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Maria Rizzolo was ready to skip college and head straight for the pro tour until the coronavirus pandemic began gripping the world last March.

Five-Star Senior Maria Rizzolo Has Signed with Minnesota
© Contributed Photo

Given more time to reflect and less events to play, the five-star senior from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida reconsidered her options.

“I decided I wanted to go to college first and get an education,” she said. “I felt my level was there to go pro if I was given time and everything, but it just made sense to go to college and have more years of practice and be able to compete in a lot of matches every weekend.”

Rizzolo began sending out emails to college coaches in most of the major conferences. Minnesota didn’t enter her mind until she received an email from assistant coach Meghan Kelly.

Rizzolo felt a strong connection with the Golden Gophers staff, and signed to play for Minnesota last month.

“I really loved talking to them. They just had really good energy and positiveness,” Rizzolo said. “They really sold it for me. They really wanted to make sure I continued to develop in college and wanted the best for me.”