Paige Simpson is going through the NCAA softball program at the right time.
The 20-year-old from Elnora is able to put her name into the transfer portal after two years with Idaho State University (ISU).
She just committed to Marshall University in West Virginia.
She enjoyed her time with ISU but felt she had more to give.
“I just wanted to make a change,” she said during the telephone interview.
“I think I have more to give … it was frustrating at times. Now I want to see what I can do to reach my full potential and I have a chance there.”
During her two seasons with ISU Simpson played in the majority of the team’s games although her plate appearances were down from several of the top players.
Still, during the 2024 season, she was third with on-base percentage of .406, third in walks with 17, second with 18 stolen bases in 19 attempts and seventh with a .263 batting average. She also had 99 assists, which was led the team by 24.
Her overall performance earned her a Big Sky All-Conference honourable mention for the second year in a row.
Simpson was one of the top shortstops to come out of the Red Deer Rage program and the St. Joseph’s Academy.
She played shortstop her first season with ISU and shortstop and third base her second.
“It was good to get that time at third … it helps to be able to play more positions,” he said.
Paige fondly looks back at her time in Red Deer.
“Without St. Joe’s and the coaches there I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she said. “The Rage was also a good program. We won the provincials and I got an opportunity to play with Team Alberta.”
She also was on the radar to make the Junior National team, but Covid hit.
“I was among the final 25, but they didn’t announce the team because of Covid, which was disappointing,” she added.
Simpson is hoping her final two years at Marshall will catch the eye of the Canadian National team coaches.
“That’s on my radar,” she said. “I’m not sure where these next two years take me, but that would be cool.”
Simpson is able to talk with Kelsey Lalor on a regular basis. Lalor, who played basketball at the University of Saskatchewan, was one of the premier players in the world in baseball and transferred to softball at Boise State for two years where she was an all-star.
“She’s my boss with the Sylvan Lake Gulls,” said Simpson, who works with the Western Canadian Baseball League team’s game day crew.
“We talk a lot and she was knowledgeable when it came to the transfer portal,” said Simpson, who felt playing in the States helped her grow.
“100 per cent,” she said. “There’s a lot more teams and good coaching. I feel I improved the knowledge side of the game as much as anything.”
Despite moving on from ISU, Simpson said, “I met some great people, and everything happens for a reason. I know I’m excited about the future.”
When Simpson was 15, she was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, which affected her jaw as much as anything.
But she wasn’t going to let that stop her and today it’s not something which bothers her.
“I hardly think about it … it’s kind of went away,” she said. “I think it was good that I was so young when it was diagnosed.”
As for her immediate future Paige is with a team from Saskatchewan at the Canada Cup tournament in Surrey, B.C., this weekend.
“It was a team I played with one winter, so we have this alumni team, and we’re heading out … it should be fun.”
As for her distant future, she isn’t about to commit to anything.
“I’m taking health sciences, but I’m not sure what my plans are. I’ve spent my whole life playing sports and not worrying about the future. Right now I want to focus on softball and then figure that out.”
She wouldn’t mind staying involved in the sport.
“Playing softball I’ve met a lot of people and you have those connections so you never know what could come up.”
Paige’s brother Cleary, who is also using the transfer portal. He did spent two years at Colby Junior College and two with Northern Kentucky University, but was awarded a fifth year because of Covid.
He’s using it to attend Florida Southern University.
Cleary was also a star with the Gulls, but according to Paige needs some time off this summer.
“I think his body needed a rest,” she said. “It’s a lot of games, playing college and then right in the Gulls where they play almost every day … a condensed college season.
“I know he loves the Gulls and being around them but he also has pulled muscle and wants to make sure he’s fully recovered.”
Danny Rode is a retired Advocate reporter and member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame who can be reached at danrode@shaw.ca