Derry’s Chelsea Bisi looks to close stellar softball career in style

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, March 25, 2018 | 4:54 PM

Chelsea Bisi has constructed a decorated softball career at Derry.

A senior shortstop and Penn State recruit, Bisi has been named first-team all-section, team MVP and offensive MVP three times and all-state twice.

She has been selected as a Tribune-Review “Terrific 10” all-star three times and lauded as a player of the week by USA Today and the Tribune-Review.

Bisi is also active in the Interact Club, Mu Alpha Theta and mock trial program at Derry. She has a 4.1 GPA and plans to major in accounting at Penn State, a member of the Big Ten Conference.

“The combination of the coaches, athletic facilities and academic opportunities led me to sign with Penn State,” Bisi said. “When I get on campus, I'm expecting to continue to work hard while enjoying the many experiences that come with playing D-I softball.”

Penn State's softball program recruits nationally with 12 states — Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Texas, New Hampshire, Illinois, Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, Arizona, Ohio and New York — represented on this year's roster, which includes two former WPIAL players.

The Nittany Lions, who are coached by Amanda Lehotak, advanced to the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals last season.

A fourth-year starter at Derry, Bisi hit .706 last year with a 1.31 slugging percentage. She hit four home runs, three triples and 13 doubles, scored 22 runs and had 21 RBIs. She has driven in 57 runs in her high school career and struck out only twice.

“Chelsea has been a rock for us over the last few years,” Derry coach Pat Meloy said. “I'm excited to watch her in her senior year and excited for her to move on to the next level and get to show others how great of an athlete she truly is. Chelsea has a very special kind of mentality that will lead her down the right path at the next level. I'm sure her coach and team will enjoy having her there. She has a hunger to win and will give 150 percent effort.

“I envision her having a very successful playing career at Penn State but also excelling in the classroom. She will make Penn State very proud.”

Bisi hit close to .700 as a freshman then hit almost .600 as a sophomore.

“Chelsea's career at Derry has been almost unbelievable when you look at her stats,” Meloy said. “It's so rare to see a young athlete put together a season like she has had, let alone three of those seasons. Her work ethic is second to none. She puts the time in and strives for perfection, whether it's with her glove, throw, swing or any facet of her game.

“Not many coaches get the opportunity to have an athlete like Chelsea on their team. Her skill set is phenomenal, but it is second behind her preparation and mindset of being ready for when it counts. She works for everything she has, and does the small things other girls find tedious, whether that be countless reps off the tee, or basic fielding routines.

“Whenever something doesn't feel right, she fixes the issue until it feels like it normally does for her. Her work habits are excellent. It's something as a coach you really just enjoy seeing. And it carries over to her ability to lead not only vocally but just by example. When the other girls see Chelsea out there working hard, whether it's in the gym or on the field, they seem to want to replicate that. And why not? For any girl looking to play at the next level, they have to look no further than Chelsea. She shows these girls what it takes.”

In the offseason, Bisi has played on travel teams for the Ohio Outlaws, who have participated in national tournaments in cities such as Los Angeles, Denver, New York, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio.

“It's been an amazing experience, and I've made memories that will last a lifetime,” Bisi said. “What I enjoy most it the level of competition. Playing with and against some of the best players in the country constantly pushed me to become a better athlete.

“I'm very grateful for all the opportunities that my coaches and the Outlaws organization has provided for me.”

Derry qualified for the WPIAL playoffs last season for the first time since 2004. The Trojans finished fourth in Section 1-4A and were 5-10 overall.

Led by Bisi, the Trojans are aiming to make another playoff run this season.

“I expect Chelsea to develop and maintain her skills this year, and with that her numbers will come,” Meloy said. “But something I enjoy seeing as a coach is her increased role as a captain, being much more vocal with the team, to go along with her lead-by-example mentality.

“It's so rare to see an athlete like Chelsea, especially in a smaller district like Derry, and it's something nice to have to show as an example to the younger girls what hard work and dedication can do. What it takes to get to that next level is not easy, but the basics, the tedious things, are what get athletes to that level. And I think some of the girls are seeing and responding to it in a positive way.”

Other returning starters for the Trojans are senior Riley Watson, a second baseman/utility player; and sophomores Kam Kelly, a catcher/third baseman; and outfielders Olexie Nuttall, Sarah Aukerman and Hannah Wedow, also a catcher/third baseman.

Derry will use a committee approach at pitcher with five freshmen: Maddie Berger, Gianna Copelli, Alexis Jellison, Chyanne Coleman and Kiley Latshaw. Bisi, Kelly and Aukerman could see time in the circle.

“I'll be playing shortstop most of the time,” Bisi said, “but I will pitch an inning or two when needed. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to practice on our field yet. We're hoping to get outside and play some games this week.”

Additional players looking to make an impact in 2018 include freshman Alanna Meloy (2B/utility), sophomore Allison Baum (1B/utility) and senior Mikayla McCallen (2B/OF).

“The girls have put in a lot of drill work, ironing out flaws in mechanics, and a lot of learning has occurred,” Pat Meloy said. “We should be good to go for the season on that aspect. Now only if we could buy some warm, dry weather.

“The mood on the team seems good, though. The girls have continued to work hard (while) even being stuck inside, something rare, especially for a young team. Our older girls are handling the situation well.”

Derry is scheduled to open section play April 3 at Highlands.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Derry Area