Following a successful career at Diamond Bar High School, senior pitcher Mikaya Griego is taking her talents to the next level, officially committing to Cal State Monterey Bay to play Division II college softball. 

Working toward receiving college offers since her eighth-grade year, Griego has attended various college camps, spoke with coaches, and worked with her coaches through the college commitment process, before settling on California State Monterey Bay to continue her softball career. 

“I really fell in love with the area because it was on a beach,” Griego said. “The coaches were really nice and I just fell in love with the place.”

Introduced to softball by her family at age four, Griego grew up with the sport.

“I like being able to have a team and I like pitching especially because I get to control the pace of the game,” Griego said. “I’ve just grown up with it so it always makes me happy.”

Although Griego made several achievements throughout her softball career, which include taking third in nationals over the summer, she still hopes to accomplish more in her college career. 

“I just hope to get better and make the starting lineup and just keep playing,” Griego said. “I want to play all four years while I’m there.”

With softball season still a few months away, Griego has some time until her college career officially begins; however, she hopes for a long and successful career with many accomplishments and memories made along the way. 

“I would say to always work hard. Even when it gets tough, you have to always keep trying to get better,” Griego said. “Even when you doubt yourself, you have to try harder because that’s what’s going to get you to the next level.”