OC Batbusters-Stith won the 18U title at the 2022 Alliance Nationals. Photo courtesy of Mike Stith.
OC BATBUSTERS-STITH
Head Coach: Mike Stith
Twitter: N/A
Outlook: The Batbusters went 50-4-3 and won the Triple Crown Nationals, Top Club Nationals and the Alliance 18U Nationals last summer. They already earned an AFCS 3 berth by winning the Alliance Super Cup Stage 1 this fall. The Batbusters have a deep pitching staff, led by Ryan Maddox, with championship experience that is very knowledgeable. The offense uses a combination of speed and power. The defense, which replaces four graduates in the infield, will be dependable. The Batbusters have high expectations, but they will depend on their strong chemistry.
RETURNERS:
Ryan Maddox (2023, LHP, Arizona)
Ella Parker (2023, LHP/OF, Oklahoma)
Regan Shockey (2023, MIF/OF, Arizona)
Taylor Shumaker (2024, OF, Florida)
Kai Minor (2025, OF, uncommitted)
Samantha Rey (2023, MIF, Central Florida)
Jada Villegas (2024, LHP, BYU)
Izzy Mertes (2024, 3B, Central Florida)
NEWCOMERS:
Jade Berry (2023, MIF/3B, Stanford)
Gabriella Garcia (2023, SS, Oklahoma)
Sophia Bordi (2025, RHP, uncommitted)
Emily Schepp (2023, C/2B, Arizona)
Jenae Berry (2024, RHP/OF, uncommitted)
— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)
Sixteen top organizations from around the country brought their top 18U, 16U and 14U teams to compete in the inaugural Patriot Games in Windsor, CO. Here’s are Thursday’s scores:
*****
PATRIOT GAMES
AT GREELEY/JOHNSTOWN/WINDSOR, CO
(Thursday, June 22, Results)
18U
POOL A
Texas Glory 5, Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 4
Corona Angels-Tyson 5, Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 4
Corona Angels-Tyson 8, Rogue FC-Kaye 0
POOL B
Atlanta Vipers-Tamborra 3, Firecrackers Brashear 0
Eckerd College-bound MIF Gracie Ciccarello of Tampa Mustangs-Rene, today's standout spotlight athlete from the Sunshine State. Photo by Keith Lindquist.
Get on board with Dugout Chatter’s regular feature, The Final Pitch!
We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.
To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at losstuff34@gmail.com, DM at @Los_Stuff on Twitter or text (949) 606-3602.
Here’s our TFP for Thursday, June 22, 2023:
*****
THE FINAL PITCH: GRACIE CICCARELLO
Eckerd College-bound MIF Gracie Ciccarello recently talked to Dugout Chatter about Tampa Mustangs-Rene, Plant High, dealing with her size, Lily Holtje, Eckerd College, coaching, English, Derek Jeter, “Heads-Up Baseball,” Tory Lanez, “The Office,” “Pitch Perfect” and glovework.
THE FINAL PITCH Q&A
Gracie Ciccarello of Tampa Mustangs-Rene. Photo by Moses Vega.
Name: Gracie Ciccarello
Hometown: Tampa, FL
High School: Plant High
Club Team: Tampa Mustangs 18U-Rene
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-0
Position: MIF
Nickname: “Peanut.” One of my Mustang coaches, Coach (Derrick) Brooks, has called me Peanut ever since I could remember.
Twitter/Instagram: @ciccarello2023
Honors: National Honors Society; selected for the FACA Seniors All-Star Game; High School Defensive Player of the Year (2021); 2nd Team All-Western Conference (2022); and 1st Team All-Western Conference (2023).
High School Stats: .341 AVG, .406 OBP and .961 fielding percentage with over 100 attempts.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I have played for Tampa Mustangs-Rene since 10U when the team first started.
Gracie Ciccarello of Tampa Mustangs-Rene. Photo by Keith Lindquist.
Tell us about your time at Plant High and your journey to reach the state championship game as a senior? During my freshman and sophomore years playing for Plant softball, we weren’t very good, but by my junior year a change started to occur in the atmosphere and culture within the players. By my senior year, our team grew closer than it’s ever been. We became not only teammates but sisters and best friends. The culture became that of a family just like it is on Tampa Mustangs-Rene. Our success this past high school season truly came when we played for one another and trusted each other, but most importantly we were having fun together. Each game leading up to states, we fought as a team believing and trusting in the girls and coaches around us. We won districts, regionals and made it to the state championship, which hadn’t been done at Plant in over 20 years. Although our season didn’t end how we would have liked, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Have you overcome/faced something in your life that has made you the person you are today? My biggest challenge growing up has been dealing with my size. I was always the smallest on the teams I’ve been on and was constantly doubted by coaches. Although being told I was too small or wasn’t big enough hurt, I only used that as motivation to work harder and prove others wrong. Now. as I’m older, I understand I don’t need to try and prove people wrong. All that matters is that I am having fun and playing the game that makes me happy. I overcame my challenges with my size by believing in myself no matter what others thought of me.
Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? I would say during this past year playing for Plant our toughest opponent was Lily Holtje. She’s one of the best hitters I know and I’m pretty sure every time we played her this past year she hit a home run off of us. She’s just a great batter in the box and you really have to be careful on what you’re throwing her.
Why did you choose to commit to Eckerd College (in St. Petersburg, FL)? I chose to continue my academic and athletic career at Eckerd College because I believe that’s where I will be the happiest and thrive in my softball career the most. I also absolutely love Coach Katie (Profitt) and the culture she has created with the players there.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? When it comes to my future occupations, I’m not really sure what I want to do, but I do know I want to become a grad assistant for a softball program while I’m getting my Master’s (Degree). Coaching runs in my family and I’ve always felt drawn to it, so having the ability to coach softball after I have played is the plan.
Gracie Ciccarello of Tampa Mustangs-Rene. Photo by Cheri Johns.
What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? My favorite subject to study in school would probably have to be English. I’ll admit I’m not always a fan of writing essays, but something about writing I love. I also find it extremely interesting to look for the deeper meaning within poems or books.
Who is your sports hero and why? My sports hero is Derek Jeter. Ever since I could remember he has been my favorite all-time player. He’s not only one of the best hitters in the game, but one of the best fielders. When I first had the ability to pick a number for myself in little league, I picked number 2 after my favorite player, Derek Jeter, and I’ve been 2 ever since.
What’s your favorite book to read and why? I’m not a big reader, but the book I like to read is “Heads-Up Baseball (by Tom Hanson & Ken Ravizza). It’s all about a player’s mentality, which I believe is the most important aspect of the game. This book was actually mentioned at a camp I went to by one of the coaches and that’s what led me to purchase it and begin reading it.
What’s the best hype song and why? My favorite hype song right now would have to be “Stupid Again” by Tory Lanez.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? My favorite TV show to binge is “The Office.” It’s just one of those shows that always makes me laugh.
What’s your favorite movie and why? My favorite movie is “Pitch Perfect.” I don’t really know why, but I just love it.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I don’t really have a secret talent or skill, but I’ve always been really good at glovework. It’s kinda like my craft or art that I’m always aiming to get better at.
*****
NEWS & NOTES
***Top Club Nationals is Wednesday-Saturday, June 21-24, in OKC. Follow the tournament online HERE.
OC Batbusters-Stith is the defending 18U champion, Hotshots National-Jones is the defending 16U champion, Texas Glory 2K26 and Texas Glory-Naudin shared the 14U title last summer and Hotshots National 09 is the defending 12U champion.
***The inaugural Patriot Games Thursday-Saturday, June 22-24, in Windsor, CO, features teams in 14U, 16U and 18U competing for championships.
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier won the 18U title at the 2022 PGF 18U Premier Nationals. Photo provided by Birmingham Thunderbolts.
BIRMINGHAM THUNDERBOLTS PREMIER
Head Coach: Rocky Thompson
Twitter: @thunderbolts18p and @bolts05
Outlook: The Bolts went 32-10-4, winning the PGF Show Me The Money title, taking 3rd at the Top Club Nationals and winning the PGF 18U Premier national championship. They went 16-5-3 in the fall and have a berth in the PGF 18U Premier Nationals. “This is a unique team in every form and fashion,” Bolts coach Rocky Thompson said. “It will take every player understanding their ability and role. (A) big part of being successful is our team utilizing our speed to be table setters for our hitters. The pitching staff is always the biggest piece of (the) defense, so the staff manage batters and the defense supporting them.”
RETURNERS:
Sydney Langdon (2023, RHP, Kentucky)
Reganne Bennett (2023, RHP, South Carolina)
Ansley Armstrong (2023, C, Purdue)
Camryn Lookadoo (2023, IF, Kentucky)
NEWCOMERS:
Ahmari Braden (2023, OF, Pitt)
Addyson Bruneman (2023, IF/C, North Alabama)
Claire Cahalan (2023, OF, Missouri)
Alex Call (2024, 3B, Virginia)
Ashlynn Campbell (2023, MIF, Purdue)
Makayla Coffield (2023, RHP, Georgia Tech)
Katie Flannery (2023, IF, Oregon)
Gracie Hillman (2023, OF, Georgia Tech)
Maggie Daniel (2024, C/1B, UCLA)
Sofia Elliott (2024, RHP, Iowa)
Jasmine Green (2024, OF, South Carolina)
Mariami Hubbard (2024, IF, Alabama)
Shelby McKenzie (2024, 1B/RHP, Florida State)
Caroline McLendon (2023, LHP, Alabama-Birmingham)
Katelynn Oxley (2024, RHP, Florida)
Hallie Ueberroth (2024, MIF, Troy)
Saviya Morgan (2024, OF, Tennessee)
Ava Hodo (2026, C/1B/3B, uncommitted)
— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)
Georgia Tech-bound IF Gracyn Tucker of Georgia Bombers Gold-Lewis, today's standout spotlight athlete from the Peach State. Photo by Joy Davis.
Get on board with Dugout Chatter’s regular feature, The Final Pitch!
We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.
To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at losstuff34@gmail.com, DM at @Los_Stuff on Twitter or text (949) 606-3602.
Here’s our TFP for Wednesday, June 21, 2023:
*****
THE FINAL PITCH: GRACYN TUCKER
Georgia Tech-bound IF Gracyn Tucker recently talked to Dugout Chatter about Georgia Bombers Gold-Lewis, Lassiter High, her toughest opponent, daily struggles, choosing Georgia Tech, real estate attorney, math, the Oklahoma Sooners, “Jane Eyre,” Soulja Boy, “Survivor”, “Coraline” and folding eyelids backwards.
THE FINAL PITCH Q&A
Gracyn Tucker of Georgia Bombers Gold-Lewis. Photo by Joy Davis.
Name: Gracyn Tucker
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
High School: Lassiter High
Club Team: Georgia Bombers 18U Gold-Lewis
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-9
Position: IF
Nickname: Most people call me G-Money. An old teammate’s dad from 12U called me that name one time and it just stuck throughout my years and now all my coaches and teammates call me G-Money.
Twitter/Instagram: @GracynTucker
Honors: Four-time 1st team All-State; four-time 1st Team All-Region; four-time 1st Team All-County; GADC 6A Player of the Year (2021); CCSD Athlete of the Week; two-time 6A GA state champion; three-time Offensive MVP; Team Captain (2022); and two-time USA Softball All-American.
High School Stats: Career — 138 games, .409 AVG, .453 OBP, 1.117 OPS, .472 RSP, 146 runs, 184 hits, 40 doubles and 134 RBIs.
Gracyn Tucker of Georgia Bombers Gold-Lewis/ Photo by Joy Davis.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I play for the GA Bombers 18U-Lewis and we are one of the top-ranked teams in the country. My team consists of players that range from 2023s-2025s and we are stacked offensively, defensively sound and have a phenomenal pitching staff. I became involved with the team in the fall of 2021 when Patrick Lewis called me and asked me to join the team and I am happily finishing off my travel ball career with these supportive people!
Tell us about your high school team and how you did? My high school team and our stats were one for the books! My freshman year, we were one round away from the Elite 8 in Columbus, GA, but fell short. We were determined to do better the next year and came back with a vengence. So, my sophomore year, we made a run for it and made it all the way to Columbus and beat our rival two times and won the 6A GA state championship. That feeling was so surreal and amazing that we did it AGAIN my junior year no problem and swept through the tournament, making us back-to-back 6A GA state champions. My senior year, we fell a little short and got 3rd place, but that is still an accomplishment. No one notices the hard work that was done behind the scenes, but with the special bond we all had with each other and with our coaches pushing us, it made the journey a whole lot easier.
Gracyn Tucker of Georgia Bombers Gold-Lewis. Photo by Joy Davis.
Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? If I’m being honest, the toughest opponent I’ve faced has always been myself. The game of softball is 10 percent skill and 90 percent mental, and it is always so hard trying to fight your inner thoughts telling you that you aren’t good enough or to just quit. Continuously telling yourself positive thoughts that you are good enough is so important because this is a game of failure and mental toughness.
What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? Life is a daily struggle, in one way or another. I have been fortunate in my life, thus far, as not to have one life event to pinpoint. Life is about failure recovery—big or small. I have learned to ask for help. Having God as my ultimate guide and an amazing support system with family and friends has provided me with a safety net and room to mature. I can make mistakes and learn from them.
Gracyn Tucker (left) with Georgia Tech coach Aileen Morales. Photo by Joy Davis.
Why did you choose to commit to Georgia Tech? There were a ton of factors that played a part in aiding my decision to choose Georgia Tech. I am a huge homebody and only being 30 minutes away from my house doesn’t hurt! I was also looking towards my future after softball and what each school had to offer, and Georgia Tech’s academic rigor was one that would prepare me for any challenge that I could possibly be faced with. So, even though I am a student first and an athlete second, I still wanted to choose a school that was competitive in the softball aspect and Georgia Tech most certainly offers that. I also fell in love with the campus and being in a major city like Atlanta can provide so many opportunities for an individual, and I wanted to be there for them all. The coaching staff was also a major factor in my decision because I knew they would push me to be a better person both on and off the field. Georgia Tech has been my dream school since I was in 7th grade, and I’ve always known that this is where I wanted to be ever since I stepped foot on that dirt at my first camp in 2018.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I am extremely interested in finance and real estate. I want to work as a real estate attorney at a major law firm or as a financial advisor in a corporate office. My mom and I love to go and look at houses all the time so I think it would be fun to help others when they’re looking for a new home while making sure the process is done quickly and legally. I also love math and working with numbers so I think helping others manage their money would be fun!
What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? I have always loved math! It comes naturally to me, and I’ve always been willing and able to help others and even tutored some people when it came to Algebra and Pre-Calc. I am not the brightest with Geometry though, LOL!
Who is your sports hero and why? To be honest, I haven’t really had one until recently when I saw the post-game interview of the Oklahoma Sooners talking about the Lord and how their faith has guided them through their journey. The real joy is playing for each other and knowing that happiness comes from within and stems from the lord. The girls on that team showed leadership and their love for the Lord and shared it with the country and I really admire that.
What’s your favorite book to read and why? You know, I am not a big fan of reading and I have always tried to get into it, but it never stuck. However, there was one book I read in school called “Jane Eyre” (by Charlotte Bronte) and I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was one of the only books in school I enjoyed reading. It had so many plot twists and genuinely kept me on my toes, which I find hard to do when dealing with books!
What’s the best hype song and why? I LOVE the song “Turn My Swag On” by Soulja Boy. Tell ‘Em and every time it comes on in the car, I immediately turn the radio up. The beat is just so good, and it hypes me up like no other song does. I love listening to it before games and sometimes even when I’m in the box hitting, I will start to sing that song to clear my mind.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? I love the show “Survivor”! I enjoy watching the contestants trying to survive in the wild and then having to go to competitions in the grueling weather. Even though there are a lot of physical and strength aspects to the show, there is also a strategic aspect and if you can’t succeed in both areas of the game, you could get voted off. I just love the suspense the show gives!
What’s your favorite movie and why? I have always been a huge fan of the movie “Coraline.” I watch it when I’m sick, tired, sad or even happy. It has been my comfort movie for so long that I can’t even remember the first time I watched it. I love the music that’s in it and I think the detail that was put into it is so intricate that each time I watch it, it gets better. I swear I should know every line in the movie by now because of how often I watch it.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I can fold my eyelids backwards, but that is about all the secret skills I have!
*****
NEWS & NOTES
***Top Club Nationals is Wednesday-Saturday, June 21-24, in OKC. Follow the tournament online HERE.
OC Batbusters-Stith is the defending 18U champion, Hotshots National-Jones is the defending 16U champion, Texas Glory 2K26 and Texas Glory-Naudin shared the 14U title last summer and Hotshots National 09 is the defending 12U champion.
***The inaugural Patriot Games Thursday-Saturday, June 22-24, in Windsor, CO, features teams in 14U, 16U and 18U competing for championships.
Outlook: Texas Bombers Gold went 41-5, winning the Alliance Super Cup title, finished 2nd at Triple Crown Colorado Fireworks, Top Club Nationals and the Alliance 18U Nationals last summer. They went 26-1 with wins over Firecrackers-Rico, Iowa Premier National, Texas Glory-Shelton, Arizona Hotshots and Impact Gold-Jackson in the fall. They have already earned a berth in AFCS 3 for this summer. “Deep and Diverse,” Bombers coach Scott Smith said of his pitching staff. “We have two left-handed arms and three right-handed arms. We have players who can run it up in the mid to high 60s, as well (as) we have an arm with elite off-speed stuff as there is in the country.” The Bombers have a great mix of speed and power on offense. They hit 42 home runs in 27 games and had 85 SBs in the fall. They are fast and athletic on defense with a ton of speed and plus arms in the outfield. They are deep with a lot of players that can play multiple positions.
RETURNERS:
Kayden Henry (2023, OF, Texas)
Reagan Jones (2023, IF, Texas A&M)
Ma’Naia Womack (2023, IF, Ole Miss)
Lexie Warncke (2023, RHP/MIF, Baylor)
NEWCOMERS:
Elsa Morrison (2025, C/IF, uncommitted)
Harley Vestal (2024, OF, Texas A&M)
Brenlee Gonzales (2024, LHP, Oregon State)
Cambree Creager (2024, RHP, Arizona State)
Maddie Hartley (2024, RHP/IF, Houston)
DeeDee Baldwin (2024, C, Texas A&M)
— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)
Jaysoni Beachum of the Manatee Squeezer. Photo courtesy of FGCL.
Florida State-bound 3B/C Jaysoni Beachum of the Manatee Squeeze has joined the Dugout Chatter Blogging Crew and she will be providing her insights and analysis all summer.
Beachum, who played for Florida State University High in Tallahassee, FL, and Tennessee Mojo-Danley/Fisher, is batting .625 with a .625 OBP, one HR, eight runs, 14 RBIs and two SBs so far for the Squeeze.
Here’s her blog for Tuesday, June 20, 2023:
*****
Florida State-bound Jaysoni Beachum. Photo courtesy of Jaysoni Beachum.
For my last summer before I go to college, I decided to go a different route this summer season. This summer season, I decided to play in the FGCL (Florida Gulf Coast League) summer league down in Bradenton, Florida.
This season, there are nine teams that compete six days a week against their scheduled opponent for that day from June 15th to July 14th. I am really happy with my decision to play in the FGCL summer league this season, because the schedule setup is very similar to the way college schedules are.
For example, we have mid-week games against different opponents Monday through Wednesday, but then we play a series against the same opponent Thursday through Saturday. The atmosphere is very competitive. The players of this league come from all different division levels, so it’s very diverse.
This season, I’m playing for the Manatee Squeeze. So far, my team and I have only played 5 games, but we play together very well. I’m looking forward to competing with the Manatee Squeeze the rest of this FGCL summer season.
— Jaysoni Beachum (Follow Jaysoni on Twitter @BeachumJaysoni)
Addie Rackley of Georgia Impact 08-Taylor. Photo by Jessica Taylor.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I was one of the first players that helped start coach Kip Taylor’s Impact team for first-year 12u. This is my fourth season with coach Kip and many of the same girls.
Tell us about your high school team and how you did? We went 32-1 and we won the 7A state championship.
Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? Beverly Bandits (Premier)-Norwood because they’re talented all around, but it’s been almost a year since we played each other now.
What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? I overcame a growth-plate injury last year, which basically took me out of two-and-a-half tournaments. Mentally, I’ve had to overcome a lot of people doubting or hating on me.
Addie Rackley of Georgia Impact 07-Taylor. Photo by Jessica Taylor.
What are you looking for in a future college? Really good coaches, great education, feels like family, fun atmosphere (and) competitive program.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? Interior design because I’m good at designing and creating things.
What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? Spanish because I feel like it’s always good to have another language installed in you.
Who is your sports hero and why? I’ve really looked up to Jordy Bahl and Valerie Cagle because they are athletic pitchers that hit.
What’s your favorite book to read and why? Unfortunately, I’m not much of a book reader. I do though really enjoy watching college softball games on YouTube.
What’s the best hype song and why? I have a few. “Let’s Go” by Trick Daddy and Lil Jon, “Shake Sumn” by DaBaby and “Superhero” by Metro Boomin (& Future).
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “Chicago Fire” because there is always a lot of action going on.
What’s your favorite movie and why? “Remember the Titans” because it teaches a lot of important, valuable life lessons.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? When something is really funny, I have a loud and obnoxious laugh that everyone thinks is funny.
*****
NEWS & NOTES
***Top Club Nationals is Wednesday-Saturday, June 21-24, in OKC. Follow the tournament online HERE.
OC Batbusters-Stith is the defending 18U champion, Hotshots National-Jones is the defending 16U champion, Texas Glory 2K26 and Texas Glory-Naudin shared the 14U title last summer and Hotshots National 09 is the defending 12U champion.
***The inaugural Patriot Games Thursday-Saturday, June 22-24, in Windsor, CO, features teams in 14U, 16U and 18U competing for championships.
Athletics Mercado-Smith won the 18U title at the 2022 Team1 Elite Club Summer Invitational. Photo courtesy of Mark Smith.
ATHLETICS MERCADO-SMITH
Head Coach: David Mercado/Mark Smith
Twitter: @MercadoAcademy
Outlook: Athletics Mercado went 38-7 last summer, winning the Team1 Elite Club Summer Invite, placing 3rd at the Alliance Super Cup Stage 3, winning the Triple Crown Fireworks Power Pool, taking 2nd at the Triple Crown USA Nationals, and 5th at the 18U Alliance Nationals. They went 39-2 in the fall, winning the B.O.B. Legacy and placing 3rd at the AZ Last Blast. They are headed to AFCS 3 this summer.
ROSTER:
Cambria Salmon (2024, RHP, Texas)
Madilyn Hernandez (2024, C, uncommitted)
Kaylynn Jones, 2024, MIF/OF, Oregon)
Rylee Esber (2023, C/3B, uncommitted)
Kaylee Oh (2023, OF, Oregon State)
Miali Guachino (2024, RHP, Ole Miss)
Makenzie Butt (2024, 1B, Boise State)
Xiane Romero (2024, MIF, Mississippi State)
Addison Duke (2024, CF, Ole Miss)
Paige Bambarger (2024, 3B/2B, Oregon State)
Mya Perez (2023, RHP, Texas A&M)
Jenna Sniffen (2024, 3B, Arizona)
Alyssa Hovermale (2023, 3B/SS, Florida)
Lisesl Osteen (2023, OF, UCLA)
Jasmyn Burns (2023, C, Ohio State)
Madison Lardizabal (2024, MIF, Clemson)
Jada Lewis (2023, OF, Arizona State)
Kanisha Anderson (2023, OF, East Carolina)
Priscilla Llamas (2024, LHP/1B, Ole Miss)
Alexa Rosales (2023, OF, Ole Miss)
— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)
What’s your favorite book to read and why? I’m not a big reader, but the book I like to read is “Heads-Up Baseball (by Tom Hanson & Ken Ravizza). It’s all about a player’s mentality, which I believe is the most important aspect of the game. This book was actually mentioned at a camp I went to by one of the coaches and that’s what led me to purchase it and begin reading it.
***Top Club Nationals is Wednesday-Saturday, June 21-24, in OKC. Follow the tournament online 
***The inaugural Patriot Games Thursday-Saturday, June 22-24, in Windsor, CO, features teams in 14U, 16U and 18U competing for championships.
***The 2023 Scenic City Summer is Thursday-Sunday, June 22-25, in Chattanooga, TN. Teams in 14U, 16U and 18U will compete for championships.
Who is your sports hero and why? To be honest, I haven’t really had one until recently when I saw the post-game interview of the Oklahoma Sooners talking about the Lord and how their faith has guided them through their journey. The real joy is playing for each other and knowing that happiness comes from within and stems from the lord. The girls on that team showed leadership and their love for the Lord and shared it with the country and I really admire that.
Who is your sports hero and why? I’ve really looked up to Jordy Bahl and Valerie Cagle because they are athletic pitchers that hit.
