Two weeks ago yesterday—Monday, September 29, 2025—the Lombardi family held a party that was a long time in the making.

Grace Lombardi, the outstanding middle infielder ranked 31st nationally in the Line Drive 2027 HOT 100 released earlier in September, made a phone call that certainly called for a celebration… and a party that was well-deserved.

It was at that time that that the junior at Red Bank (New Jersey) Catholic High School called the Penn State softball coaching staff and told them she would like to verbally commit to the Big Ten school.

Surrounded by her immediate family—including her father Bart, her mother Tracey, her brothers Cole and Bryce and her grandparents, Steve and Maureen Yarosz—Grace finalized her college decision and, once the phone call was done, the family had a joyful celebration in the kitchen decorated in Penn State blue and white colors.

“When I committed, my parents already decorated the kitchen with Penn State decor and Penn State-themed desserts!” the young athlete fondly recalls.

“We celebrated immediately after!”

That moment was another highlight in a very accomplished softball career to this point.

Earlier this year, Grace led her Red Bank Catholic High team to the Shore Conference championship—the team’s first title in 15 years—as the 5-foot-8 junior batted .518 with a .529 on-base percentage and a 1.252 OPS.

She also drove in 28 runs, scored 22 herself and stole 11 bases to lead her prep team to a 19-5 record and a final No. 7 state ranking, made more impressive when you consider she plays in the toughest division in New Jersey with multiple D1 pitchers.

Grace has been recognized for several years as one of the top prospects in her class. Here’s how her Line Drive HOT 100 bio read:

T-31—Grace Lombardi, IF, Newtown Rock 18U Gold – Garvey
Grace is a 5-foot-8 slick-fielding starting shortstop for Newtown Rock 18U Garvey. She helped lead the team to a 30-13-3 record this summer competing against the top 18U teams in the country. Defensively, Grace finished the summer with a .933 fielding percentage and has an advanced defensive skill set with the ability to throw from all arm angles, plus has good range, a strong arm, elite footwork and a high softball IQ. A Power 4 coach commented that she was the best defensive shortstop the coach saw play this summer. Offensively, Grace hits in the two hole and has gap power, hits for a high average, and has plus speed, For the summer, she had a .356 batting average, .947 OPS, nine doubles, and 10 runs scored. In the biggest tournaments of the summer, (IDT, Easton Invite, PGF Nationals) Grace excelled with a .400 batting average and a 1.084 OPS. Last spring for Red Bank (N.J.) Catholic High she had a .518 batting average, a 1.252 OPS, 28 RBIs, and 11 steals. Head Coach Joe Garvey says: “Grace is one of the best shortstops to come through our program and has two more years to further advance her game.”

But it hasn’t all been party favors and sweet desserts.

As Grace detailed in an amazingly powerful article—one of the best of the year, we believe—she wrote for Line Drive last May in an article titled “The Season I Sat Still,” about how she had to battle back from a scary eight-hour surgery to remove a bone tumor.

The experience ultimately showed her love of the sport and her resilience and determination to come back post-surgery better than ever.

And that she has.

Now, she’s going to the same Power 4 school where her mother played softball and the story has quite the happy ending.

One certainly worth of a Blue & White party to celebrate.

Here’s more on Grace’s commit via our Q&A with her…

*****

When did you officially commit?
I verbally committed to Penn State University on September 29, 2025.

How did you do it and where?
By phone with the Penn State coaching staff. I made the phone call surrounded by my family at our kitchen table.

What factors were key in your choice?
Penn State offered the perfect blend of elite academics, Big Ten competition, and a coaching staff that values versatility, leadership, and work ethic.

What did your future coaches say they liked about your game enough to offer you?
My future coaches appreciated my ability to make consistent, impactful plays up the middle, including strong defensive range, quick and accurate throws, and my overall softball IQ at shortstop and second base. They also valued my competitive presence on the field.

Have they said how they see using you once you are on campus?
Penn State envisions me as a dynamic middle infielder with the athleticism to contribute in multiple ways and as a strong left-side hitter in the lineup. I plan to work harder than I ever have so that the moment I step on campus, I’m fully prepared to make an impact. I know with the training and guidance from my coaches, Joe Garvey and Dan Santelli, I’ll be ready to compete at the highest level!

Where all did you take official visits to?
I had the incredible opportunity to visit Ohio State (Sept. 5–7), Penn State (Sept. 12–14), and Boston College (Sept. 26–28). I am so grateful for the interest and opportunities from multiple Big10 and ACC programs, but after taking the time to reflect, I realized I didn’t need to look any further—my heart was already set on Penn State. I’ve found my home, and I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter!

Looking back on your softball journey and where you are today, what emotions come to mind?
Some dreams feel too big to ever come true… and yet, here I am. 💙🤍 Today marks a milestone I will never forget and I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

To my incredible coaches Coach Joe Garvey and Coach Dan Santelli  —you saw my potential even when I doubted myself, pushed me to be better every day, and inspired me to never give up. I am endlessly thankful for your guidance and belief in me.

To my family—your love, sacrifices, and unwavering support have been my foundation. Every early morning, every late night, every word of encouragement brought me to this moment.

This is just the beginning, and my heart is full. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball