When we did the 2017 Hot 100, some were surprised when one of the top 15 players was a shortstop not as well known as some other elite prospects.

That player is Alyssa Martinez of Explosion Greg and last Tuesday she pulled the trigger and committed to an SEC school.

As we explained in her Hot 100 bio, Alyssa is nicknamed A-Mar” and “is one of the smoothest shortstops in the country and makes jaw-dropping plays that other players can’t.”

She’s not just a defensive wiz, though; last fall she hit .450 for the 16U team and had a .747 slugging percentage. The sophomore is also clutch when it comes to driving in runners: she hit .587 with runners in scoring position last year.

Alyssa could have gone to several major programs, but on March 28 made the call that made one SEC school very happy. Which one? Well, you’ll have to read further to find out!

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FullCountSoftball.com: How did you commit to Ole Miss?
Alyssa Martinez: I called them last Tuesday and talked to Coach Mike Smith. I told him I wanted to commit and he said, “Welcome to the Rebel family!”

FCS.com: When did you take your visit to check out the school?
AM: I went last month on an unofficial and I had to go to one more college before I actually made my decision.

FCS.com: What were the factors that led you to commit to the Rebels?
AM: There were a lot of things: the campus is beautiful and I loved the college town atmosphere and the history behind the school. Ole Miss also has the major I want, I want to be an athletic trainer and treat injuries. Regarding softball, I love the philosophy of the coaches and how they teach the girls. That made me absolutely love the school.

FCS.com: Any concern about the distance, you going to the South and being a West Coast girl?
AM: Not at all, I actually think it will help me be more mature and independent.

FCS.com: As Ole Miss was recruiting you, what was it they said they liked about your game?
AM: The coaches told me they liked the way I approach the game and how I play hard.

FCS.com: Do they have you pegged in as a shortstop when you get there or is it still up in the air?
AM: They said my position is open and it will be at whatever spot that I can help the team. If they need me to play outfield or somewhere else, I’m fine with that. Wherever I can best help and see the field the quickest.

FCS.com: As accomplished as you are, what areas of your game do you want to work on over the next few years?
AM: Everything! I think everything I do can get a little better. There’s nothing that I can’t improve on.

FCS.com: If you were scouting yourself, what would you say is your strongest asset on the field?
AM: Defense wise keeps me in the game, even if not hitting well keeps me in the game.

FCS.com: What do you like to do off the field?
AM: Honestly, I don’t do anything but softball! I do go to my sister, Adriana’s, games. She’s a 2019 grad and is a utility player.

FCS.com: What’s something people don’t know about you?
AM: Maybe it’s that I played basketball and soccer, but stopped to focus on softball.

FCS.com: Back to recruiting… what schools did you consider besides Ole Miss?
AM: It was primarily just Ole Miss and Oregon State. I visited Oregon State last week and there was a lot to like about it. I liked the campus and their coaching staff was amazing, plus their philosophy is good and it also has a nice college town feel to it.

FCS.com: Final question… any advice you’d give to younger players coming up who’ll go through the recruiting process like you did?
AM: Definitely… I’d say it’s all about hard work; hard work is the answer to everything. You can’t get anything without hard work, but with it it’ll all pay off in the end!