TAMPA, April 25, 2024– Senior Day is a rite of passage for all college athletes, a fond remembrance of career milestones, a pathway to the next phase of life. USF utility player Marissa Trivelpiece will confront those emotions Friday afternoon when the Bulls face the Florida Atlantic Owls to begin an American Athletic Conference softball series.
 
"I'm trying not to think about it because softball has been such a huge part of my life,'' said Trivelpiece, in her second USF season after transferring from Michigan State University. "And it's not just my life. It's for my entire family.''
 
Trivelpiece's father, Vince, a former elite fast-pitch player who coaches a travel team and occasionally serves as a high-school umpire/official in the Pennsylvania area, has been to all of Marissa's USF games this season. Every single one — all 49 — home and away.
 
There are her sisters, Maria (who played at Fordham) and Megan (who played at Drexel), regular visitors to as many games as possible. And there's the constant presence of her mother, Mary Ann.
 
"This is a family addicted to fast-pitch softball,'' USF coach Ken Eriksen said with a smile. "The father played for one of the best coaches ever (American Softball Association legend Rocky Santilli). He really enjoys the game. He's here all the time. But he never oversteps his bounds.
 
"This family, really, has been a pleasure. Marissa has given us experience and stability. She knows the game. She's relentless and that's a good quality of our team. She never stops playing.''
 
There's a chance Trivelpiece (pronounced: Try-vull-piece) will be granted an additional year of eligibility by the NCAA, but she's not counting on it. So every game — every inning — is extra meaningful.
 
"It's funny because with the three girls, our parents often had to split up to see us all play,'' Trivelpiece said. "Now I'm the only one left and they're all watching me. We're going to get every last bit of enjoyment out of the time I have left. No regrets.
 
"The fact that my father is here (for every game), that's very natural. He was my first coach. I grew up playing for him. I think that's why I like playing for Coach Ken (Eriksen) so much. They're similar in that they know the game and they're not going to yell at you if you do bad or strike out. It's part of the game. You do your best and it's all about the long-term results.''
 
Trivelpiece's father, a retired high-school teacher from Sugarloaf, Pa., has established a residence in Florida for this season. When he's not watching softball, he's enjoying the beach and perhaps joining the rest of the family at Disney World (they purchased Florida resident passes this year).
 
In previous years, it was a lot of driving to Fordham, Drexel or opposing sites, then choosing the airport at Allentown or Philadelphia for most distant destinations. The sacrifices have been worth it.
 
"We have done our time at the ballfields, but we love it,'' Trivelpiece's father said. "I don't consider it that unusual. I loved playing the game the most. I like coaching it very much. Watching my daughters play has been a great pleasure. There's always another game to look forward to.
 
"When it's over, I guess it's over. We find something else to do. But it definitely gets in your blood. We have so many great memories.''
 
Trivelpiece's mother said she was "not a sports person'' when she got married, but she has grown to love the softball lifestyle.
 
"We're always around, but Vince is definitely the fixture,'' she said.
 
Trivelpiece's sister, Megan, said she will always have special memories of the three siblings being coached by their father. She, too, is clinging to all of USF's remaining games.
 
"Senior Day will be special for us, but also somewhat sad because it's the final go-round,'' said Megan, who trains young softball players in Pennsylvania. "It has been awesome to watch Marissa and see her team have success. I'm not looking forward to it all ending, but it's definitely a pride thing. I'm just so proud of her and everything she has accomplished in college ball.''
 
Trivelpiece had a banner season in 2023, when she was named All-AAC second team. She led the team in hits (40), doubles (13), home runs (eight), RBIs (33) and total bases (81). And she had her night of nights against her former team, Michigan State, when she hit a grand slam off her former roommate and went 3-for-3 in a victory against the Spartans.
 
She hasn't been quite as productive this season, but Eriksen values her overall game and versatility.
 
Along with Trivelpiece, USF will honor Bailey Drapola, Rian Eigenmann, Jordyn Kadlub, Lexie Kopko, Sam Mallinder, and Alyssa Rano on Senior Day.
 
"Everything about USF has been a blast,'' Trivelpiece said. "It has everything I ever wanted — a warm climate, a competitive atmosphere, a culture where it's about winning. We have great crowds. If I'm coming to the end (of my career), I'm going to miss it so much.
 
"When I walk out there on Senior Day, I don't want to think about the clock ticking and how we don't have many moments left. I just want to enjoy it. My family feels the same way. Softball has given a great life to all of us and I'm going to keep giving this game every single thing I have.''
 
About USF Softball
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 17 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women's College World Series in 2012.