SALEM, N.H. — When Bailey Ruel first committed to play Division 2 college softball, the Salem High School senior picked an alternate path.
It would not include high school ball this spring.
Making things official with a small ceremony on Saturday and selecting Post University in Connecticut, Ruel is confident her choice will pay immediate dividends at the next level.
“I believed I’d be more productive, working on my own and focusing on what I needed to work on to be ready for the jump to college softball,” the right-handed pitcher said. “I have played softball a lot of springs, but I’ve seen much more progress working on my own this spring than any other. I’ve definitely made the most of the time.”
Ruel’s career at Salem last three years. In 2024, she came on strong, overcoming an arm injury, posting a 5-1 mark with a 3.43 ERA in 47 innings of work. She overwhelmed Spaulding with a five-hitter in the opening round of Division I playoffs, then delivered six strong in the extra-inning, 3-2, quarterfinal loss to Winnacunnet.
As an athlete and a prospect, Ruel is coming on strong.
“Over the past two years, I’ve noticed a lot of improvement in my physical ability, the mental side of the game, and with my hitting, too,” said Ruel, who will hit Post as a pitcher/first baseman/DH. “I will get the chance to hit in college.”
She chose Post amid a sea of options.
“The Post coach (Julie Meyer-Jones) is very qualified for her job. She knows the game inside and out. She played at a ‘Power 5’ school (California) and coached at the ‘Power 5’ level (Ole Miss),” said Ruel, who will study sports management. “I love the school. It’s close enough to home, and everything seemed to fall into place. It just feels right.
“I’m so excited. It’s something I’ve dreamed of as a little kid, and I’ve finally made it happen.”
Before Ruel sets foot on campus, she will take to the diamond for a busy summer on the road with the Rhode Island Thunder and the Delaware Heart club programs.
She’ll play a slew of tournaments locally and add trips to New Jersey and Tennessee to the mix.
“My arm feels great, and that injury has not presented itself since last spring,” she said. “I’m ready to go, for sure.”