1 on 1 with CeCe Cellura on Why She Decided To Join Torina and the Tigers
- Justin Broussard
- 7 minutes ago
- 3 min read
CeCe Cellura has recently made headlines as she emerged among the top five pitchers to enter the transfer portal this year. Her decision to join the LSU Tigers stirs curiosity about her motivations and future goals as a Tiger. I had the privilege to speak with CeCe, gaining valuable insights into her decision-making, her previous experiences, and her expectations for her time at LSU.
Why Transfer?
When considering a transfer, many student-athletes often cite a need for more playing time. For CeCe, however, her choice was driven by a desire to elevate her skills and performance on the field.
“The reason for me entering the transfer portal is because I wanted to compete with the best, play on the biggest stage possible, and to fully develop my craft. I still have dreams I want to achieve, and to do that, I knew I had to put my name out there,” she explained.
CeCe's commitment to competing at a high level is impressive. Now, moving into LSU, where the team has consistently ranked in the top ten nationally, she aims to surpass that performance. This decision demonstrates her determination to challenge herself and grow as both an athlete and a person.
The LSU Attraction
CeCe's prior experience at LSU significantly influenced her return. She shared,
“Last year I played at LSU and absolutely fell in love with the atmosphere, the stadium, and honestly everything about it. When I came on my visit, it was everything I imagined and more. It felt right, which led me to commit on my visit.”
LSU's vibrant atmosphere plays an essential role in its appeal. The Tigers’ average attendance in 2022 was over 2,500 fans per game, which highlights the strong community support for the program. Combined with its strong reputation as a top-tier program in college softball, CeCe made a well-informed choice to come back to Baton Rouge.
What CeCe Brings to the Squad
Moving to a new team presents both opportunities and responsibilities. CeCe is confident in her unique contributions, stating,
“I feel like I could show that betting on and believing in ourselves will get us to where we want to go. If we continue to play for each other and believe in ourselves, then the sky is the limit for what we can do.”
Such a perspective emphasizes unity and self-belief—two vital elements for success. A proven leadership style can facilitate a positive environment for her teammates. CeCe’s attitude could significantly benefit the Tigers as they work towards their collective goals and building a winning culture.
Cherished Memories from San Diego State
As CeCe steps into this new chapter with LSU, she reflects warmly on her experiences at San Diego State.
“Something I will always remember is the feeling of community and being one unit,” she noted. “The game of softball gets so big sometimes that it is important to stay within the team and remember that you play for each other always.”
This sentiment captures what many athletes value in their careers—being part of something greater. While individual accolades are important, the sense of connection and teamwork often defines a player’s journey.
The Impact of Coach Beth Torina
One significant factor in CeCe's decision to join LSU is Coach Beth Torina. CeCe expressed her admiration, stating,
“After just hearing Coach Beth talk about how she wanted to develop me and my craft, I knew that this was the place I would get developed the most.”
Having a coach with hands-on experience as a former drop ball pitcher adds valuable insight that will shape CeCe’s skills in this area. This strong emphasis on skill development aligns perfectly with CeCe’s goal to excel in the circle.
“After watching LSU over the past couple of years, you see these pitchers with amazing drop balls that get hitters and are competitive pitches,” added CeCe, clearly showcasing her respect for LSU's coaching style.
She knew going into her visit just where she wanted to be as she states :
"I knew going into my trip to LSU that I was about to commit to a school with some of the best drop ballers, due to Coach Beth and what she does."
Looking Forward to New Challenges
CeCe Cellura’s transition to LSU embodies her ambition, passion, and commitment to personal and team success. The vibrant atmosphere at LSU, combined with the personal development opportunities offered by Coach Beth Torina, illustrates the solid foundation for her goals.