Today’s player spotlight won a PGF National Championship last summer and she was one of the stars of the title week. She’s currently uncommitted but has visits set up to schools in the ACC and SEC… here’s more about this top 2018 prospect…

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Name: AMANI BRADLEY
Grad Year: 2018
Pos: outfield
High School: Vista Murrieta (Calif.)
GPA: 3.6
Club: Corona Angels – Tyson 14U                                        
Stats: At PGF 14U Nationals last year, when the Angels won the championship, Amani led team in hits, RBI and batting average (.480). Also had .519 on-base percentage; at fall Diamond9 Classic reached base 10 times in a row, going 9-for-12 with three walks; Surf City Pre-Thanksgiving Tournament went 8-for-14 with a walk.
Camps: 2014 OnDeck West Coast Elite Camp; 2013 OnDeck Arizona Jamboree        
College: uncommitted

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FullCountSoftball.com: You were a key part of the PGF 14U National Champions last year… when you look back at that week and experience, what jumps out at you most?
Amani Bradley: I had a few moments that jumped out to me like hitting the go-ahead run in the championship game, and making great catches to win the game against the Texas Bombers HTX.

FCS.com: As noted by the stats above, you can go on some serious streaks! Do you feel like you’re in a groove or “the zone” sometimes?
AB: Yes, it’s like I am in a groove of competing at a high level. But when I step on the dirt and know it’s my turn I get into a zone. My dad always tells me when you step on the dirt “get it done.”

FCS.com: Tell us about your softball and athletic background… was fastpitch always your love or have you played other sports too?
AB: I have done gymnastics, and then I wanted to play football growing up around my brother but my Dad said “No” so I got introduced to softball by some friends. So, since I was eight years old I have been playing this game that I have grown to love with a passion.

FCS.com: Recruiting-wise, you’re being recruited by Pac-12, ACC and SEC schools and have visited programs like Virginia, Cal and Arizona. Are you close to finalizing your decision or still wide-open?
AB: I’m still wide-open, but visiting the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech in April.

FCS.com: Are you at the point where the recruiting process is still fun and exciting or is it starting to get stressful checking out a bunch of programs?
AB: It’s still fun and exciting but a little stressful figuring out the right fit.

FCS.com: What are some of your top factors you’re looking for in a college? How important is it to you to stay close to home or going out of state?
AB: I’m looking for a good education and good softball, in or out of state.

FCS.com: What do you think (or have others said) are your strengths as a softball player?
AB: My strengths as a softball player is my speed, being able to bunt, slap and hit for power depending on situation, my ability to be consistent, and be able to play in big time games/situations.

FCS.com: Along with last year’s PGF title, what else has been a top memory or two for you in your athletic career?
AB: My greatest memories have been winning a National Championship in 2011 with Team Watley, and winning a National Championship in 2014 with the Corona Angels.

 

Quick Hitters

 

What do you want to do after your softball career winds down?
When I decide to hang up my cleats, I will continue my education and pursue my lifelong dream at becoming a doctor either a pediatrician or gynecologist.

Fill in the blank… the best thing about softball to me is:
Hitting, competing and being able to have fun on the field with my friends/teammates.

What do you worry most about?
I always worry about doing and being my best at all times.

Favorite dessert:
Ice cream and cookies.

Least favorite school subject:
I like all of them, but Geometry is hard for me right now.

What is your motto or philosophy in life?
Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know?
I sleep talk if I have a bad dream or if somebody calls my name in the dream I am having.

Choose the one you like most from these choices: hamburger or hot dogs? ice cream or cake? hot weather or cold? bowling or miniature golf? dog or cat? movie or concert?
Hot dog, ice cream, cold weather, bowling, dog, movie.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing with you, what would it be?
I would take an emergency kit so I can survive until help comes and I would have a flare gun.

Do you have any softball superstitions or rituals?
I put my left sock on before my right, I put my left shoe on before my right, and I listen to pump up songs for the game.

If you weren’t playing softball, what would you be doing with all that time?
I would probably still play sports, or focus more on my academics.

Most embarrassing moment?
I was playing my first high school scrimmage and I was going to catch the ball and tripped on my shoelaces and fell.

If you could have a super power, what would you want it to be?
I would want it to be invisibility so I can run from home to home without being seen and getting out.

Favorite song right now?
Flawless (Remix) – Beyonce and Nicki Minaj.

If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
I would have it with my great- grandpa (deceased) because he was a great inspiration to me.

What did you want to be when you were little?
I have always wanted to be a doctor.

Favorite athlete:
Odell Beckham Jr.

Nickname(s):
A- Money, Mani Moo, Mosquito, Armani.

Best part about playing in the outfield:
Knowing I am the last line of defense and being able to make my plays successfully.