In her sophomore season at Millersville University, Delaney Troxell got back to her norm.

After a year in a different role, Troxell was back to her familiar surroundings of her Catasauqua days when she was one of the area’s more dominant pitchers. She also worked on improving her overall game in the offseason.

“Last season, my responsibility was to be the closer,” noted Troxell. “This year, I [started] more games, and my mindset needed to change. In the offseason, I worked with a strength coach to build more endurance. I am focusing on being able to throw a complete game at a college level.

“During the season and preseason, I worked on my mental characteristics of the game.”

Troxell made 31 appearances with a career-high 27 starts, finishing with a 15-14 record. She claimed the role as ace, posting a 3.79 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. She threw 158 innings with 11 complete games and one shutout. He had 93 strikeouts, including matching her career high of seven back on March 21 against Mansfield. She even chipped in at the plate with five hits and three RBIs in 15 at bats.

Whatever the case, Troxell is ready.

“My role on the team is to help my team no matter what,” stressed Troxell. “If I am starting a game, my role is to be present and give my all to support my fielders in making defensive plays or striking people out. If I am not throwing, my job is to hype my teammates up for their at-bats or when they are about to go out in the field.”

Through their first 16 games this past season, the Marauders went 10-6. Over Spring Break, they played in Virginia and North Carolina. Troxell had to make some changes in the new environment and climate. Unfortunately, the team finished 21-31 overall.

“We had a relatively slow start to the season this year due to the cold, snow, and rain, but we were able to squeeze in our first game against Goldey-Beacom on Feb. 28,” said Troxell. “Playing down south was definitely an adjustment because of the weather, but these games showed our team what we have to clean up.”

Troxell saw herself taking a heightened stance on the team this season.

“My responsibilities can vary depending on whether I am in the field or not, but my job is to thrive in whatever role I get put in,” said Troxell. “I want to be a positive, impactful leader.”

Head coach Jen Probst sees a similar picture about her pitcher. Probst has some Catty roots with her uncle Mike being a quarterback for the Roughies and Lehigh.

“As a rookie last year she threw a lot of innings,” emphasized Probst. “Many of which were her coming back in a game as a closer in tough situations. Those mental and physical challenges have helped propel her to be an even stronger pitcher this year.

“Delaney is a natural leader and is always looking to connect with her catcher and field players. She has a great work ethic and is looking to improve every bullpen. It’s a lot of fun calling pitches for her and watching her attack hitters. As the game progresses, she is able to adjust her pitches or execute a new series of pitches.”

A special education major, Troxell played for a 23U team for the Phantoms organization and Emmaus Sting.

So far, her Millersville experience has been a fulfilling one.

“Yes, Millersville has been everything I thought it would be,” gushed Troxell. “I have support from my coaches and administration. I also have great professors and educational leaders that are providing me with a great experience.

“When I first stepped on this campus, I instantly felt like I was home. Softball continues to teach me more about life and creating endless memories with teammates.”