When Cloe Mallory joined the Central Michigan softball bullpen before the 2018 season, she knew it would be different than any other challenge she's already faced.

In high school, Mallory was named First Team All-State in 2016 and was a four-year letter-winner. She boasted a .60 earned run average and recorded 416 strikeouts in her career at Inland Lakes High School.

The freshman was an ace at Inland Lakes. Now, she doesn't have the same role.

Mallory joined seniors Taylor Weaver, Hanna Warren and junior Laura Vaccaro who have already had collegiate pitching experience in the bullpen.

“You’re used to being the starter (in high school), but when you enter a Division I sport you have to feel out your role,” Mallory said. “You have to find what you can contribute to the pitching staff and what spot you are.”

So far, Mallory has already made an impact in the starting rotation. The Alanson native has started five games and made eight pitching appearances. She's posted a 2-2 record with a 3.27 ERA.

Mallory said the other pitchers have been welcoming to her since the first day she joined the team.

“It was never intimidating at all,” Mallory said. “The three seniors have a lot of knowledge. They have so much to teach us and being a freshman, it’s extremely helpful to have.”

Warren said teaching and giving advice to Mallory hasn't been a challenge thanks to her personality.

“Cloe’s very unique, she’s very personable and is always willing to learn,” Warren said. “To be honest, she’s just a special individual that came prepared to play at the college level. She’s an over thinker, in a good way. Cloe likes to think about how she’s affecting the team and is always working to get better.”

During Mallory's recruitment, head coach Margo Jonker loved her pitching traits.

“Cloe had a lot of confidence and for being in high school was throwing with a lot of heat,” Jonker said. “Her rise-ball was really jumping. We really looked at her personality on the field and the pure ability to pitch.”

Mallory only needed one trip to Mount Pleasant to know she wanted to come to Central Michigan.

“They just seemed like a great family,” Mallory said. “Coach Jonker seemed like another mom to me, it was really an easy decision.”

While Mallory has struck out six batters this season, she’s walked 12 and allowed 12 earned runs on 33 hits.

“(Cloe is) still trying to find her groove which will take awhile,” Jonker said. “She has to find her mechanics and become the pitcher she was again. I like who she is and love her work ethic, she will get back to where she needs to be.”

Mallory understands there is a process that takes time to becoming a great college pitcher. She see’s herself being one of them in a few seasons.

“Even as a freshman or underclassmen they talk about being a leader right now and I’m striving to be that,” Mallory said. “We have a great group here and I just want to make myself better while helping the team.

“In two or three years, I want to be in the position our upperclassmen are at right now.”