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Here’s our TLI for Friday, March 18:
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EXTRA ELITE PROFILE: ELLA DODGE
P/UT Ella Dodge, #77 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, talked to Extra Inning Softball recently about her softball journey with Tampa Mustangs 16U-Rene and Lakewood Ranch High of Florida, #1 in the nation in the Extra Elite Eighty High School rankings, her volleyball skills and her favorite memories at Lakewood Ranch High.
EXTRA ELITE Q&A
Name: Ella Dodge
Hometown: Bradenton, FL
High School: Lakewood Ranch High
Club Team: Tampa Mustangs 16U-Rene
Graduation Year: 2024
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: P/UT
Nickname: Eddie, Dodge, and E.D
Twitter: @elladodge2024
Honors: National Honor Society; 4.3 GPA; and nominated for Athlete of the Week by HT Preps.
Travel Ball Highlights/Fall Stats: Her team went 27-6-5 in the fall and qualified for the PGF Premier Nationals and AFCS 2. They also got a bids to the JO CUP and the USSSA Select World Fastpitch. She batted .305 with nine doubles, three triples and a home run in the fall.
High School Highlights: 2022: She has pitched 40 innings with 71 strikeouts, a 0.86 ERA, 7-0 record and she’s batting .292 so far this season.
Tell us about the Mustangs and how you came to be with them?
I started playing travel softball at the age of 8. I was on the Suncoast Storm 05 team, which became Tampa Mustangs–Dodge in 2015. My mom, who played softball at the University of South Florida, was my coach for many years. When she stopped coaching, I transitioned to Tampa Mustangs-Rene. I love being part of the Tampa Mustang organization. We are family to each other. This organization has high expectations of their athletes on and off the field. We bring out the best in one another and push each other to our best. I enjoy being coached by Rene Ciccarello and Derrick Brooks and my teammates are super fun to play with and are all hard working.
How do you approach the high school season with Lakewood Ranch?
I am beyond excited for this high school season. I am really looking forward to learning from some of the best coaches and playing with these extremely talented players. I approach this season with confidence and determination for us as a team to continue to push ourselves and get better each day in order to go after another state championship. My team and I are embracing the expectations each and every day and we are hungry for another state championship.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned from Lakewood Ranch coach TJ Goelz?
I’ve learned a lot from Coach TJ as my coach. I love playing for him because he teaches the game very well and gives feedback constantly and consistently. He brings out the best in each player by setting high expectations and continuously teaching the game. He communicates what he expects and gives honest feedback to help you perform at your best while also having fun and making memories. Coach TJ is always teaching us as a team to push ourselves and never settle. Coach TJ teaches more than just the game. He, along with the other coaches, teaches us life skills such as being accountable, responsible, being prepared, communication and more. Coach TJ also teaches us to be good people. He is a good role model who gives back to the sport he loves.
Do you have a secret talent/skill?
I am pretty good at volleyball.
What’s your most memorable softball story?
In November 2020, I found out that I had an injury that would keep me out of softball through the entire high school season. I was devastated, but Coach TJ gave me the opportunity to still be a part of the Lakewood Ranch High School team as the team manager, which I am so grateful for. I loved still being a part of the team and helping in whatever way I could. I charted every practice, took notes during the games, pumped my teammates up, used my voice in the dugout and more. I embraced my role and did whatever I could to help our team win.
I also spent several months working to recover from my injury and get stronger. The most memorable moment for me was when this year’s softball season began. I was able to put the Lakewood Ranch Mustang uniform on and take the field to compete with my teammates. I loved last season, but now that I am able to play and I can physically contribute to help my team, that is an incredible feeling that I will never forget. No feeling compares to having a blast on the field doing what you love with your friends. I learned to never take the opportunity and ability to play for granted. You never know when something will keep you from doing what you love, so enjoy every moment you have on the field.
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