Los Angeles, Ca. -- GMU softball alumnus Marina Vitalich was inducted into the Los Angeles Sportswalk of Fame this past Monday. Her career in athletics is defined by her commitment to excellence and leadership. As a San Pedro native and third-generation graduate of Mary Star of the Sea High School, she was one of the most decorated athletes ever to come out of that region. She set records in wins, strikeouts, and also recorded many perfect games and no-hitters. 

"The ceremony was amazing and truly an honor to join such a prestigious group of athletes," said Vitalich. "It was not only a great day for me but for my former teams and universities."

Vitalich was a standout player on George Mason as well as on the national level, earning Atlantic 10 Co-Pitcher of the Year in 2017. Marina also sits atop George Mason's all-time strikeout list with 551 punch-outs. In her final season at GMU, she was named to the A-10 Second Team All-Conference and notched consecutive Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Week Awards. Additionally, she leads Mason softball in all-time saves with six, securing that honor against George Washington. Throwing nearly 500 innings, she accumulated 40 complete games, with nine being shutouts. In 2016, she earned All-Rookie and Second-Team All-Conference honors thanks her to 1.87 ERA, as well as a spot on the First-Team All-Conference in 2017. 

George Mason softball coach, Justin Walker, stated "Her legacy is more than strikeouts and wins—it's the standard she set for future athletes through her determination, character, and impact on and off the field". 

After sitting out most of her junior season with an illness, Vitalich was once again in top form. She threw over 100 innings, with a 2.38 ERA. Her efforts after a six-month long recovery earned her another accolade, being named to the A-10 All-Conference Second Team and the A-10 Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll. 

After graduating from George Mason, Vitalich used her final year of eligibility at Loyola Marymount while attending law school. As the Lions' ace pitcher, she earned First Team All West Coast Conference honors, leading the league in conference wins and strikeouts.

Marina Vitalich also represented her home country, Croatia, on the national stage. Competing for Croatia from 2015 to 2024, she pitched in tournaments in countries such as Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Poland. She was also instrumental in growing softball in Croatia, helping to raise funds for equipment for young players across the country.