Former Marian head softball coach Joe DeAngelo always knew Mia Nemeth could play just about any spot in the field.

Nemeth would eventually settle in at third base and the outfield, and her versatility drew a parallel with her determination and will.

“She would always do anything we asked of her,” recalled DeAngelo. “We felt comfortable putting Mia just about anywhere in the field. If she had to pitch, we knew we could count on her.

“She was a special player who was very determined and had a good motor.”

After Marian, Nemeth decided to continue her career at Bloomsburg University and play the outfield.

Now, four years later, Nemeth has been pacing the Huskies with a stellar season at the plate.

Beginning this week, Nemeth led the team in hitting (.400), hits (30), RBIs (22), and was second on the team in runs scored (15) along with playing a flawless centerfield. Her production has helped the Huskies to a 15-9 record.

For Nemeth, the approach continues to be simple.

“We all know we have to play our game,” gushed the senior. “We all have to bring it every time we step on the field. We have stressed that all season.

“We have managed to play well against some of the better teams we have faced, but we also have played down to some of them. I do what I can to become a better player every day.”

Nemeth decided to make the four-year commitment to Bloomsbury partly due to her older sister Lindsay playing there as a middle infielder. Alexa, her oldest sister, played softball at Marian, but not in college.

“My sister always said good things about the program and college, and I had a good feeling about it,” noted Nemeth. “I went for a visit and could tell there was a good culture there. They also had a very good education program.

“It ended up that it checked all the boxes, and it was an easy ride from my house as well.”

Nemeth played in only nine games as a freshman, but was confident that centerfield would be her home the following season. At the time, Erin DelPierre was the incumbent there, and she was also a solid mentor.

“She (DelPierre) had a very good career, and I knew I could learn a lot from her,” stressed Nemeth. “She took me under her wing, and it really helped.

“I felt very good about taking over the next year, but I still had to prove to myself and others that I could do it.”

Nemeth did just that.

She started all 51 games her sophomore season, hitting .256 with four homers, 18 RBIs, and 20 runs scored, and was in all 54 games her junior year, hitting .221 with two homers, 22 RBIs, and 21 runs scored.

Off the field, the secondary English education major has been a two-time Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete, a two-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete, and a Division II ADA Scholar-Athlete.

Bloomsburg head Susan Kocher has relished her accomplishments every step of the way.

“She is an outstanding young lady and student-athlete,” beamed Kocher. “She truly understands the balance of being an athlete and excelling in the classroom. We have never had to worry about her performing well in both areas.

“Mia is a talented athlete who came to us with a high level of softball experience throughout her pre-college days. Her fundamentals, both defensively and offensively, are outstanding and she works extremely hard at continuing to perfect them.

“Mia is a wonderful role model and teammate both on the field and in the classroom. We have watched her mature and develop into a starter and consistent contributor for our program.”

Through it all, Nemeth has worked toward moderation in all phases.

“The biggest hurdle for me was the time management,” she emphasized. “At first, I was nervous about the whole situation.

“I needed to create my own schedule between dedicating time to my classes and softball. It was a matter of me understanding what I could do and couldn’t do, and not get too crazy about things. I really worked not to stress about things, and it has worked out.”

Nemeth has also never forgotten about her roots. She credits DeAngelo, former athletic director and football coach Stan Dakosty, and former girls’ basketball coach Paul Brutto as being driving forces during her high school career to shape and mold her future.

“Coach DeAngelo will always have a special place in my heart,” reflected Nemeth. “It was because of him that I want to be an English teacher. Coach Brutto and Dakosty were also looking out for me, and they helped me make it through the day.

“Being a teacher has been something that I wanted to do for my whole life. I remember a career day in kindergarten about being a teacher, and it always stayed with me.”

Aside from athletics and academics, Nemeth continues to keep her family and faith in the forefront.

“My dad (Joe) coached us when we were little,” said Nemeth. “He pushed us to practice and play hard. My mom (Jackie) and dad were there for all of our sporting events. I looked up to my sisters who really showed me the way.

“I have relied on guidance from my coaches and family, who both have guided me in my faith. We are a very Catholic family.”

Whether she has been on or off the field, Nemeth has realized how to keep a proper lens in her life. She has been doing her student teaching in Hazleton.

“In athletics, I have learned some valuable lessons about life,” said Nemeth. “I know that I have applied them every day. I have realized the impact teachers have had on my life, and I want to have an impact on student’s lives.”

And Nemeth surely has impacted Bloomsburg softball and beyond.