RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
As we get reach to launch the initial 2026 Extra Elite 100 starting Jan. 11, 2021, it’s fun to learn about the players on and off the field—their “backstories” and what helped them become the rising stars they currently are.
For skilled shortstop Marisa Bryson, a 2026 grad who plays for the All American Sports Academy organization it isn’t too hard to see where she gets her talents.
Marisa’s father, Matt, played shortstop at Chico State and he and her mother Niki are coaches in the AASA program. Older sister Lauren is a 2021 grad who also plays in the club program and is committed to Santa Clara University.
Additionally, Marisa’s cousin is Dustin Pedroia, the All-Star second basemen for the Boston Red Sox who was the 2008 American League MVP.
The youngest in the “stick and ball” family is considered one of the top shortstops in the nation in her grade with an overhand throw recorded at 63 mph and bat speed at 64 mph. The younger Bryson has been tutored by Bryan Merrida and Rob Diggle who have produced many D1 infielders at AASA including Ali Aguilar (Washington) and Bubba Nickles (UCLA).
Marisa currently trains with Aguilar, who says of her young student: “Marisa is the best that I have seen at her age. She moves with ease defensively and has tremendous arm strength. She is a natural on the diamond!”
The infielder has always played up an age level and currently leads off for the AASA 14U team.
Adds her father/coach Matt Byrson: “Marisa is a true shortstop who is an offensive catalyst. She is a great athlete with a 19-inch vertical who plays with instinct!”
Offensively, Marisa has hit .511 with three over-the-fence homeruns in her last 200 at bats and leads the team in runs scored. She also has compiled a fielding percentage of .923.
If conditions (COVID) allows, she and her 14U team will compete at PGF Nationals this summer along with Triple Crown World Series in Utah and the USA Champions Cup in Irvine.
Here’s more on this player to watch in the ’26 class…
*****
Name: MARISA BRYSON
Hometown/State: Woodland CA
Grad Year: 2026
Positions: SS/2B
Club Team: All American Sports Academy (AASA) – Bryson
School (City/ST): Douglass Middle School/Woodland CA
GPA: 4.0
Other Sports? basketball
Nickname: “My trainer calls me ‘RPMs’ and my 8U coach called me ‘Mighty Mouse.’ I really don’t have one that has stuck.”
What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
Hitting a two-run go ahead home run in international extra innings.
What would you say are your strengths on the field?
My strong arm and directing our defense as the shortstop.
*** Scroll down to read more about Marisa including what her goals are for this year… and beyond!