CARMEL VALLEY — This spring will mark the last chapter of Ali Adelman’s decorated career as a pitcher for the San Diego Jewish Academy softball team.

But soon thereafter, the 17-year-old right-hander will take her game to the next level at the University of Connecticut on a four-year full scholarship.

Adelman, now in her senior year, made her official announcement Nov. 20. She said that after visiting the campus twice with her mother — the first time during Christmas break of 2006 and again the following spring — the Huskies softball program offered her a full scholarship.

“You get the feeling when you’re there that athletics are such a big part of the school,” she said. “I really wanted to play there.”

Last season, Adelman earned numerous accolades at San Diego Jewish Academy, including Citrus West Conference “Most Valuable Player” and “Pitcher of the Year.” She was also named her team’s Most Valuable Player.

Adelman’s three-year win-loss record is 42-8 and she has thrown 628 strikeouts in only 273 innings. And she still has one more season to go — the Lions are looking to repeat as league champions in 2008.

“She is an extremely hard worker, and she’s been on a year-round conditioning program,” said Jeff Parrott, head softball coach at San Diego Jewish Academy. “She is a really focused person and loves to practice.”

Adelman said that once she began playing softball at age 9, she focused on pitching.

“Outside of organized practice with the team I would practice on my own and that’s what put me ahead,” she said. “I put in a lot of extra time with my dad, whether it was in the back yard or on the field.”

Parrott feels that Adelman will perform well at UConn, where she will be take the mound against Division I athletes from schools such as Notre Dame, Syracuse and Georgetown.

“She’s a very team-oriented person, which is one of the best things about her,” Parrott said. “From a coach’s standpoint that is a huge benefit. Ali always puts her team first, and that shows a lot of about her character.”