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We’ve followed outstanding junior pitcher Olivia Duncan for several years now and she has never failed to impress.
T-5—Olivia Duncan, LHP, Lady Dukes 16U – Lamar
Olivia is a complete power with a great curveball/riseball combo and works batters well. She gets ahead on batters consistently and, says Coach James Lamar, “when she does, I haven’t seen too many hitters be able to have success off her.” Olivia also has a nasty change-up that spins like her curveball, which really throws batters off. She is currently throwing in the upper 60ś and her speed is continuing to improve. Adds Coach Lamar: “Olivia is a bulldog; she is feisty, and she will not give up on you. In moments of crisis, you will not doubt putting her in the circle.” Olivia led the Dukes last Fall with an impressive 12-0 record in 18U, not losing one start and that was against top teams in the country. Oliva is being recruited heavily from top programs in the Pac-12, Big 12, Big Ten, ACC and SEC.
The Peach State athlete is mature beyond her years as she’s talented not just with the ball and glove, but with the pen (or paintbrush) and paper.
A year and a half ago, we spotlighted Olivia in an article titled Extra Star Power: 2023 Extra Elite 100 Pitcher Olivia Duncan… an Artist On & Off the Mound! and showed at that time some of her impressive pieces including these two…
… and this mural on her wall:
Olivia’s musical tastes run back a generation or two as well as she loves to listen to music from the 1970’s including Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead as well as Led Zeppelin. She previously said if she has the money and time, a favorite place to browse is “our local antique shop, the Queen of Hearts, to buy vinyl records.”
And, oh yea, she’s a pretty darn good softball player as the future Clemson Tiger helped her Lady Dukes 18U team finish as co-champs at Colorado Sparkler and runners-up at PGF Nationals and Top Gun Invite.
Here’s more on this player to keep your eye on for the next several years!
— Joy Roeder, Extra Inning Softball correspondent
*****
Name: OLIVIA DUNCAN
Hometown/State: Buford, Georgia
Grad Year: 2023
Position(s): Left-handed pitcher
Club Team: Lady Dukes 18U Gold
High School (City/ST): Buford (Georgia) High
GPA: 4.0
College: Clemson
Top Honors/Accomplishments: Ranked #5 player and #4 pitcher in the 2023 Extra Elite 100 2023. Gwinnett County 2021 Pitcher of the Year.
Preferred College Major: Recreational Therapy
What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
The first time I ever went to PGF. It was a major milestone in my softball career that I will never forget.
What would you say are your strengths on the field? And what have the club and college coaches say they like most about your game?
I would say my biggest strength that I value the most is the composure I keep on the mound. I’ve had many coaches comment on how the way I hold myself stays consistent no matter how good or bad the game may be going.
Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year? Or in general?
My goal is to win PGF Nationals this year with my team. We placed second in 2021 and, ever since then, making it back to that championship game and winning it all is what drives me every day when I am training.
Do you have any softball superstitions?
I have to have my hair braided.
What would you say is your philosophy in life?
As Ricky Bobby in the movie Talladega Nights once said, “If you ain’t you first, you’re last.”
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field?
Calm.
What worries you most about what classmates your age will face in the future?
The ongoing issues with mental health in athletics. This applies to all ages and I think there needs to be more awareness and discussion about it.
If you won a million dollars and had to spend it all in 24 hours, how would you spend it?
I’d give my parents however much they need and then use the rest to buy a purple Jeep and my dream farmhouse.
What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
California.
What’s been your favorite place you’ve played softball?
Playing in Colorado was my favorite. I love how we could see the mountains over the field while we were playing.
*** Scroll down to read more about Olivia, including the one person–dead or alive–she’d love to have dinner with…