While still in junior high school, Alexys Haskins committed to the University of Tennessee and was poised to have a big freshman year until she was hit by a pitch and knocked out after only 14 games.

This summer, the speedy slapper was looking to contribute to her new club team, Birmingham Thunderbolts 99, and last week at the PGF 16U Premier National Championships in Huntington Beach, Calif., the 2018 infielder-outfielder helped the Bolts finish in the top five.

What’s next for the FloSoftball 2018 Hot 100 standout? FloSoftball caught up with her to find out…

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Name: ALEXYS HASKINS
High School: Ezell-Harding Christian High School (Antioch, Tenn.)
Year: 2018
Club: Birmingham Thunderbolts 99
Pos: MI/OF
Height: 5-foot-6
High School Stats: Batting average of .486 with 18 hits, 15 RBI, and five steals in 14 games.
College: Tennessee

FloSoftball.com: You were the third commit in your 2018 class. How are you now feeling about that decision?
Alexys Haskins: I’m very glad I committed early. I’m also a little nervous and excited just because I’m young, and I wanted to make the right decision. It felt right and I feel like I belong at Tennessee. It’s such a pretty campus!

FS: How do the Tennessee coaches plan to use you?
AH: Well, they’ve said they think that I’ll be an All-American and that I’ll play my freshman year so I hope that’s true! I was recruited to play second base, to get on base early in the lineup and to be a ‘table-setter.’

FS: What is a strength in your game that sets you apart and helped get you the SEC offer?
AH: I think it’s the fact that I can play multiple positions and have very good bat control at the plate.

FS: What is one part of your game you need to work on?
AH: The mental side.

FS: On the lighter side, what is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen or done on the field?
AH: There was this time during school ball when a girl got in a pickle and stuck her tongue out the whole time at the girl who was chasing her. She made it back to the bag so I guess it worked!

FS: What food would you never be caught dead eating?
AH:  Well, I’ve always eaten healthy and been a health nut, so I’d never eat anything fried. I’d never eat eggplant either.

FS: Well, being a health nut, this one may not apply to you but what is your favorite topping on ice cream?
AH: I’ll definitely eat ice cream! I’d probably say cookie dough.

FS: What is the primary color in your closet?
AH: I go to a private school and have to wear a uniform, so my wardrobe isn’t very exciting. Probably gray and white.

FS: Who is your hero?
AH: My hitting coach, Andy Haines.

FS: Describe yourself as a softball player in one word.
AH: “Relentless.”