Last year, Canyon High School's Faster to 1st Tournament sponsored by ESPN RISE and NIKE brought in 24 of the best teams from around the nation.
 
At the time, the tournament included ten ranked teams in the ESPN RISE FAB 50.
 
After garnering national recognition, it is no wonder that every year it continues to grow.
 
With the economy holding many teams back and limiting the funds allotted to the softball programs, high schools are finding ways to make it out to Huntington Beach, Calif., for the best high school tournament in the nation.
 
Here is an article about Mortimer Jordan High School out of Birmingham, Ala., a team that is trying to find a way to compete against the best in the nation at the Faster to 1st tournament in 2010.

*Below are the names of the athletes signed to schools in some of the conferences across the country. This list is a work in progress, so feel free to send additional signing information to garland@studentsports.com.

SEC

	Steve Johnson for ESPN RISE
	Ryan Iamurri, Univ. of Alabama signee, played in the 2009 Under Armour All-America Game.

University of Arkansas:
Jayme Gee
Breanna Lynn Hutchinson
Macy Burr
Chloe Oprzedek
Amanda Geile
Jennifer Rambo
Clarissa Navarro

Auburn:
Hilary Mavromat
Alyssia Palomino

University of Florida:
Kasey Fagan
Cheyenne Cole

University of Georgia:
Morgan Montemayor
Julia Echols

University of Kentucky:
Lauren Cumbess
Ellen Weaver

LSU:
Kaley Coonce
Tammy Wray
Simone Heyward
Whitney Miller

Ole Miss:
Mallory McNeal
Natalie Nimmo
Rebecca Taylor Cantillo
Allison Brown

Tennessee:
Madison Shipman
Courtney Thomas
Ellen Renfroe
Melissa Davin
Tory Lewis
Chelsea O'Connor

Big 10

University of Illinois:
Jenna Mychko
Alex Booker
Jessica Perkins

University of Indiana:
Kristy Pasley
Shelby Gogreve

University of Iowa:
Kayla Massey
Katie Kroeger
Nikki Gentile
Brianna Luna

University of Michigan:
Lyndsay Doyle
Mandy Gardner
Caitlin Blanchard
Brandi Virgil
Nicole Sappingfield

Michigan State:
Cassee Layne
Sarah Bowling
Samantha Findling

Northwestern:
Samantha Albanese
Marisa Bast
Mari Majam

Ohio State:
Evelin Carillo
Leesa Gresham
Kasie Kelly
Melissa Rennie

Penn State:
Jordan Wheatley
Kasie Hatfield

Purdue:
Danielle Fletcher
Lindsey Raines
Laura Hurndon

University of Wisconsin:
Stephanie Peace
Mary Massei

Big 12

Baylor:
McKenzie Robinson
Chelsea Kovich
Shlebi Redfern
Claire Hosack

Iowa State:
Sara Rice
Breeana Holliday
Sara Davison
Evan Folks

University of Kansas:
Kendra Cullum
Ashley Newman
Elsa Moyer
Kristin Martinez
Laura Vickers
Collen Hohman

University of Nebraska:
Tatum Edwards
Taylor Edwards

University of Oklahoma:
Javen Henson
Destinee Martinez
Brittany Williams
Haley McGregor

Oklahoma State:
Tarrah Ettinger
Arianna Morrison
Morgan Hawkins

Texas:
Rachel Fox
Brejae Washington
Taylor Thom
Karina Scott
Mandy Ogle

Texas A&M:
Nicole Morgan
Amber Garza
Taran Tyler
Cassie Tysarczyk
Emily Albus

Texas Tech:
Kristin Martinez
Laura Ann Phillips
Brittany Talley
Kermitria Ward
Taylor Powell

*Stay tuned for updates on the list including signings from other conferences, information on the players and ESPN RISE Rankings of the best recruiting classes.

Who do you think has the best recruiting class? Email your answer to: garland@studentsports.com

 Two athletes on the 16U Batbusters-Myers have committed to play at the next level.

Melissa Davin- 2010, First Base- University of Tennessee
Alyssia Palamino- 2010, Pitcher- Auburn University

The Tennessee Fury organization out of Chattanooga, Tenn. has had several athletes commit to Division I schools. Below are some short profiles on several athletes that have committed to top programs like Tennessee and Auburn.

 *****

	COURTESY OF COACH JEREMY HIGDON
	Jackie Baird, a future Lady Vol.

Jackie Baird – 2010 C/IF – Girls Preparatory School, Chattanooga, TN – Committed to Tennessee

•    2-Time All State
•    2008 Hitting Stats (Soph. Yr.)  .475 Batting Avg; 10 HRs; 11 Doubles; 53 RBI
•    Hit 9 HR's in 9 days last season

Why did you choose Tennessee?
"Coach Weekly does a good job recruiting people all over the country,” Baird said. "He likes our GPS program. He wouldn't pick us if he didn't think we could make an impact on the program. I'm very grateful him wanting me.”

Fury Coach Pat Moyer on Jackie
"One thing about Jackie, we allow her to call her own pitches, because she's so in tune with what we're trying to do,” Moyer said. "Jackie's mature enough that we trust her back there, and no matter how big the situation is, we don't have any insecurities about it.”

Tory Lewis – IF/OF, Slapper – Girls Preparatory School, Chattanooga, TN – Committed to Tennessee

•    2-Time All State
•    2008 Hitting Stats (Soph. Yr.)  .461 Batting Avg; 32 Runs Scored
•    2.59 Home to First time at Tennessee Speed/Slapping Camp

Why did you choose Tennessee?
"It's Tennessee,” Lewis said. "My family is a Tennessee family. We're Volunteers. I've always wanted to go to Tennessee somehow. It just so happens it worked out in softball. When I got the offer I was like, 'Yeah.'”

Fury Coach Pat Moyer on Tory
Recalling a trip to the Surf City Tournament in California:
"With her at leadoff we won four of five games,” Moyer said. "Her first game she was 3-for-3. Her second game she was 4-for-5. She was stealing bases and making plays. She's just a kid that has no weaknessess in her game defensively and offensively.”

Hilary Mavromat – 2010 P/1B – Scottsboro High School, Scottsboro, AL – Committed to Auburn

•    2-Time All State
•    Career Pitching Stats (Varsity as an 8th Grader)  66-34 Record; 0.67 ERA; 1,023 Strikeouts; 12 No-hitters
•    2008 Hitting Stats (Soph. Yr.) .528 Batting Avg; 10 HRs; 29 Doubles; 53 RBI

Why did you choose Auburn?
"I went down there for a visit and I just loved it," Mavromat said. "I know a lot of the girls that are (committed) there and I know they're bringing in a lot of talent. I just loved everything about it."

Additional Comments from Hilary:
"Recruiting can be crazy frustrating and I'm glad I don't have to worry about it anymore," Mavromat said.
"With the season starting I can just worry about playing and not about who is behind the fence. I feel like we've got a really strong team this year and I'm just looking forward to playing the season."

 *****

Mallory McNeal – IF/OF, Slapper – Sparkman High School, Huntsville, AL – Committed to Ole Miss

•    Led the 2008 Fury 16U team in stolen bases

By Garland Cooper

	ESPN RISE
	Ashley Hansen seen here playing for the Firecrackers before becoming a college star.

College softball is now in full swing! That means that last year's high school seniors have made it to the season and are now freshmen playing in the big leagues.

One such freshman is Ashley Hansen who is now the shortstop for Stanford. She was last week's NFCA Player of the Week after batting .667 on the weekend. The Arizona native also had five extra-base hits including a three-run homerun.

She helped Stanford to a 4-0 record on the weekend and knocked in nine runs on the wins. She batted at least two for four in all four games and scored at least run one in each victory.

Hansen was an all-star in high school as well. She was the only high school athlete ever to be selected to try out for the National Team and was a member of the 2007 ASA National Championship team with the Worth Firecrackers. Last season she played with Corona del Sol high school.

A couple of other high school athletes turned college stars have been doing well in the start of this college season. These athletes are from top-ranked Univ. of Alabama and have made an impact right away.

After 25 at bats in the preseason, Jennifer Fenton is hitting .400 with an on-base percentage of .516. The outfielder is from Kennesaw, Ga. And attended Kennesaw Mountain High School. She was a three-time First Team All-State selection and was the 5A Player of the Year her senior season.

Her Alabama teammate, Cassie Reilly-Boccia is also a big deal for the Crimson Tide batting .367 with 11 RBI in only 30 at bats. She plays outfield and third base for the Tide. She is from Yorktown Heights, N.Y. and attended Yorktown high school. Last year she was the Gatorade New York Player of the Year and she was a two-time First Team All-State selection. Her senior year she batted an impressive .495 with 44 RBI.

These two are now playing on arguably the best softball squad in the nation and are making an impact against some of the best teams in the country.

From high school to college, these girls have made the transition easily!
 

By Garland Cooper

In light of Friday the 13th we decided to ask thousands of softball players what their superstitions were when they played.

Some listen to special songs, other refuse to wash their socks, and many will never step on the chalk lines. Whatever it is, softball players sure do have a little Friday the 13th in them with the superstitions they have confessed.

Every day for a warm-up we have to run in the same line, even for games too. During the warm-up everyone has the same throwing partner. For my pitching warm-up when we are nearing game time, my team will sit on the bench and everyone will grunt, like a yell, during mid-pitch, since it was a tradition that they started when I was a freshman. They do that three times each game, and a majority of the girls do not wash their uniforms, socks included in the non-washing.  There are many more superstitions but I would be here all day long listing them. Our dirty uniforms get quite disgusting, but that's all the fun.
-Whitney Tuthill, Stretchion Lady Stars, CT, 2009, P

Some superstitions I have when I play are: I found a penny on the day of a game and taped it to the bottom handle of my bat and that game I hit a homerun, so every time I find a penny on the floor I pick it up and if it's game day, I tape it to the bottom handle of my bat. I get in the batters box the same exact time every time and if I don't I get REALLY nervous. I wore the same socks three times once because they were all county games and we kept winning.
-Sarah Prezioso, New Jersey Pride, 2010, SS

Superstitions are a huge part of the game. Any softball player will tell you so. For me, there are a few MAJOR ones. Before every game, I listen to the song "The World's Greatest" by R. Kelly. It is a slower song, but very uplifting. During the national anthem, I close my eyes and visualize situations I could be put in during the game and see myself succeeding in each one. NEVER touch the white lines when running onto the field. When I play third, I have to toss the ball to the same person after warm-ups.
-Ashley Bragg, Newton Rock Gold, DE, 2009, SS

It is a must to ALWAYS warm up with the same partner! Don't change anything about your warm up if you're on a winning streak! Never wash your socks if you are on a hitting, pitching, or fielding streak! Never trust a mom who says they won't wash your socks. Never wash your visor if you're on a winning streak.
-Codee Yeske, White Knoll High School, SC, 2010, 2B

I have many superstitions when I play.  I wear the same wristband on my arm every game, eat the same lunch/breakfast every game day, and I listen to the same songs before every game.  I also use the exact same equipment every game.
-Liz Huttner, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School, NJ, 2009

The superstitions that I have are: I ALWAYS keep is my first ring my dad ever gave me underneath my batting glove. If you ask me to take off my batting glove 100% of the time you will see it. If I don't have it on, I will play bad, end of story. Another superstition I have is that I NEVER EVER step on the chalk lines. If you step on it, that's PURE bad luck in softball, well in my eyes at least!!
-Candice Beards, Jersey Inferno Gold, NJ, 2010, 1B

Wow! Hmm this is a hard one. I can't wash my socks or uniform if I'm playing good. I always have to put the right sock on first and then the left one, same goes for my cleats. When I'm at the plate I always sing the same song in my head but I can't say the song because its confidential information.
-Megan Rollings, Marysville-Pilchuck High School, WA, 2011, 2B

Every time I'm up to bat I have to rub my nine wrist bands hit my chest twice and point to the sky. I can't go to bat until then.
-Bethany Davis, East Jessamine High School, KY, 2011, 1B

I always have to have my autographed card of Natasha Watley in my left sock before I play and a wristband of any color on my left arm.
-Cyndil Matthew, Westfield High School, NJ, 2009, OF

As far as superstitions go, I prepare for the game like I play. I must always wear something pink because it is my power color. My side bangs must be braided up into a ponytail and right underneath my pony tail is a silver clip that I've had since the seventh grade.
-Demi Laney, Lake Howell High School, FL, 2010, P

My superstition is that when I begin a game, everything that I am wearing has to be the same the whole game and if I am chewing gum it has to stay in my mouth for the whole game no matter what. I also stand in the same spot in the dugout when I come back in from defense.
-Courtney Lollar, Satsuma High School, AL, 2009, OF
 

Email Garland@studentsports.com

 By Garland Cooper

Below are the top powerball throw scores from SPARQ Testing at the Rising Stars Winter Showcase.

ROTATIONAL POWERBALL THROW

Kathryn Malcolm-CT Eliminators Red Donovan-CT-2011-INF-40
Toni MacReynolds-Newtown Rock 18U-VA-2010-C-39
Amber Donovan-CT Eliminators Red Donovan-CT-2011-C-38
Natalie Becker-AZ Roadrunners-AZ-2010-P-38
Logan White-Brantford Bobcats-Ont.,Can.-2010-INF-37
Erika Polidori-Brantford Bobcats-Ont., Can.-2010-C-37
Michelle Tilson-Vienna Stars 18U Gold-VA-2010-C-37
Alex Smith-Florida Elite Gold-FL-2009-P-36
Blaire Kelley-Hatters Gold-FL-2011-P-36
Hayden Bartlett-Georgia Impact White-GA-2011-C-35
Savanna Hennings-Birmingham Vipers-AL-2010-P-35
Brooke Red-Georgia Impact White-GA-2011-P-35
Emily Carosone-Hatters Gold-FL-2012-SS-35
Lauren McColgan-Vienna Stars 18 Gold-VA-2010-2B-35
Ashley Rollins-Vienna Stars 18 Gold-VA-2010-P-35
Abby Carpenter-Vienna Stars 18 Gold-VA-2011-3B-35

 By Garland Cooper

Mississippi State is a team to keep an eye on. Last year they ended their season at the NCAA Tempe Regional, but with the singing class they are bringing in, they might be able to push even farther into the playoffs.

They bring in pitcher Kyle Vry who plays for the Gold Coast Hurricanes, the team that won last year's ASA 18 Gold Nationals. She had a short two-year career at Des Moines High School (freshman and sophomore years), but she did manage to set a school record for most strikeouts in a game (19) in a seven-inning no-hitter. She recorded 378 Ks in 186 innings pitched and a 0.27 ERA in that same season.

Shelby Fisher will add some pop at the plate for the Bulldogs. The first baseman and outfielder out of Ariz., hit .411 with 28 RBI her junior high school season and she batted .414 with six homers and 33 RBI during club play.

Erin Nesbit is a shortstop from Miss. With her club team this summer she batted .387 with six homers, 34 RBI and 44 runs. During her senior high school season she batted .384 with 29 runs, 24 RBI, and two homers.

Jessica Cooley out of Ala. Has been an All-Area and All-State player and also has helped her Oak Mountain High School to two playoff appearances.

Stephanie Becker is a lefty pitcher from Ill. Who has accumulated 554 Ks throughout her career. Last season alone she had 200 strikeouts with a 0.78 ERA. In club play she was 18-8 and recorded 154 Ks.

With two lefty pitchers, and some additional force at the plate, Mississippi State has a chance to go farther into the playoffs, especially when these athletes gain some experience at the collegeiate level. The Bulldogs are this year's up-and-coming program.
 

By Garland Cooper

ALABAMA

Courtney Conley will be joining the Crimson Tide for the 2009-10 season. She is from St. Louis, Mo. and plays third and first for Eureka High School and the St. Louis Chaos.

She was named All-Conference, All-District, All-Region, All-Metro, and All-State last season. Conley also earned Under Armour All-American accolades and Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2007.

KENTUCKY

Kara Dill out of LaGrange, Ohio, and Alice O'Brien from Murfreesboro, Tenn. will join the Univ. of Kentucky.

Kara Dill plays shortstop and pitches for Keystone High School. Throughout her career, her high school team has won 81 games and lost only 14. She contributes to that impressive record on the mound with 11 wins and one loss. She has thrown 94 innings and recorded 139 Ks. At the plate, Dill has a career .550 batting average with 36 extra base hits.

Dill has earned All-Conference, All-Lorain County, All-Northeast District, and All-State honors since her freshman year at Keystone. She also holds school records with the highest career batting average, and single season hits.

Alice O'Brien plays infield and outfield for Riverdale High School and the Murfreesboro Firebirds.

Last season O'Brien batted .481 with 14 homeruns as leadoff for her high school team. She also recorded a .926 slugging percentage and a .600 on-base percentage. Her 14 dinkers were enough to solidify a school record in single season homeruns.

She has been an All-District player for her three years at Riverdale. This past season she was named the 7AAA Player of the Year and was an All-State selection. Her high school team elected her as the Most Valuable Player and the Position Player of the Year after her junior season.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Mississippi State brings in five athletes from all over the country to round out their 2009-2010 roster. Stephanie Becker out of Aurora, Ill., Jessica Cooley from Birmingham, Ala., Shelby Fisher from Scottsdale, Ariz., Erin Nesbit out of Acworth, Ga., and Kylie Vry out of Des Moines, Iowa have signed to be a Bulldog.

Stephanie Becker is a lefty pitcher who pitches for West Aurora High School and the Orland Park Sparks.

She has been All-Conference and All-Area the past two years. Throughout her career she accumulated 554 strikeouts and a 43-17 record. Last season she recorded 200 Ks with a 0.78 ERA and a 14-8 record. In summer ball she was 18-8 with a 1.51 ERA and 154 strikeouts this past season.

Jessica Cooley is an outfielder and infielder for Oak Mountain High School and the travel team Skyhawks Express.

Last season she was an All-State and has been an All-Area selection since her start at Oak Mountain. Cooley also has helped her high school squad to playoffs two out of three seasons.

Shelby Fisher first base and outfield for Horizon High School and the Desert Thunder travel team.

She has been All-Region for three seasons and was All-State twice. Her junior season she hit .411 with 28 RBIs. With the Desert Thunder she batted .414 at the plate with six homers and 33 RBIs leading her team to ASA Gold Nationals.

Erin Nesbit plays shortstop for Harrison High School and the Atlanta Vipers Gold.

In this past fall season, Nesbit batted .384 with 29 runs scored, 24 RBIs and two homers. She was given the Harrison High School's Wendy's Heisman Award as the top female athlete in the school. She has been All-Region the past two seasons. With the Vipers she batted .387 this summer and had six homeruns, 34 RBIs, and 44 runs scored.

Kylie Vry is a lefty pitcher for Des Moines East High School and the Gold Coast Hurricanes.

In her short high school career, Vry managed to set a high school record for most strikeouts in a game with 19 Ks in a seven-inning no-hitter. She also was named to the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Elite Team All-State team in 2007. That same season she accrued 378 Ks in 186 innings pitched and recorded a 0.27 ERA. This summer she helped the Gold Coast Hurricanes to an ASA National Championship.

FLORIDA

The Univ. of Florida has signed five for the 2009-2010 season. The athletes include: Ensley Gammel out of Bakersfield, Calif., Samantha Holle from Tampa, Fla., Kelsey Horton from Valrico, Fla., Brittany Schutte out of Fountain Valley, Calif., and Brittany Walker from Tomball, Texas.

Ensley Gammel pitches and plays first base for Centennial High School and the Worth Firecrackers.

She has earned several postseason honors including earning All-League honors the past three seasons, and All-County honors twice. She was also Kern County Player of the Year in 2008 and was named ESPN Cal Hi Sports First Team All-State.

For the 2008 season she allowed only one earned run and was 25-3. She also recorded a 0.44 ERA with 258 Ks. At the plate she batted .359 with 28 RBIs and five homers.

Samantha Holle is an infielder for Chamberlain High School and the Gold Coast Hurricanes.

She was All-State and Hillsborough County Softball Player of the Year for the 2008 season. She also was given the team Hitting Award for 2008 after receiving a Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Award in past seasons. She also has been named a four-time All-American Scholar-Athlete.

Kelsey Horton is a catcher for Durant High School and the Gold Coast Hurricanes.

She was All-State, All-County, and All-Conference for the 2008 season. She has been All-Academic Athlete of the Year in 2007 and 2008 in softball and volleyball. For her high school squad she also has been named the Offensive Player of the Year two years running.

Brittany Schutte is a utility player for Mater Dei High School and the SoCal Athletics.
She was All-League and League MVP this past season. In 2007 she was named the Rookie of the Year and received All-League Honorable Mention honors.

Brittany Walker plays infield for Klein Oak High School and the Texas Eclipse Gold.

She has been All-District for two years and this past season was named First Team All-Greater Houston. This past season she batted a team-high .500.

TENNESSEE

Tennessee will bring in four girls to complete their 2009-2010 roster. The athletes include: Raven Chavanne out of Thousand Oaks, Calif., Lauren Gibson from Pasadena, Md., Melissa Brown from Valencia, Calif., and Ivy Renfroe out of Humboldt, Tenn.

Raven Chavanne plays outfield and third base for the OC Batbusters  Haning.

In 2007 she batted leadoff for the 16U OC Batbusters and was .583 at the plate, helping her team to a third place finish at ASA Nationals. She also is an outstanding track athlete for Newbury Park High School and holds records in several categories.

Lauren Gibson is a pitcher and utility player for Chesapeake High School and Team New Jersey.

Gibson was named ESPN RISE Magazine State Player of the Year, and she was an ESPN/Under Armour All-American in 2008. The past two years she has led her high school team to the 4A State Championship and threw no-hitters in both final games. For the past three seasons she has been All-Metro and All-County.

In 2008 she recorded 165 Ks in 120 innings pitched with a 17-2 record and a 1.23 ERA. She also contributed at the plate with a .500 average, 29 RBIs, 16 stolen bases, and 34 runs scored.

Melissa Brown is a middle-infielder for Hart High School and the SoCal Choppers.

This past season Brown was an All-League selection after leading her team to their second Foothill League Title since joining the squad. She batted .458 with 16 RBIs and 28 runs scored in 2008. She was named the Best Defensive Player on the Varsity squad for the past two years and also was the MVP her freshman year.

Ivy Renfroe pitches for Trinity Christian Academy and the Illinois Southern Force.

Since her start on the team she has more than 90 wins under her belt with an impressive 1,000+ Ks. She was a finalist for the Gatorade/RISE Magazine Tennessee Player of the Year and was an All-State selection as well as the District Most Valuable Player. This past season she went 20-4 on the mound with a 0.51 ERA and 261 Ks. That included eight no-hitters, and one perfect game. Renfroe also performed at the plate with a .396 average and 33 RBIs.

SOUTH CAROLINA

The Gamecocks have added two for their 2009-2010 campaign. The athletes are Briana Hamilton and Hannah Milks, both from S.C.

Briana Hamilton plays shortstop at Byrnes High School and the Georgia Knockouts. She was named the to All-State team in 2006 as well as being selected to the All-Region team in 2005 and 2006. She also was the Region II-4A Player of the Year in 2006. In 2005 she helped her high school to a 4A State Championship.

Hannah Milks plays for Wade Hampton High School and the Carolina Elite. She was an All-State selection this past season. She batted .568 and had 16 stolen bases on the year.

AUBURN

Auburn brings in two for the 2009-2010 season. Caitlin Schultze of N.J., and Kelsey Cartwright out of Nashville, Tenn. will complete the roster.

Caitlin Schultze hit .346 last season with two homers and 13 RBIs. She catches and was Fourth Team All-State last season.

Kelsey Cartwright plays for was .519 at the plate with an impressive 48 RBIs, 54 runs scored, 20 doubles, and 14 homeruns. Her 14 dinkers was a single-season high school record. Cartwright also was First Team All-State and a Gatorade/RISE Magazine Player of the Year nominee after leading Goodpasture High School team to an AA State Championship. For her career, she has batted .466 with 56 stolen bases, 58 doubles, 16 triples and another career school record of 32 homeruns.

OLE MISS

Ole Miss softball has signed three players for the 2009-2010 season. They are: Brittany Broome from Suwannee, Ga., Erinn Jayjohn out of Justin, Texas, and Kelly Nolan from Glendora, Calif.

Brittany Broome plays in the outfield for North Gwinnett High School and the East Cobb Bullets.

Last season she hit .374 with 38 runs scored and 38 stolen bases (a county record). She was named All-County for her efforts.

Erinn Jayjohn pitches and plays first base for Northwest High School and the Texas Elite.

She led her high school squad to a 5-5A District Championship with an impressive .487 average and 27 RBIs at the plate.

Kelly Nolan catches for Glendora High School and the SoCal Explosion.

She helped her high school team to the Division II CIF Finals. She was .380 at the plate for her high school team, contributing to her career .395 batting average. For the past three seasons she has been an All-League selection and this year she led her team to a League Championship.

By Garland Cooper

Lauren Sewell is a pitcher out of Fla. who has committed to play softball at the University of Alabama. She plays for Pembroke Pines Charter High School and Florida Gold. Sewell will graduate this spring.

Sewell was a First Team All-County selection for three years in a row and was an All-State selection last year. She also led her high school team to a State Championship with a 31-1 record on the mound!

We were lucky enough to catch up with Sewell and talk about her recent decision to continue her career at Alabama and about softball in general.

	COURTESY OF LAUREN SEWELL
	Lauren Sewell

Q: When and where did you commit?
A: July 14th, right when I got to California for the Champion's Cup.

Q: How does it feel to be committed?
A: Amazing& I'm a lot less stressed.

Q: Who else were you being recruited by?  
A: University of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, University of South Carolina,

Q: Where else did you take your trips?
A: LSU, UF, UCF, USF, FIU, USC

Q: On the trips, what made Bama stand out?
A: Everything! The campus, the coaching staff, the stadium, the people, and just the environment itself.

Q: What factors did you consider when looking at a college?
A: Geographical location, Competitiveness, Education, and making sure it was the best fit for me.

Q: How has the recruiting process been for you?
A: Very stressful, but exciting at the same time.

Q: Was there any moment in the recruiting process that has impressed you so far?
A: Yes, when I had an email from ALABAMA on September 1st &15 seconds after midnight.

Q: What was most important in your decision making process?
A: Making sure I found the right college for me and where I would be the happiest.

Q: What are you most looking forward to, moving forward in your career?
A: Getting a good job.

Q: How old were you when you started playing softball and how did you get started?
A: I was four years old, playing for the West Pembroke Pines Optimist league.  Now known as West Pines Girls Softball home of the Diamond Dusters Travel Teams!

Q: What did you have to do and how did you train to stay in shape when you were younger? What do you do now?  
A: When I was younger, all I did was practice with my team and go out and pitch with my dad about 3-4 times a week. Now I go to the gym almost every day to keep myself in shape. I also pitch 5 times a week during season.

Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: My goal for the future is to be the best pitcher I can be and win the WCWS

Q: What is your favorite accomplishment or accomplishment you are most proud of?
A: Committing to Alabama.  

Q: What is your favorite softball moment?
A: Winning the 12U NSA Nationals in South Carolina.

Q: What is your most embarrassing softball moment?
A: Getting a ball hit right back at me while pitching, and falling to the ground!

Q: What has been the biggest obstacle you have overcome?
A: Deciding where I was going to go to college, and making sure it was the best fit for me.

Q: What do you like to do when not playing?
A: I like to go to the gym and work out to keep myself in shape, and I also like hanging out with my family and friends

 
Now I will start the sentence and you fill in the blank:

If I could have only one material possession on a deserted island it would be... My cell phone.

Something most people don't know about me is... I was 9 pounds 7 ounces when I was born.

Something unusual about myself is... When I play softball, my hair always has to be in a ponytail straightened.

A food you couldn't pay me to eat is... Sushi

The best and worst movies ever are... All movies are good. I especially like Benchwarmers

The hardest I ever laughed is when... My parents try to be funny and laugh at their own jokes

The topical issue that most interests me in the world is... the economy

The best thing about softball is... Pitching a no-hitter, having the winning strike out, or having the winning hit!

If I could have one superhuman power it would be... to fly