SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Softball’s Mary Baccay will sign a National Letter-of-Intent to join the Providence softball program on the Spring National Signing Day on April 11.

“It is really exciting,” said Baccay. “They were my first choice. I really love the coaches and teammates. When I went on my visit, I felt like the right pick for me. Something I felt more than at any of the other schools was how comfortable the coaches and players made me feel.”

Baccay joins a program that plays in the competitive Big East Conference and will play for Head Coach Kerri Jacklets, who has led the Friars to five Big East Tournament berths during her tenure.

“I am really excited to play in the Big East with a lot of good schools,” said Baccay. “It will be fun to compete against Chloe (Smith) at Villanova. So that is really exciting.” Current teammate junior Chloe Smith has committed to Villanova for the 2019 season and Baccay’s sister is playing at Michigan State.

Baccay has hit .328 with 65 RBIs over 87 career games in four seasons on the St. Francis varsity team. As a junior, she hit a career-best .352 with single-season highs for doubles, triples and home runs as she recorded .577 slugging percentage and .972 OPS.

“Mary will bring energy, consistency and knowledge of the game,” said Head Coach Kevin Warren. “She is a student of the game and any program would love to have a player of her caliber.”

Baccay credits her Troubie coaches for her development over her career.

“The coaches have really shown me about playing for something bigger than myself,” said Baccay. “It is great having coaches that support you through everything and are there for you on and off the field. It is really big for me and they have helped me through a lot.”

Baccay, who was recruited as a shortstop, can play all over the diamond including behind the plate.

“I owe a lot of that to Coach Kevin and my travel ball coaches (San Jose Sting) having their trust to put me anywhere,” said Baccay. “It built my confidence as a player. I am comfortable wherever they need me.”

Baccay has been slowed by an injury this season but is back on the field now with the important Delta League schedule ahead.

“It was a rough start for me but I am taking it one game at a time and getting back into my rhythm,” said Baccay.

She plans to study biology with a plan to go to nursing school following her softball career.

Baccay will sign her NLI on April 11 at the St. Francis Signing Day Celebration at 8:30 a.m.