Aurora Central Catholic's Corina Maratea makes big changes

New college. New last name. 'It's for my stepdad.'

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Aurora Central Catholic senior pitcher Corina Maratea has made some major changes this year, including flipping her college commitment to Georgian Court University and legally changing her last name to honor her stepdad, Jesse Maratea, who has been in her life since she was 8 years old.

Why it matters

Maratea is a standout pitcher who set her high school's single-season wins record last year, and her changes reflect her personal growth and commitment to her family. Her story highlights how student-athletes can navigate major life decisions during their high school careers.

The details

Maratea, a 5-foot-4 right-handed pitcher, had originally committed to Illinois College but reopened her recruitment after her assistant coach there took a job elsewhere. She then connected with the new coach at Georgian Court University in New Jersey, who had seen her pitch at a summer tournament. Maratea visited the school and accepted their offer, citing it as a 'better opportunity at a higher level.' Maratea has also legally changed her last name from Miller to Maratea to honor her stepdad, who she says has been a father figure to her since she was 8 years old.

  • In January 2026, Maratea completed the paperwork to legally change her last name.
  • For the 2026 season, Maratea will play for a new head coach, Paul Netzel, who was hired in December 2025 after the previous coach stepped down.

The players

Corina Maratea

A senior pitcher at Aurora Central Catholic High School who set the program's single-season wins record last year with a 16-4 record and 1.97 ERA.

Jesse Maratea

Corina Maratea's stepdad, who has been a father figure to her since she was 8 years old.

Paul Netzel

The new head coach at Aurora Central Catholic, hired in December 2025 after the previous coach stepped down.

Jim Gleason

The new head coach at Georgian Court University, who offered Corina Maratea a scholarship after seeing her pitch at a summer tournament.

Kiwi Moran

Corina Maratea's former assistant coach at Illinois College, who then took an assistant job at Marian in Wisconsin.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's definitely Maratea now. I'm really proud of it because it's for my stepdad, Jesse Maratea. He's my dad, I don't refer to him as my stepdad. When I turned 18, I told him I wanted to change my last name. I've been thinking about it for a long time.”

— Corina Maratea (Chicago Tribune)

“He had seen me pitch but it was months later, and when he originally called, he asked how tall I was because he had watched me from afar. When I told him, he didn't care. He just likes the way I throw the ball and the fact that I'm not afraid to go inside to hitters. That's one thing I really liked when I talked to him.”

— Corina Maratea (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Maratea will look to lead Aurora Central Catholic to a strong season in 2026 under new head coach Paul Netzel, as she continues to develop her pitching skills and prepares for the next chapter of her academic and athletic career at Georgian Court University.

The takeaway

Corina Maratea's story demonstrates how student-athletes can navigate major life changes during their high school years, from changing colleges to legally changing their names to honor important family members. Her commitment to her family and her sport serves as an inspiration for other young athletes facing pivotal decisions.