Name: Sarah Willis
Grad Year: 2020
Club Team: Corona Angels 14u- Tyson
School: Canyon Hills Jr High
Stats from 12u PGF: Batting Average .429, ERA 1.07
Stats from Fall 2015 in 14u: Batting Average .451, ERA 1.8
Accomplishments: My 12u team won PGF Nationals. I pitched the Championship game.
GPA:  3.7
Position(s): P, OF, 1B

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So how does a Southern California girl get noticed by an SEC school like Auburn?
I was told I first caught Coach Corey's attention during PGF Nationals last summer.
 
Talk about your softball background: has it always been your primary sport or did you (or do you still) play other sports?
I started playing T-ball when I was 4. My dad told my mom I was too young, but my mom always does what she wants. While playing rec ball I fell in love with it. I would ask my father to take me to practice even when we were out of season. I played every spring and winterball season until I transitioned to Travel ball. 
 
I started playing travel ball in lieu of playing All Stars when I was second year 8u. I like playing with other players who were as intense as I was about the game. At the same time, I was dancing on a competition team (tap and jazz). I tried to do both for a few months but it was too much. My mom told me to choose one but I couldn't. So yes, she chose for me. SOFTBALL!! I have been playing ever since.
 
I did play soccer when I was younger, but when it interfered with Winterball I never tried it again.
 
At school, I play on the basketball team and also played on the co-ed Flag Football team this year. I'm hoping to play Volleyball and Basketball in high school.
 

Committing so young, any concerns about what could happen in the next four years before you hit campus?
What some consider committing young, I consider just the next step. Yes, I'm only in the 8th grade, but you would never know that when watching me on the field and in the circle. I read stories about coaching changes which sometimes effect scholarships. That would be the only thing that would be a concern. But knowing that the Athletic Department knows they have brought in the best coaching staff in the country, takes that concern away. I work extremely hard so I hope and expect to be one of the top pitchers in my class in 2020. If for some reason there was a coaching change, I would feel comfortable knowing that my talent on the field would speak for itself.
 

What was it about Auburn that led you to commit this early?
For me, it was a no brainer. But you have to know me and my competitive nature to understand. I want to play against the best, day in and day out. I didn't want to play in a conference where there were a couple of strong softball programs and the rest weren't. I wanted to be challenged every time I go out on the field.
 
Although I live in California, I get the SEC channel and not the PAC 12 channel. So all of the games I watch are SEC games. Seeing so many of these teams make it to the WCWS confirmed that was where I wanted to play in college. I made a list of my top 5 schools, and 3 of them were in the SEC. I was lucky enough to receive interest from four of those schools and I visited all four. All of the coaching staffs were amazing, but there is something I can't describe about Coach Clint, Corey, Casey, and Scott. I just knew this is where I belonged. I didn't want to go to anymore camps and I didn't want to wait and think about it (as suggested by my Coach Marty Tyson). There was no doubt that this is where I belonged. I want to be coached by the best and play with and against the best.

 I really work hard at being a pitcher as well as a hitter and outfielder. I've been told that I probably wouldn't be able to hit when I got to college which I wasn't happy about. Why should I have to give up something that I'm good at? While meeting with Coach Corey, he told me he first noticed me when I was playing as an outfielder. He talked to a coach and found out I was a pitcher and came back the next day to watch me pitch. Coach Corey believes if I continue to grow in all areas that he will be able to use me as a pitcher and utility player once I get to Auburn. So I couldn't pass up this opportunity.
 
Yes it is far away from home, but I have extended family members who live in the Atlanta area which is only 1 1/2 hours away in the event of an emergency and to spend holidays with.
 
When did you go to see the school and what did you think of the campus and area?
I attended the Auburn Camp during Christmas break. The campus was beautiful. It was kind of strange though, as there weren't many people around since it was winter break. I like the small town feel. I'm looking forward to going back to visit during the season to get a better feel for the campus. I hear there is nothing like football in the south so we're planning on visiting again during football season.



What was the best part of the recruiting process?
I really enjoyed traveling to different parts of the country and being able to meet some of the best coaches in College Softball. Seeing the coaches on TV is one thing, but having them live and in person was just...........Awesomeness!!!!!! 
 
 Having gone all the way to committing, what advice would you give to a young player just start to be recruited?
I would tell them to work hard, always play your best, and have fun. It's just softball!
 
 What's the funniest thing you've ever seen happen on the field?
 My teammate was going back for a ball, tripped and fell, and her feet flew up in the air. It was hilarious.
 
If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
 Justin Bieber........Because I love him and his music!!
 
What is your favorite school subject and why?
I love Science. I know it sounds strange, but I love dissecting organisms.
 
Do you have any nicknames?
On my last team, they called me Sara-nator. My mom likes to call me Pumpkin, but Marty Tyson told her it needs to stop immediately! Hahaha


 
If you could describe yourself in one word, what it be?
Happy! I love to laugh.
 
Imagine you were stranded on a desert island… what's the one thing you'd want to have with you (and it can't be a phone because there isn't any power!
Food and a friend to explore with! I'm very adventurous and I love to eat. Ooops, that is two.
 
What's the best advice you've ever been given?
Whether you are at practice, warming up, or playing in a game, always give 100%, as you never know who is watching you.
 
Finish the sentence: the best part of softball is   
playing with my friends and having fun.

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Beyond the Diamond: Corona Angels

Meet Marty Tyson from Corona Angels