Parker Conrad is a six-foot 2016 pitcher who attends Winter Park (Fla.) High and last fall committed to Missouri.

A flame-thrower whose goal is to reach 70 mph, a softball coach said, “There are not many pitchers in Florida her age with her potential.  Missouri gunned her at 66/67 mph in warm-ups and 65 mph in game at their camp.  It was after that that they offered her.”

Her club coach, Mark Tamanini of the Stingrays Gold, says about Parker: “She’s played with some younger teams in the past but has always competed against older players.  She is six-foot tall and is our hardest thrower.  Parker will probably play first base for us as well, but she’s always been a pitcher and is getting better every day.  She throws really hard and as a hitter is a legitimate home run threat.  Parker is a great fit for our team.”

Here’s a closer look at the Sunshine State standout…

 

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StudentSportsSoftball.com: You made a move to the Stingrays Gold in the fall of 2013.  What made you decide to make the team change? 
Parker Conrad: I wanted to play a more competitive schedule to get me ready for college softball.  The Stingrays Gold team from Orlando plays a very tough schedule and travels to many top showcases.  The team seemed like a great group of players and coaches.  Having players from different states is fun, it is a great fit for me.  I am very happy with the change.

 

SSS.com: How did the Coaches from Missouri first see you?
PC: Missouri first came and watched me pitch a year ago at a Diamond9 event in Orlando.

 

SSS.com: Did you seriously consider any other schools before committing to Missouri?
PC: Yes, I did… it was between Missouri, Florida Atlantic and Boston College.

 

SSS.com: What was it about Missouri that led you to commit there?
PC: Missouri has an amazing feel to it, the moment I got there it felt like home.  The campus is beautiful and the buildings have so much character.  When I met the coaches and players I knew I wanted to be a part of the Tiger family!

 

SSS.com: What is it about pitching that makes you enjoy it so much?
PC: Pitching is a part of me, I have been doing it forever.  I enjoy everything about it, being able to go out and compete against great competition every weekend.  I love being able to control the game with each pitch, even if I have a bad day or week, I still couldn’t live without it.

 

SSS.com: What are your best attributes on the mound?
PC: My size!  I am a pretty big kid, which allows me to throw the ball hard.  Also, my love for the game.  I care so much about what I do and I think it shows when I am on the mound.

 

SSS.com: As a 2016 you still have a lot of softball to play before you start playing for the Tigers.  What are some of your goals you want to accomplish during that time?
PC: My goals for the future are to dominate in high school  I hope to reach 70 mph before the end of my sophomore year.  I would like to be a pitcher that is ready to pitch in a conference game when I get to Missouri. I want to become a better leader, one that can communicate when no one else can.

SSS.com: Who is your softball role model?
PC: My softball role model, hands down, is Joan Joyce, the head coach at Florida Atlantic University.  Joan is one of the best pitchers who have ever played the game.  She knows everything you need to know to be successful.  I was lucky enough to have an amazing relationship with her growing up.  She taught me how to carry myself in tough situations and, more importantly, remember how to carry myself in situations.  I will always remember everything Joan has taught me, she has helped me grow as a person and as a player.  She means the world to me and I am so thankful for the relationship I have with her.