10 who shined at the PGF-Surf City Camp (11/21)
10 who shined at the PGF-Surf City Camp (11/21)

Friday saw the start of the last big tournament of the year, the Surf City Early Thanksgiving Showcase, which will run through Sunday and features 320 teams playing in 10 locations around Southern California.

Integrated into the huge tournament was one of the most prestigious camps of the year, the PGF-Surf City Early Thanksgiving Camp/Clinic that included 191 uncommitted fastpitch players covering the Classes of 2015 all the way through 2019.
There were 90 college coaches on hand to watch the players workout in on-field skill drills and athletic testing stations.
Of the athletic measurements—which included Zepp bat speed testing, overhand throwing speed, home-to-first digital timing and more—Dan Hay, the President and CEO of PGF and Surf City said, “This gets us one step closer to creating our national model of standardization.”
The talent in the position drills was impressive too. Camp Operator Mike Stith, who runs the OC Batbusters organization, commented, “There is a lot of talent here, especially in the outfield play. The players had a lot of speed and range.”
Equally impressive to the coaches running the drills was the attitude and work ethic of the participants, who came from faraway states like Hawaii, New Jersey, Texas and Washington.
“These girls will do anything to impress,” said Mark Campbell, who, like Stith, is a National Championship-winning instruct with the Batbusters. “They want to work, to learn and to get better. These athletes will do the extra things it takes to improve weekly.”
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Many of those working out impressed, but here are 10 who drew special attention from the coaches working the drills (listed alphabetically):

— P/1B Parker Boyd (2016, Washington Ladyhawks Miller Red)
Parker is all of 6-foot following in the footsteps of her father, Greg, who is 6-foot-4 and her mom, Carole, who is 5-foot-11. She even has a 13 year old brother, Brett, who is 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds already! But it’s not just size, Parker throws in the mid 60’s, has a solid change and kept the ball down very effectively in pitching drills.
— 3B/2B Katelyn Christian (2016, So Cal A’s – Datan)
A versatile infielder who was mashing the ball, Katelyn impressed scouts in how she keeps her hands back and drives everything squarely to the outfield. One of the most impressive hitters of the event.
— 3B/OF Cayman Coughlin (2016, Combat Panthers)
Cayman looked strong in the fielding drills and showed off one of the night’s best arms. She played third in some drills, but one coach preferred her in the outfield and commented on her having a high ceiling.

— SS/2B Brooke Marquez (Corona Angels – Tyson 14U)
You know a player is a star on defense when, based on her performance tonight along, she got a D1 offer! One coach said she “controlled the infield” while another commented that Brooke “is a player who truly loves the game.”
— OF Lani Moreno (2018, OC Batbusters – Campbell)
Not big in stature, but long on talent, Lani is an excellent outfielder who had coaches on the field asking who she was. The freshman can run, makes good jumps on the ball and has a solid arm. One of the best of a strong outfield crop.
— P Shealyn O’Leary (2018, So Cal Choppers – Fausett 14U)
Shealyn is a tall right hander who moves the ball well and had good placement on her locations. One of two good pitchers on the Choppers 14U team and had college coaches watching her closely.
— P Reagan Richardson (2018, Texas Glory – Naudin 16U)
A lot of talent was presented by Ed Naudin’s Texas Glory team and Reagan was one of the best, a consistently good all-around pitcher with a strong riseball. The freshman, who can also play the outfield, also shines in volleyball. She tied for the top overhand throw speed at 65 mph (the other was 2017 MIF Amanda Vitalich of Firecrackers 18 Gold – Snyder).

— P/1B Chloe Sage (So Cal Choppers – Fausett 14U)
Chloe had one of the most impressive change-ups of the camp/clinic and saw her stock skyrocket. She will get a lot of looks this weekend along with pitcher Shealyn O’Leary, who also impressed Friday night.
— P/1B McKenzie Schulz (Washington Ladyhawks – Nelons 16U)
McKenzie showed good pop on the ball, clocking in the mid 60’s and also had an impressive curve. The Washington Ladyhawks presented well at the showcase and the organization has a lot of young talent—like McKenzie—to build on.
— 2B/OF Sam Vacko (2016, Firecrackers – Brashears)
Sam attended the PGF-Surf City October Camp/Clinic and shined then and, once again, had multiple coaches singing her praises. She can play multiple positions including centerfield and second base and coaches raved about her strong arm and game sense. She’s been to the Boise State camp and they’re looking hard at her. One of the club coaches working the event said he was so impressed with Sam he’s going to e-mail college coaches to tell them how great she is.