Leighann Goode joined the Texas Bombers organization when she was in 10U and she always wanted to play for Coach James Burgess.
She got her opportunity in the fall and blew up. Batting lead-off, she hit .479 with 57 hits, 14 doubles, seven triples, five homers, 31 RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 43 games.
The uncommitted shortstop is a big reason Texas Bombers Gold-Burgess/Smith, #7 in the Extra Elite Eighty 16U Club Rankings, is expected to contend for a PGF Nationals title this summer.
“Leighann is a great athlete,” UT San Antonio-committed 2021 IF Olivia McFadden said. “Her athleticism is shown on the field a lot when she plays shortstop. Her range is outstanding and she gets to balls that not a lot of shortstops get to. Her effort towards balls is really good and she even makes the hard plays look routine.”
“When she hits, she knows what pitch she wants to hit and has a lot of success doing that. She is a very skillful hitter and I love watching her hit during games. Her swing is really nice. Leighann is unique in her own way. She makes me and the team laugh, she picks you up when you are down and she is a great leader. The team loves her and we respect her a lot. She works really hard and she is going to do great things here in the future.”
Uncommitted 2022 P Nicole Bodeux loves having Goode’s glove backing her up.
“Leighann is an amazing person that I am very thankful to have gotten to play with,” Bodeux said. “Other than being an awesome shortstop with great range and such a powerful arm and being very talented at hitting, Leighann is a really good friend and teammate. I know she always has my back on and off the field. It makes me very comfortable when I am pitching to know Leighann is at shortstop. I love watching her make plays that seem almost impossible.”
Texas A&M-committed 2022 OF Keely Williams said Goode’s drive to succeed sets her apart from other players.
“Leighann is such a powerful player and uses that power during every play of the game,” Williams said. “The way she approaches her at-bats and the effort she gives defensively is what makes her such a dominant player. What makes her unique as a teammate is that she hates to lose and she will do everything she can to prevent that from happening.”
*** Go inside “Extra Star Power” to learn more about one of the top 2022 prospects in the nation.
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EXTRA STAR POWER Q&A
Name: LEIGHANN GOODE
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
High School: O’Connor High of Helotes, Texas
Club Team: Texas Bombers Gold-Burgess/Smith 16U
Graduation Year: 2022
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: SS
Nickname: Hollywood
Twitter: @leighannn_11
High School/Travel Ball Highlights: Defense Player of the year for Texas Bombers Gold-Burgess and 2019 Freshman of the Year/1st Team All-District
Tell us about the Bombers and how you became involved with them?
I have always wanted to play for Coach (James) Burgess since 10U, but his team was based out of Houston. I joined the Bomber organization in August of 2018. I was a part of the Bomber Gold program last year and this year when I was given the opportunity to join Coach Burgess’s team. I couldn’t have been more excited. I love being a Bomber and the opportunities that come with representing this organization. My goal is to help our team bring home a national championship this summer.
What is something you have faced in your life that has helped you become the person that you are today?
After losing my grandfather, it taught me to never take life or people you love for granted and enjoy every minute because you never know what tomorrow holds.
What’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
I think it would surprise people to know that I can swing from the left side just as well as I can swing from the right side.
If you could have dinner with four people dead or alive, who would it be?
Sis Bates, Stephanie Ceo, Bubba Nickles and Rachel Garcia.
What have you learned about yourself in the past year?
I am mentally stronger than I ever thought I was.
Do you have a secret talent/skill?
Drawing
Who is the most underrated player on your team?
I believe Olivia McFadden is the most underrated player on my select team. She is an absolute beast. I believe she got overlooked and some schools in the near future are going to wish they didn’t overlook her.
What do coaches say they like most about you and your game?
My intensity and my energy level in every game.
What’s been the highlight of your athletic career so far?
Making the Select 30 and playing in the Select 30 games at LSU.
What’s the scariest thing in the world? Big Spiders.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Move on, don’t dwell on the past.
What’s your spirit animal? Cheetah.
Favorite pro athlete: Francisco Lindor.
Favorite Movie: “Love and Basketball.”
Favorite song/artist: Chris Young.
Favorite actor/actress: Leonardo DiCaprio.
Favorite TV show: “The Vampire Diaries.”
Favorite motto/philosophy on life: Go hard or don’t go at all.
