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NASHUA – Nicole Perault went from making the varsity softball her freshman year at Nashua High School North to becoming an All-State player.

She’d love to repeat that path to success at Norwich University.

Perault has recently verbally committed to the Norwich, Vt. School, and now the Titans’ two All-State players are set to play softball in college. North’s Alexis Miranda is headed to SUNY-Cobleskill.

“I took her on varsity her freshman year because I believed she was a player who was going to give me 100 percent every single day,” Titans coach Jenna Giannelli said of Perault, who has played both in the infield and outfield. “She has continued to surprise me as both a player and a young woman.

“I know she will go on to accomplish amazing things at Norwich.”

Perault said she began looking into Norwich last summer, and had an overnight visit in November that included attending a men’s hockey game.

While at that game, she said via email through Giannelli, “I realized that the community and liveliness of the Norwich environment was exactly what I was looking for.”

But the main reason she is choosing Norwich is because of its nursing program, so she can pursue what she calls her “dream” of becoming an OB/GYN nurse practitioner.

“I told myself, ‘You know Nicole, you’re going to college for education, not sports’,” said Perault, who is a National Honor Society and AP (Advanced Placement) student, plus a church volunteer.

Perault was a solid on-base player for the Titans, often their leadoff hitter.

“She is extremely versatile,” Giannelli said. “I’ve played her at second, third, outfield and even put her on the mound a time or two and she never disappoints. I’m also so proud of her efforts in the classroom and in the community.”

Perault said she clicked with Norwich coach Craig Billings.

“He believes in my speed and agility as a player, not through home runs,” she said. “I can’t wait to bring my small-ball game over to Vermont with me.”

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