She’s known around the Oakdale High campus as “Roo,” remembered by Whitney’s softball team as the girl who bounced them from the SJS playoffs and next year she will be accepted as a San Jose State Spartan.
Oakdale senior Marissa Toy signed a letter of intent to play softball on a partial scholarship with San Jose State inside the Oakdale gymnasium foyer on Nov. 16, celebrating the moment with a large collection of family, friends and coaches.
“It’s something I’ve wanted since I was about eight and now I have achieved it,” Toy said. “San Jose State is close to home but far enough away for me to stay on campus and get the college experience.”
Toy was scouted heavily this summer at showcase tournaments with her Manteca and Stockton-based travel team, USA Elite. Her success at tournaments in Huntington Beach, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles was enough to garner the recognition and an eventual scholarship (approximately 75 percent of four years’ tuition) from the Spartan program.
And it couldn’t come at a better time.
San Jose State was 34-25 last year under coach Pete Turner and set 11 season records with a team that topped No. 11 nationally-ranked Oklahoma and highly touted Virginia. Toy (second base) will fit in nicely among a group that lost five senior infielders this year. Among the departed was team hitting leader and second base standout, Kelli Fangonilo, who batted .364 from the plate and smashed 68 hits last season.
It’s the type of season that Oakdale softball coach Larry Loger feels Toy is capable of at the next level.
“She is the kind of player that keeps everyone around her having fun, while still being a fierce competitor,” Loger said. “I know she will succeed in her studies and at the next level as she plays softball for Coach Turner.”
Loger saw Toy garner All Valley Oak League recognition in both her sophomore and junior seasons at the varsity level. She led Oakdale in six offensive categories during spring play, including batting average (.511), on base percentage, triples, hits, runs and stolen bases.
She was second in total home runs, walks and RBIs, but her biggest accomplishment of the season came in the bottom of the 11th against Whitney on May 19. In the throes of a 0-0 tie, Toy smashed a walk-off base hit to the fence to propel Oakdale to a 2-2 postseason finish.
“It’s so rewarding to see all she has accomplished,” Loger said. “She is such a great young lady.”
Toy was joined by Loger, Oakdale assistant coach Kelly Olson and longtime youth coach Pete Cardoza at the Nov. 16 signing. Her family, including father Steve Toy, mother Teri Toy and sister Megan Toy were also present.
