West Aurora's Sara Tarr switches gears, changes college commitment to Ohio State. But before? ‘I was freaking out.'

Chicago Tribune

16-03-2025

One day can make quite a difference.
Early last June, everything was going pretty well for West Aurora's Sara Tarr. The previous October, she made up her mind, committing to play softball for Miami of Ohio coach Kirin Kumar.
Then, in Kumar's fourth season, the Redhawks produced a program-record 49 wins that featured a fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance while leading the nation with 160 home runs.
But Tarr, a hard-hitting shortstop, checked her X account, formerly known as Twitter, on June 4.
'(Kumar) got the Ohio State job,' she said. 'I saw it on Twitter everywhere. I was freaking out. (Kumar) couldn't tell anyone about it until OSU officially announced she had been hired.'
Kumar did call Tarr that night, however, trying to reassure her suddenly former recruit.
Also that night, Kumar spoke with Lauren McNulty, Tarr's travel coach with the Dennison Silver Hawks travel team since the bright young prospect was 13.
'I had developed a really good relationship with coach Kumar,' McNulty said. 'It's horrible any time that happens because there's so much pressure involved with recruiting.
'You finally make a decision and commit, feeling fortunate your future is set. You let out a big sigh because it's like the weight of the world off your shoulders. Then, everything is turned around.'
Fortunately, it worked out in the end for Tarr. She's back in a good place and looking forward to her senior season for the Blackhawks after committing on July 8 to — you guessed it — Ohio State.
'Miami had good facilities and a lot going for it, but everyone wants to get to a Power Four,' Tarr said. 'There's a crazy difference. The weight room is bigger. There's a dining hall for athletes.'
And the school's academic offerings are top-notch quality, too.
After reopening her recruiting, Tarr had coaches from multiple Power Four conferences flying out to see her play in the summer, but the relationship she developed with Kumar and her coaching staff in the 18 months leading up to her decision to commit to Miami of Ohio played a big part.
West Aurora coach Randy Hayslett can't wait to see what Tarr's final high school season brings. He'll bat Tarr leadoff again. She'll be joined by sister Anna, a sophomore who also plays volleyball.
'I want my best hitter getting the most at bats,' said Hayslett, who worries about other teams pitching around his star.
The 6-foot Sara Tarr had her freshman year cut short by labrum surgery in her throwing shoulder. She continued to dominate pitchers after returning, posting a .513 career batting average.
Hayslett expects Tarr to set multiple program career records. West Aurora's return to the Upstate Eight Conference, which hasn't been as strong as the Southwest Prairie, also should help.
'The thing what makes her very special is her work ethic, which is second to none,' McNulty said. 'She also has a tremendous softball IQ.'
Tarr, who missed West Aurora's run to the supersectional during her freshman season, would like to experience an extended playoff journey. It will be a challenge, though.
The Blackhawks will be young this spring after losing eight seniors to graduation. Keira Hayton, a center fielder, is the only other senior in the starting lineup.
West Aurora will have speed to burn, which could also key the defense, but the growth of young pitchers will be big along with the growth of four sophomores who played last spring on varsity.
Because of that, Tarr's leadership will be important, as well as her knowledge and experience.
'I think part of it is she's grown up in a sports environment with two older brothers who have or are still playing college baseball,' McNulty said. 'Exposed to so much, she takes everything in, every practice, every game, as much as she can.'