Love this Recruit Spotlight on a standout junior pitcher from Central California who had a plan for finding the right fit in a college and, in her case, decided it didn’t have to be a big, powerful name in softball.

Read carefully what Brielle has to say about her narrowing her college choices down and why she ended up committing where she did… it’s clear she had a smart plan and found the best fit for her.

Good strategy for any recruit and her family to follow!

 

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Name: BRIELLE VIDMAR
High school: Clovis
City: Clovis
State: 
Calif.
Grad year: 2015
Club: Central Cal Dirt Dogs
Position(s): P/OF
Height: 5-6

Major accomplishment(s): 2013 PGF National Champion Runner-Up, 18 Platinum division.

“My team went 13-1 the week of Nationals which included some practice games. I pitched 13 of the 14 games that week and went 12-1 and lost in the Championship.”

“I must admit, I had the week of my life and my team had my back the whole time. It was awesome and I hope I can do it again this year.”

College: Sonoma State
Why Sonoma State? “I liked the location, the environment and the coaching staff.”

How did the they find you? “During the 2013 PGF Nationals, my coach was approached by several D1 Colleges from the East Coast who were very interested in me. Unfortunately, I wanted to stay in California so that limited my options especially with financial assistance.”

“California colleges have a ton of girls from all over the country trying to get accepted so they don’t have to give out the big scholarships to get the good players. So I just decided to go to showcase camps at the colleges I was interested in. I went to 10 different showcase camps both D1 and D2 and just felt like the better fit for me was a smaller D2 college.”

“Winning a championship is nice but it’s not everything and I wanted to enjoy my four years of college. The D1 colleges I attended are cut-throat and you either perform or you’re done. I wanted more than just softball out of my college career so I narrowed the choice to three D2 colleges.

“After visiting the three colleges, talking with the coaching staff, players and visiting the surrounding community I just felt Sonoma State had more to offer me than just softball. Coach [Jennifer] Bridges is awesome and makes you feel like family and the players are very friendly, even to recruits. The education is good, the environment is good, the softball is competitive, the weather is great… what more could I ask for?”

“I know my parents are disappointed that I didn’t take a big scholarship but they are happy that I am 100 percent confident that Sonoma State is the college for me and agreed that it’s more important to get a good education, make lifelong friends, play softball and get a good foundation for the rest of my life. I know I made the right choice with Coach Bridges and the Sonoma State SeaWolves.

What is your favorite bat: “The Easton-Mako. It has great balance and a large sweet spot for base hitters.”
What bat does your team use? “Mizuno… we are sponsored by Mizuno.”
What is your favorite brand of cleats? 
Mizuno
What is the uniform brand you prefer? Intensity