mississippi. Memphis is 13-10 overall and 4-7 in C-USA play.
Men's soccer
Oakton Community College defender Juan Angel Herrera (Maine West) was named to the NJCAA Region IV Second Team and the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference second team.
Feeder tryouts
The Rolling Meadows Junior Mustangs tryouts are Sunday, Nov. 7 for fifth and sixth grade girls (noon to 2 p.m.), seventh grade girls and boys (2 p.m. and 4 p.m.) and eight grade girls and boys (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.).
All tryouts are at Rolling Meadows High School.
For more information, contact Greg King at 847-590-9285, Tom Conlin at 847-670-8933, or Mike Grady at 630-971-2294.