Salvatori commits to play for Western Illinois

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STERLING - Michele Salvatori wore a grin and her sweaty gray Western Illinois University T-shirt with pride Monday. The Newman senior was breaking in her new duds during the first day of girls basketball practice. She also was breaking the news with that shirt. As in Salvatori verbally committed to play basketball Monday for the Westerwinds beginning next season. Salvatori, a forward, received a full ride to the Macomb school. She will sign her national letter of intent Nov. 12. Jocelyn Mellen, a 2006 grad, was the last Newman girls basketball player to go D-I when she committed to Marquette University. "I never really thought about playing Division I," said Salvatori, who averaged 14 points, five rebounds, six assists and four steals per game for the Comets last season. "I thought I'd go Division II." Salvatori won't be going it alone at Western. Her twin sister Megan will be by her side like always. Megan plans to stick to the plan and to try to walk on the softball team. "My sister's coming with," Michele said. "Before I was going anywhere she said, 'I'm going to go where you go.' That's the kind of person she is. She keeps me in line, makes me do my homework." "I'm so thrilled," Megan said. "I was so excited when she got offered. I'll probably stay on her about schoolwork and stuff. Make sure she's getting it done. "I just want to walk on the softball team, show them I can play. But whatever happens, happens." Michele was quite humbled by the whole recruiting experience. After recently visiting the school, she gave a commitment that proved it. "When [Western coach Leslie Crane] asked, I said, 'Sure, yeah, I'll verbally commit.' " Salvatori also was recruited by Lewis University and Cleveland State. But Western won out after discovering Salvatori two years ago during AAU season. The sisters helped lead Newman to the Class 2A Monmouth Supersectional last season. This season is full of even higher hopes. And fewer worries now that Salvatori has made her college choice.