Girard senior eyes a fourth straight appearance at state

GIRARD , Ohio (WKBN) – Incredible might be a pretty good word to describe Girard senior Mia Malito’s athletic career.

“The last four years have been incredible,” Malito said. “I’ve had a lot of dreams, you know, making it to state, being high in the all-time leading scorers.”

Nine varsity letters between four years of basketball and track, with one year of golf mixed in, and that’s only the beginning.

“So those are really just the goals I’ve had, and I’ve been able to reach those goals. I just got to finish it up this week and hopefully qualify for State again,” Malito said.

Malito, who is committed to the University of Dayton, has qualified for the state track meet each of her first three seasons.

“I never even really thought of track, but I started my freshman year because of my brothers and ever since then I’ve never looked back like I’ve loved it so much,” Malito said. “It’s became my favorite sport and now, you know, my dream is to run at the division one level and I conquered that dream so I’m just really excited to get there next year.

She also made her mark on the basketball program, finishing top 10 all-time in scoring, and capped it off by averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds per game her season year.

But she attacks academics the same way: with a 3.8-grade point average and already 39 college credits to her name before graduating high school.

“Last year, I could have actually graduated because I finished all my high school classes, and I kind of just want to prepare myself for college,” Malito said. “So, I started taking all those college classes, get a head start…but they’ve challenged me, I think I’m more prepared for next year when I get there.”

On top of all of that, Malito is also involved in four of five different clubs, showing future Girard Indians that it’s possible to make it all work.

“I would say anything is possible. My freshman year I never thought about making it to state, but I was able to do it,” Malito said. “I put my mind to it, and I worked really hard and just make sure you focus academically and work just as hard at your sport.”

After graduation, Malito will continue her academic and track career at the University of Dayton.

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