TOWSON, Md. - Sometimes the choices we make don't necessarily work out the first time around and it takes a second try to find that perfect fit. Such is the case of junior second baseman Mindy Bean, who transferred into the Towson softball program prior to the start of last season. 

For Bean, it was the second transfer of her career. While in high school, Bean transferred from California to Oregon for school.  When it came time to choose a college, Bean was recruited by several schools, including Towson and Oregon State. In the end, the Oregon native chose Oregon State. 

“I really liked the schools I looked at, including Coach Lisa Costello and the Tigers,” says Bean. “In the end, I picked Oregon State because it meant being close to home and my family, especially my little brother.” 

However, after a year at Oregon State, Bean realized it wasn't the right fit and she needed to look for another school and place to play. 

“I was nervous,” admits the junior. “I thought that all the schools I had rejected during the initial recruiting process were going to tell me ?no' this time around, but Towson came up and still wanted me and I thought I'd give it a try.” 

For Bean and the Tigers, it seemed to be the perfect fit. She started all 63 games at second base last year and earned second team All-Colonial Athletic Association honors.

Bean comments, “I was nervous about coming into the program because I wasn't sure how I would fit in. But, Towson has girls from all over the country on its roster and I think that really helped me to fit in.” 

Bean hit .333 last year and set a Towson single-season record with 47 runs scored and 105 total bases. Her seven triples also ranked ninth in the country. 

This year, Bean has provided much of the same for the Tigers. She is batting a team-high .363 with 13 doubles, two triples and two home runs. Her 37 runs batted in are just four shy of the Towson single-season record. Earlier this year, she recorded the 100th hit of her career. 

“Mindy is an extraordinarily athletic kid,” says Coach Costello. “She works incredibly hard and it benefits not just her but the team as well. 

“I joke with Mindy about having to recruit her twice,” Coach Costello adds. “But, it really has proven to be a good fit for the program and for her since she got here.” 

As Bean and the Tigers enter the final stretch of the regular season and battle for seeding in the upcoming CAA Tournament, the junior is hoping for a strong finish. 

“We got back to the CAA Tournament last year after a two-year absence,” she says. “Now, we want to take that next step. I believe this team is the perfect fit. On any given night, any of us can step up and lead this team to that big win.”

-- TIGERS --