Fastpitch Signs North Baltimore's Gazarek

South Euclid, OH – June 20, 2000 - Notre Dame College signed North Baltimore High School graduate Vanessa Gazarek to an NAIA Letter of Intent to play fastpitch for the Falcons beginning with the 2005-06 academic year.

Gazarek, who graduated eighth in her class this spring, was a four-year varsity player for the Tigers. The team went 14-12 this past season, was 7-3 in the Midland Athletic League and earned a sectional championship.

Gazarek, who during her career was both a left fielder and a shortstop, hit .352 for the Tigers during her final season. The team captain earned all-league honorable mention, all-district honorable mention and the team's Most Improved Player Award.

In addition to playing fastpitch, Gazarek was also a team captain for the golf team, the president of National Honor Society, the president of the senior class and the M.A.L. Leadership president.

"[Notre Dame] is a small, liberal arts college with high academics, allowing me to participate in college athletics," said Gazarek of her reasons for selecting the college.

She plans to major in mortuary science.

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