2019 middle infielder/outfielder Camryn Middlebrook joined the Texas Blaze 18U Slimp team this season, and she has already noticed the recruiting trail heating up.



Middlebrook, who was throwing a ball around at 2 years old, started playing softball when she was 4. An unrelenting, gritty player, Middlebrook hasn't lost her determination to play the game and it shows in her integrity and class on the field. As her recruitment continues, Middlebrook said she's only focusing on the things she can control. Some college coaches may be recruiting younger, but Middlebrook is only getting better.

Camryn Middlebrook

Position: MIF/OF
Grad Year: 2019
Hometown: Round Rock, TX
High School: Cedar Ridge
Club Team: Texas Blaze 18U Slimp
College: Uncommitted
Bat Speed: 89 mph
Ball Exit Speed: 69 mph

You just joined the Blaze. How do you like the team so far? It's really good. The organization is wonderful and so are the coaches.

How you like working with coach John Carpenter? I like it. He coaches differently which I like. He knows how to get to you which I like. He doesn't yell, which I like.

With 15 new girls how is the team chemistry? Good, there's no drama. I get along with all of the girls, and they're all super nice.

How's the recruiting process been with you? It's been good. I got some looks when we played in McKinney from Texas. LSU, Georgia, Kansas, and Texas A&M have shown interest. I did really well that weekend batting .500 with a home run and three doubles.

You sound really confident right now. Is that true? Yes, ma'am.

What makes you so confident? I know the coaches are working really hard to help me go somewhere. They're doing everything they can to help me find the right fit.

What are you greatest strengths? My work ethic. I work every day, whether it's hitting off a tee or throwing with my dad.

What's your favorite part about softball? Playing with different girls. Learning different personalities and having fun together making memories creating a new family.

Describe your mentality in practice: I'm focused working on my mechanics, making sure I'm doing everything right.

Describe your mentality in a game: Still focused, serious, but I'm also loose making sure I have a good time.

Was there ever a time when you thought your size was a factor in the recruiting process? I never thought that but now how I see coaches looking at younger kids and they're taller than me. It got me thinking that maybe I'm too short. Lately, it's been on my mind.

When did you start playing softball? When I was 4.

Who's your biggest critic? Myself. Because if I don't hit well in the cage. I'm hard on myself because I'm not hitting line drives. If I roll over or pop up, I get mad because it frustrates me when I'm not doing well. But I try to remind myself that this is a game of failure. I should learn from my mistakes and adjust.

What are you looking forward to at PGF Shootout? Having fun with my team and showing what I can do on the field. Hopefully, I can get more looks this weekend.

What position(s) will you be playing this weekend? Middle infield and outfield

For college, would you prefer to stay in-state or out-of-state? I have no preference.

How are your parents handling the recruiting process? My dad was freaking out but he's more relaxed now because he knows that JB and Carp are handling everything.

Did you get nervous when your dad would get anxious? Not really.

What's something few people know about you? I'm in student council for my school. I'm in a program called Raider in Action where I volunteer at elderly homes or hospitals to help people. One of my favorites memories was wrapping gifts for families that can't provide gifts for their children.

What do you want to do when you grow up? I want to go into physical therapy.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra? Anything through Christ that strengthens me.

Other than your family who do you look up to most? I look up to the older girls on my team. They're like big sisters to me. They always pass down what they've learned like always work hard and have a positive attitude.

Do you have superstitions or rituals in softball? I wear a cross necklace every game. When I go up to the plate, I always make a cross next to the box before I step in.

If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go? Hawaii.

If you had a super power, what would it be? Hear people's thoughts.

Favorite movie: "Don't Breathe."

If you could live off of one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Shrimp.

What was the last song you listened to? "Talk About Me" by Toby Keith .

If you could describe yourself in one word on the field and off the field, what would it be? Hard working.

What's your ultimate softball dream? To play in the College World Series.