Today we head to Southern California to learn more about a top junior catcher who could have been committed by now except for a broken wrist that made her miss much of last season.

She’s back having a great year at the high school level and poised to have a strong summer season with her club team.

Here’s more on this 2016 to watch…

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Name: MADI GIMPL
High School:  Sonora
City:  La Habra
State: Calif.
Grad Year: 2016
Club:  Firecrackers Blanco 18G
Position(s):  catcher/third base/utility
Height: 5-7
GPA: 4.0

High School School Stats: through 21 games has a .500 batting average and .547 on-base percentage with 20 RBI
High School Honors: Scholar-Athlete (three years), Team Captain, varsity as a freshman.

Club Stats: Last two years Madi has averaged over .600 hitting at PGF Nationals
Club Honors:  Has had finished in Colorado of 2nd, 3rd and 5th place the last few years and 2nd in ASA States at 14U

College Recruiting Process: “I am getting some attention at all levels but looking for the right program that can be competitive and help me with the right academics.”
College Offers:  “I have received a few, but since I haven’t decided yet I don’t want to disrespect any one school’s generosity.”

Scouting Report: Madi is the consummate team player who is a leader, is reliable and passionate between the lines. She is a good hitter who can bat for average and power. She’s solid behind the plate with a good arm and blocking skills. The junior has been to OnDeck National Camps and has college interest so expect more recruiting attention this summer when she plays at national events.

Coach’s Comments I: 
“Madi has always impressed me with her physical talent and strength.  The stats speak for themselves but what has impressed me the most about her is her maturity on and off the field.  The way she handles the pitching staff, her success and failures.  Madi’s composure, commitment and awareness during the game has helped our team tremendously, especially with the responsibilities of her being a captain–she is a great role model!  Madi can articulate answers to the questions I have so we can take care of problems—whatever they may be—right away.  Her softball IQ continues to rise and I cant wait to see what her future holds.”
— Michelle Rodriguez, Head Coach at Sonora High (2002-present)

Coach’s Comments II: 
“Madi is the type of player that every coach wants on his/her roster.  First of all she  has a very consistent Bat and hits for power to ALL fields!!  Also she is an athletic catcher that can play the infield and outfield as well.  She is a hard Worker and a great competitor”
— Jeff Blanco, Head Coach of Firecrackers Gold-Blanco 18U

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8 Questions with Madi…

FullCountSoftball.com: You have a broken wrist last year… how much time did you miss and did that set back your recruiting do you think?
Madi Gimpl: That was tough, I missed the entire pre-season and the first half of league.  As much as it slowed down my recruiting I actually think it helped me in every other aspect.  I was able to reflect and realize my desire to be on the field and contribute.  I have never been hurt before and it was absolutely grueling to only be able to watch.  But ultimately it gave a me a chance to work on my mental game and I feel like that really helped me over the summer with my travel team.  I was so eager and jacked up after sitting on the bench for eight weeks that in my first at-bat when I returned I hit a home run and the momentum just kept building from there.

FCS.com: What are your plans for this summer including events you’ll be at?  
MG: I will be at Zoom into June, in Colorado, in Reno for the Triple Crown Nationals and at PGF Nationals in Huntington Beach.  I have been invited by Derek and Joanne Allister to both Jamborees at Zoom into June and at the Colorado events.

FCS.com: What do you want to study in college?  
MG: Right now I’m thinking Medical Research/Science but I’m still contemplating.

FCS.com: What’s been the highlight of your softball career so far?  I have so many but I’d have to highlight this year as my favorite.  I’ve been playing for so long that it is really nice to be validated with the attention and feedback I’m getting from the coaches and the game itself.  Understanding the subtle nuances and strategies of the game makes me acknowledge all my work and gives me confidence when I step on the dirt.

FCS.com: You’re having a great year statistically and are at or near the top in your league of several major offensive categories… are you happy with your play?
MG: Halfway through the season my stats are really good, but i know stats are cyclical so I try not to get caught up with them and leave that to everyone else.   I just try to be consistent and reliable especially when situational hitting calls for it.

FCS.com: What do you do for hobbies or off the field?  
MG: I love to run and go camping at the river and the beach.

FCS.com: What’s one thing people don’t normally know about you?  
MG: I love to draw and paint and craft with my mom and aunts.

FCS.com: Finish this sentence… The reason I have dedicated myself to softball is:
MG: … it’s the one thing I can work hard at and succeed or fail on my own, without anyone on the outside of the game.  It gives direct feedback to the effort I put into it and teaches me lessons that help me know I can – and will be – successful in my future.