It’s Friday and we’ve made it through another week!  Fun stuff today as we look more in detail at several candidates for the 2015 Hot 100 list, mention 14 more verbals to report and even have news coming out of the NFCA Convention…

 

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TOP 2015 HOT 100 CANDIDATES:

We’re starting something new today:  as we gear up to launch our 2015 Hot 100 list we’re going to give insights and behind-the-scenes looks at some of the girls who are on the watch list and are serious candidates to be considered as a Hot 100 player…

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IF/OF Kaitlyn Alderink (Team Mizuno Impulse)… committed to Texas A&M

Kaitlyn has been a study in perseverance as she’s overcome back-to-back torn ACLs and yet is better than ever and Big 12 bound.

Her first injury hit her right knee in November, 2010 while she was playing basketball, then the second the other seven months later in her left knee in June 2011.

The second torn ACL came after six months of intense rehab on her part from the first surgery and, as fate would have it, in her first softball tournament back with her club team.

After the second surgery and more intense rehab, she fought through a painful high school season in the spring 2012 to help her Grapevine, Texas team win a state championship.

During that spring, she began doing extra workouts six hours a week with a special trainer who works with female athletes who’ve been injured.  The train also works on injury prevention. With her body healed completely, and her mind much stronger, she played out of her mind that summer.

“Only someone who has been through something like this themselves, or with someone they love, knows the mental toughness it takes to come back so strong from injuries like this,” says her mother, Suzanne.

“I can’t even put it in words the strength Kaitlyn showed during this 18 month period, especially at the time of the second injury.  Softball was her passion before the injuries, and she proved it by her drive to come back and still play at the next level afterwards.  She is still working with this same trainer five to six hours a week on top of her softball work.  We owe him a lot, along with her coaches who never gave up on her.”

Last spring (2013), the athlete agreed to move from a private school to a public one when found out her high school would not have enough girls to make a team for her sophomore year.

“That took a lot of courage,” explains her mother, “to leave friends in the middle of the school year to go to a much larger school.  Kaitlyn ended up being able to contribute greatly to her new team and was voted to the TGCA 5A All-State team and earned Newcomer of the Year in her public high school district.”

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OF Justin Garganese (Firecrackers-Rico)… committed to Arizona

Justin is from Las Vegas and is being called the softball version of Bryce Harper (who’s also from the Nevada city).

She’s played softball since she was nine and as a lefty hit with power, although when she was younger she pithed for about three years and played first when needed.

Justin played for the Northwest Girls softball league before jumping to A Division Travel Ball where she was switched to centerfield where her strong arm drew attention and her all-around athleticism and powerful bat drew more comparisons—this time within softball, to Lauren Chamberlain.

She was seen by Javier Olmos, who coached the Firecrackers 16U team based in California, and the family decided to make the move despite the long distance rides across state lines.

“We decided to put all our money in the basket and drive her every week to Cali from Vegas,” he mother Jen says.  “She was on a great team that did great things for her. She played for them maybe eight months and we had a blast.”

Coach Olmos eventually called the family in and said that word about Justin had spread throughout the organization and that the head of the Firecrackers, Tony Rico, was interested in having her play for him.

“From that point on our daughters life changed,” her mother continues.  “Justin played for him for a couple months and he molded her into a player that she always wanted to be.”

Within a few months the Nevada star outfielder received interest from schools across the nation including Michigan, Tennessee and Penn State, but according to Jen Garganese, “Justin’s heart was with Mike Candrea at Arizona and she verballed to him at 16 years old.  We couldn’t be more happier and proud, all the hard work she’s put into it has paid off and she is going to her dream school.”

Note: here’s video of Justin taking some cuts in the cage…

 

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RECRUIT PROFILE: SHEMIAH SANCHEZ

Shemiah Sanchez, like another Southeast player we’ve profiled—Lele Ocasio, the pitcher headed to the Univ. of Florida—played on the Puerto Rico Jr. National Team  and led the team in hitting during the Jr. Worlds.

The outstanding infielder originally committed to Georgia Tech until the firing of Coach Sharon Perkins. During her time in Canada for the Jr. Worlds, LSU began to really recruit her with Tennessee and Mississippi State also in the picture.

Shemiah has been playing travel ball with the Georgia Impact coached by Buster Bass and her father and when Coach Bass decided to stay at 16U this year under the East Cobb Bullets, Shemia decided she wanted to challenge herself on 18 Gold and moved to the Atlanta Vipers-Loveless.

With the Georgia Impact under Buster Bass, Shemiah was part of five Top 5 finishes at either ASA or PGF nationals:

• 2013 PGF 16U — 5th place
• 2012 PGF 14U — 3rd place
• 2011 ASA 14U — 3rd place
• 2010 ASA 12U —  Runner up and ASA Hall of Fame Champion
• 2008 ASA 10U — 4th place

Shemiah has been a three years starter at shortstop for the East Coweta Lady Indians and has already tied the school record on hits with one more year to go and has the doubles record since the middle of her sophomore year.

She was part of a 5th place finish at the Jr. Worlds with the Puerto Rico team and will probably play with them next summer at the Worlds in Netherlands and still have another chance to the Jr. Worlds the following year also. This last year’s first one she just made at the legal age of 16 by one month.

Grad Year: 2015
Pos: SS
High School:  East Coweta (Ga.)
Club: Georgia Impact
College: LSU

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StudentSportsSoftball.com: Tell us how you were first seen by the LSU coaches, then how long til offered?
Shemiah Sanchez: I was seen by them in the 2012 fall season at a showcase in Watkinsville, Ga. At first I was committed to Ga Tech until early July when they had a coaching change. Then in mid July I was offered by LSU.

 

SSS.com: When did you decide to commit and what led into the decision?
 SS: I committed about a week or two after I had got offered. Originally I was going to wait until we were finished playing but I was too excited, I couldn’t wait any longer. My decision was based on coaching and academics.

 

SSS.com: How did you tell the coaches, in person, on the phone, on an unofficial visit?
SS:I called the head coach over the phone to let her know I wanted to become a tiger.

 

SSS.com: Playing on the Puerto Rican Jr. National team must have been exciting… what were some of your favorite memories and experiences?
SS: Bonding with the girls in the hotels and bus rides was the best part about playing with the Puerto Rico team. It has allowed me to travel the world.

 

SSS.com: You’ve gone from the East Cobb Bullets organization to the Atlanta Vipers… was that a difficult decision to make?
SS: Switching organizations wasn’t that hard but leaving my long time coach, Buster Bass was a very difficult choice to make.

 

SSS.com:  What do you think (or have others said) are your strengths as a softball player?
SS: Most people would say I’m athletic and you can pretty much play me at any position other than pitcher and catcher. They would also say that I can be a threat offensively cause I have a lot of power but I can also lay a bunt down and run it out. I have been told I am a 5 tool player.

 

SSS.com: Your dad has been one of your coaches, what’s been the good and bad about having him in the dugout?
SS: The good was that he was always at my games and the bad was I couldn’t take him serious cause he was my dad.

 

Quick Hitters (short answers)

 

Favorite food:
Hibachi chicken.

Least favorite food:
Roast.

Fill in the blank… my favorite part of softball is:_________________
… those intense games against really good teams and hanging out with my teammates.

If you could have dinner with any person in the world, who would it be and why?
Probably Beyonce because she has been on of my idols since I was a little girl.

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know?
I love stuffed animals!

What motto or phrase do you like or live by?
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing with you, what would it be?
Chicken.

What’s the best gift or service you’ve ever provided to someone?
When I was helping my cousin with his charity organization by passing out school supplies and snacks to the kids who really needed it.

Does your family have any Christmas or holiday traditions?
On Christmas Day the whole family gets together. We have dinner and exchange gifts.

 

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RECRUITING NEWS:

*** Elyse Babb, a 2016 catcher/third baseman with the Indy Edge Wolf team, has committed to Butler.

She attends East High in Columbus, Ind., and will get to stay close to home so the family, including her grandparents, can watch her play.

Elyse’s sister, Paige, is at Indiana as a freshman and her mother and grandparents graduated from the Univ. of Indiana, but this will not only allow allow to watch her play, she also gets to focus on what she wants to do for a living.

“I’m looking into going into education,” Elyse told TheRepublic.com, “and Butler has a phenomenal education program.  And I thought Butler had a coach (Scott Hall) who really wanted me.”

 

*** More verbals…

— P Sydney Warinner (2016, Louisville)… plays for Beverly Bandits

— OF Hailey Megge (2014, Army)… plays for Windermere Wildfire
— C/3B Elyse Babb (2016, Butler)… plays for Indy Edge
— C/3B Alejandra Rascon (2016, Cal. St. Northridge)… plays for California Grapettes
— MIF Madison Casto (2015, Campbell Univ.)… plays for Diamond Dusters
— OF/1B Nachelle Watson (2014, Florida A&M)… plays for Florida Elite
— OF/UT Michaela Hynes (2014, Florida Gulf Coast)… plays for Windermere Wildfire
— INF/OF Baylee Sexton (2016, Georgia St.)… plays for Atlanta Vipers
— P Amanda Chance (2015, Georgia St.)… plays for Atlanta Vipers
— C/3B Kaylynn Batten (2015, Longwood)… plays Carolina Flames Elite
— SS Montana DeCamp (2016, North Dakota St.)… plays for Iowa Blitz
— P/1B Alexxiss Diaz (2015, Sacramento St.)… plays for California Thunder
— OF/UT Meredith Moreland (2016, Texas A&M)… plays for Aces Express Gold
— OF/MIF Kali Jones (2015, UNC Wilmington)… plays for Windermere Wildfire

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PROSPECT TO WATCH:

Players: fill out our Player Submission Form, whether committed or not, and you may see your info used on our site! 

Name: Julia Smith-Harrington
High school: West Albany (Ore.)
City: Albany
State: 
OR
Grad year: 2016
Club: NW Blaze 16A; Oregon Blaze Gold (pick-up)
Position(s):  P/1B/MIF
Pitches: fastball, curve, rollover, screwball, rise, drop, change
Height: 5-11
College: uncommitted
Desired major: Physical therapy
Honors: 1^st team All-Conference, 2^nd team All-State pitcher as a freshman
Scouting report: been clocked at 60-21 mph on her pitches with good ball movement.  Also a power hitter who bats in the four-spot.
Events: invited to the OnDeck-produced Arizona Jamboree (Nov. 15 in Peoria, Ariz.); participated in the 18U All-Star games at the Fireworks Tournament in Colorado in July;  nominated for the All-American Team and played up at the 18Gold level
Video: click here for highlights

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EVENT NEWS: NFCA CONVENTION HONORS COACHES

Over 100 coaches were honored for reaching various career milestones on Thursday, December 5th, at the annual NFCA/Easton Victory Club luncheon during the second day of the 2013 NFCA Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

The NFCA/Easton Victory Club recognizes member head coaches for each 100 victories they achieve throughout their careers. Coaches being honored for achieving 1,000 or more wins received a beautifully engraved vase, those having reached plateaus stretching from 300-900 victories were awarded personalized plaques and certificates were presented to 100 or 200-win coaches in honor of their special achievements.

This year five coaches were lauded for either reaching or exceeding the 1,000-victory plateau: Ken Bailey of the SC Bandits hit the 1,200-win mark, Milton Simmons of Sports + Plus, the University of Tennessee’s Ralph Weekly and Central Michigan University’s Margo Jonker each picked up their 1,100th triumphs and George DiMatteo of Lewis University garnered his 1,000th victory.

Speeches were given by Michigan head coach Carol Hutchins and Hofstra head coach Bill Edwards and his staff.

“Hutch” got things started in front of an overflow crowd by presenting a talk entitled “Tradition, Hard Work & Success: Developing a Winning Program for the Long Term.”

Edwards and his staff took to the stage next with an informative presentation entitled “Choosing Your Optimum Team Defense.”

Later in the evening a popular NFCA convention tradition, the mentoring session, continued under the guidance of NFCA Hall of Famer Sue Enquist as over 100 experienced coaches volunteered to give advice and life lessons to over 600 head and assistant coaches.

A pair of hospitality events sponsored by Diamond Sports wrapped up the NFCA Convention’s second day, allowing coaches the opportunity to fellowship together.

 

2013 EASTON VICTORY CLUB HONOREES

100 Wins
William Baber, California Baptist University
Christy Connoyer, Saint Louis University
Shawn Hendrickson, Finlandia University
Roger Kincaid, Georgia State University
Ken Prorok, Dakota State University
Kelly Shannon, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
Jamie Trachsel, North Dakota State University
Ken Wade, KC Premier
Brad Wallach, East Central College

200 Wins
Glen Crawford, Reinhardt College
Ken Dischler, Chequamegon High School (Wis.)
Angela Froboese, Southwestern University (Texas)
Heather Hill, Union University (Tenn.)
Kevin Jannusch, Ashford University
Jessica Johnson, Brandeis University
Wesley Landrum, Frostburg State University
Keri O’Meara, Wellesley College
Charles Pikas, Pacheco High School (Calif.)
Scott Reese, Ancilla College
Chad Slyter, Valley City State University
Pete Soliz, Texas Force Fastpitch
Becky Stenning Pearl, Judson University

300 Wins
Rick Anderson, Oregon Silver Bullets
Nick Baumert, College of Southern Idaho
Richie Bruister, Texas A&M University-Commerce
John Conway, Saint Leo University
Brian Dewey, Mercyhurst North East
Ted Evans, Armstrong Atlantic State University
Betsy Hipple, Claremont McKenna-Mudd-Scripps Colleges
Wendy Hogue, William Carey University
Diane Lokey, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Scott Nielson, St. Amant High School (La.)
Diana Pepin, Eastern Connecticut State University
Scott Peterson, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Jim Piazza, Keystone High School (Ohio)
Thomas Thornton, Georgetown College
Kevin Werth, Piedra Vista High School (N.M.)
Joe Yegge, Kirkwood Community College

400 Wins
Craig Brooks, Lamar Community College
Donley Canary, University of Tennessee at Martin
Sean Cotter, University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Michelle Daddona, Riverside Community College
Amy Daigle, West Monroe High School (La.)
Melissa Frost, University of Indianapolis
Kristina Kistler, Augustana College (Ill.)
Donna Koczajowski, U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Lori Mayhew, Western New England College
Darren Mueller, North Dakota State University
Mike Reed, University of Texas at Tyler
Dawn Simmons, Lynchburg College
Jen Bagley Trotter, Missouri Western State University
Darren White, Saddle Brook High School (N.J.)

500 Wins
Kerri Blaylock, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Laneigh Clark, Pearland High School (Texas)
Lisa Costello, Towson University
Pam Fink, Oklahoma Baptist University
Jessica Jones-Sitzmann, Morningside College
David Kuhn, University of Central Arkansas
Elizabeth Luckie, Sacred Heart University
Mike McKenzie, Aurora University
Gay McNutt, Stephen F. Austin University
Mark Tucker, Texas Bombers Gold HTX
Al White, Madonna University
Jarred White, Topeka Stingers

600 Wins
Kevin Blaskowski, West Texas A&M University
Alvy Early, University of Arkansas, Monticello
Shena Hollar, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Debbie Huntze-Rooney, San Jose City College
Terri Knecht, Yavapai College
Margie Knight, Salisbury University
Kathy Leitke, Western Michigan University
Myra Minuskin, St. Xavier University
Mark Schusterman, Gulliver Preparatory School (Fla.)
Mary Jo Truesdale, Sheldon High School (Calif.)
Veronica Wiggins, Florida A&M University
Kim Wilson, Rowan University

700 Wins
Dale Atkinson, Indian River State College
Carol Bruggeman, University of Louisville
Jayne Clem, Wallace State CC-Hanceville
Ron Faubion, Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Mary-Ellen Hall, Houston Baptist University
Jacquie Joseph, Michigan State University
Jim Overturf, Indian Hills Community College
Deb Pallozzi, Ithaca College
Adam Renzi, NC Challengers
John Rittman, Stanford University
Mike Smith, McNeese State University
John Tschida, University of St. Thomas (Minn.)

800 Wins
Kent Chambers, Bob Jones High School (Ala.)
Sheilah Gulas, Ashland University
Rosemary Holloway-Hill, University of Louisiana at Monroe
Tim Kiernan, Sacramento City College
Judy Lawes, Kutztown University
Pat Murphy, University of Alabama
Mike Rappl, Canisius College
Rhonda Revelle, University of Nebraska
Ritchie Richardson, Olivet Nazarene University
Steve Warner, West Virginia Wesleyan College
Karen Weekly, University of Tennessee at Knoxville

900 Wins
Robert Coolen, University of Hawaii, Manoa
Clint Myers, Auburn University
Scott Smith, Texas Bombers

1000 Wins
George DiMatteo, Lewis University

1100 Wins
Margo Jonker, Central Michigan University
Milton Simmons, Sports + Plus
Ralph Weekly, University of Tennessee at Knoxville

1200 Wins
Ken Bailey, SC Bandits

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Players, parents and coaches:  want to know the best way to get us info on your favorite player?  Fill out our Recruit Form link and complete.  It comes directly to me (Brentt) and you very likely could see the info used somewhere on our site!

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If you’d like to submit information, forward to brentt@studentsports.com.  Also, follow us on twitter at @SS_Softball.