​Pictured: Olivia Rains (right) with Jersey Intensity teammate Alex McManus who committed last weekend to Notre Dame.

​At the DeMarini Invitational Showcase in Chicago this summer, FloSoftball had a chance to meet Olivia Rains, a 2019 pitcher/outfielder from Pryor, Okla. who had driven 10 ½ hours to play in the event with her club team, the Jersey Intensity, after having traveled by car 12 hours the week before to play in the Boulder Independence Day Tournament.

That’s dedication!

At that point, Olivia, or “Liv” as she goes by, had tripped to Oklahoma, LSU, Arkansas, South Alabama and Oklahoma State, but two weeks ago made the decision of where she’ll be playing college ball post-high school: Oklahoma.

“I would like to say ‘thank you’ to the entire Jersey Intensity family, all of my teammates, past and present, my current and past coaches and my family,” the freshman told us this week. “Without their faith, support and sacrifices I wouldn't be able to live out my dreams.”

“I am very blessed and humble for the opportunity I have been given by Coach (Patty) Gasso, Coach (Melyssa) Lombardi, and the University of Oklahoma. I can't wait to wear the Crimson and Cream! Boomer Sooner!”

One other note about the tall hurler… she had one of the best lines of the summer when she was asked if she was looking forward to starting high school. “I’m not so sure,” she laughed. “I’ve watched too many movies about high school, like Mean Girls!”

Here’s more on the personable young player…

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​Olivia pitching for Pryor (Okla). High, which won 18 of its first 21 games this fall.

FloSoftball.com: You’re from Pryor High in Oklahoma so you’re staying in-state to play for OU… how far away are you from the Sooner campus?
Olivia Rains: We are three hours away.

FS.com: When did you commit to the Univ. of Oklahoma and how did you do it (in person, on the phone)?
OR: I went on a visit on the 19th and committed on the 21st of August. I just finished pitching the "home-opener" for Pryor when I called Coach Gasso and Coach Lombardi to tell them I couldn't wait any longer to be a Sooner!

FS.com: How did OU find you, did you go to a camp there or did they see you on the field elsewhere?
OR: I started going to OU camps when I was 10. I'm not sure that I made much of an impression at such a young age. I was still very new to pitching and the game and I'm not sure if I even went as a pitcher my first year. I really just started pitching about 18 months ago and shortly after that joined the New Jersey Intensity organization. Playing on a national level at PGF against such great competition gave me the exposure I needed.

FS.com: You’re just starting your freshman high school campaign… how’s it going so far?
OR: Our record is 18-3 as of right now. I am playing under Coach Mark Dicus who is a former college coach. He has been preparing me mentally and physically for the next level.

FS.com: At 5-foot-10 already, have you always been taller than your classmates?
OR: Yes, for the most part. If you can believe it my catcher, M'kayla Hillman, is taller than me at 6-foot-1.

FS.com: Where did you get your height from, is it obvious in your family?
OR: I'm really not sure. My stands dad stands at 6-foot-2 and my mom at 5-foot-7. My sister is 11 and is 5-foot-6. To me it is pretty average,

FS.com: Have you played other sports like volleyball or basketball to use your height?
OR: I have played basketball since I was eight and I run track. I was three seconds away from beating the Pryor High 200-meter record time last year.

FS.com: Is it cool being taller than your peers or fought because you’ve always stood out?
OR: I am very comfortable with my height; I’m just hoping to reach that 6-foot mark.

FS.com: Back to the recruiting side, what did OU and perhaps other schools say they like about your game?
OR: Most schools had taken notice of my drop ball and change-up. But schools like OU also seemed interested in how versatile I am in the field.

FS.com: What do you think you do best that got you an offer so early?
OR: I'm not really sure, but the fact that my hard work, dedication and love for the game has been noticed is very exciting and humbling.

FS.com: How does an Oklahoma girl end up playing for Jersey Intensity?
OR: I was at a tournament in Mobile, Ala. and Coach Kevin (O’Donnell) asked me to come by for a tryout at their facility. After the tryout he asked me if I would like to join the 14U National team. It was an offer my family and I couldn't refuse and a chance to play against some of the country's best competition.

FS.com: What’s one thing about you off the field that most/many don’t know?
OR: I learned to play the ukulele and guitar on my own and I love to tell puns! My favorite bands are Poison and Fall Out Boy. I also love to quote movies and other funny sayings.

FS.com: Describe yourself on the field in one word:
OR: “Intense.” And also “focused.”

FS.com: And off the field in one word:
OR: “Light-hearted” or "Punny."