One of the most enjoyable parts of our player coverage is getting to discover the next generation of standout players and today we meet a Southern California freshman whose recruiting stock is starting to rise.

Her club coach, Ken Briggs of the So Cal Athletics-Briggs program, says of her: "She's a 5-foot-8 athlete who is a catcher but also can play outfield because she runs like a deer and has great power and strong arm."

Here's a closer look at the 2019 player who you'll be hearing a lot more about in the upcoming years!

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PLAYER: AUDREY SELLERS
Pos: C/OF
Grad Year: 2019
Club Team: So Cal Athletics - Briggs
High School: St. Lucy's Priory (Glendora, Calif.)
GPA: ​4.0

You're already 5-foot-8… are you usually the tallest one in your class? Do you like that or not?
Yes, I am one of the tallest. I like being one of the tallest because it gives me an advantage when I'm standing.  Being tall has its advantages and disadvantages. An advantage of being tall is I can go to concerts, games, etc. and still able to see over people's head.  A disadvantage of being tall is going to the high school dances with boys because I can't wear heels!

How did you first get into softball?
I started playing Little League baseball when I was five-years-old because my brother was playing and it made it easy for my parents to get us to practice. We are a baseball family and that was all I knew.  My parents transitioned me into softball when eight-years-old so that I can play with girls. I started out as a pitcher and middle infielder. When I was almost 12 years old, I told my parents I wanted to catch. After asking them over and over, bugging them, they decided to give me the opportunity. I had to take a step backwards to be able to move forward. It was very hard for me to take that step back, but I'm glad I did.  

Do you play other sports?
I played basketball and volleyball in middle school. However, in high school I am currently only playing softball because my AP/Honors track class rigor is time consuming and I needed to get accustomed to the homework load.   I plan on trying out for cross country or basketball next year now that I know how to manage my time. I will continue to play softball.

You're somewhat of an unusual combo in that you're a catcher and outfielder and according to Coach Briggs, you "run like a deer!" Do you think you'll be primarily a catcher or end up as an outfielder?
I hope to be a catcher, but if my coach needs me in the outfield or anywhere else I will play where I'm needed. I've been told I run like a deer for a long time. I just think I run fast because there are plays to be made, outs to get and I need to get on bases too. I seem it pick up more speed as I go. I'm working on a quicker jump start so I can get faster.

What's been your favorite softball experience so far?
My favorite softball experiences are going to Colorado for the Sparkler Tournament with my team or traveling with my team. We get to spend quality time together and we have fun competing!

If you could change any one rule in softball to improve the sport, what would it be?
If I could change one rule it would be the Infield Fly Rule because it would be interesting to see how the infielder and runners play it out.

Have you started getting ready for the high school season yet? What are your goals for high school this year?
Yes, my high school softball program has been preparing for the season since the beginning of the school year.  We have a new coach this year and my goal is to compete, go to playoffs and win CIF!

Speaking of high school, how would you describe the high school experience so far… fun, nerve-wracking, loving it, hate being a freshman, etc.?
My high school experience has definitely been a blast. It's a big change.  There's a lot of homework and it's important to have good time management. It's also an all-female high school.  I was nervous at first, but as time went on it got easier. Being a freshman is kind of hard because we are somewhat scapegoats. Freshmen are the newcomers and we are poked fun at by the upper classmen. It's all part of the high school process. Overall, I really enjoy high school and all my friends. I'm going continue to enjoy every minute of it because I know it will go by fast.

Do you have any superstitions or rituals you do on the softball field?
The main ritual is praying with my team before every game. We pray for our safety and express our gratitude for our teammates, our coaches, our parents, and the opportunity to play the sport we love.

What's your favorite movie of all time?
My favorite movie of all time is Transformers because I love cars and it's cool to see them take on a different form.

If you were stranded on an island for a year, what's the one thing you'd HAVE to have with you (can't have a phone, sorry… no reception!)?
If I was stranded on an island and had to have one thing with me, it would be a hammer so I can build a boat and go home!

What's the best advice you've ever been given?
The best advice I have ever been given is to never doubt myself because I can do anything I set my mind to do. Win or lose, I will have learned something along the way.

Where are you in the recruiting process… have you visited some schools, any offers, narrowed it down, wide open, close to committing?
Coach Briggs, Jen Schroeder (The Packaged Deal) and I are working on my recruiting. The process is exciting, yet overwhelming.  I have strong interest from DI schools from various conferences and I've been communicating with them.  My priority is finding the right fit with the combination of academics and athletic tradition. I've been invited to several camps, but I wasn't able to attend some of them this winter break because we were in the process of moving. I plan on visiting colleges this summer or fall and attending a few camps.  I have faith I will find a good fit. Until then, I will just continue to have fun playing the game I love.