There are a lot of promising pitchers coming up in the club ranks and one of the best and one to watch is Danika Frazier in the Beverly Bandits organization.
The sophomore power pitcher was ranked #25 overall in the 2024 Extra Elite 100 thanks to a her heat in the mid-to-upper 60’s along with a curve, rise and screwball to keep hitters guessing.
Coaches praise her for never getting too high or too low and the ability to stay cool under pressure. She is a big-time competitor having succeeded again some of the top teams in the country with the gift to stay cool under pressure while keeping her teammates loose and laughing with her free-spirited personality.
Says Bandits assistant coach Brian Hanik:
“I have coached Danika now for four years and it is a pleasure to be one of her coaches. Her future is very bright and I’m excited to see what college she chooses to play for when the time comes for her to make a college decision.”
“Danika is one of the best pitchers in her class because she can locate all of her pitches and has so much confidence that she never gives into the hitters. She pitches her best in the big games and always wants to be on the mound when the game is on the line. Danika doesn’t feel she has to strikeout every batter—she has confidence that her teammates will make the plays in the field.”
Here’s a closer look at this top-ranked pitcher who is already getting major college attention…
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Name: DANIKA FRAZIER
Hometown: Danvers, Illinois
High School: Olympia (Stanford, Illinois)
Travel Team: Beverly Bandits Premier 16U – Krause
Grad Year: 2024
Height: 5’ 7”
Position: Pitcher
Nickname: “D-Bot.”
Twitter: @danikafrazier05
Instagram: @danika.frazier05
Travel Ball Highlights & Stats: 2021 All Summer Team Extra Innings (14U); 2021 stats: 41-7 record with five saves with 257 strikeouts in 328 innings pitched.
High School Highlights & Stats: Made Varsity as a Freshman; 17-2 record.
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What is an obstacle you’ve had to overcome in your athletic career?
I was cut from a team before the Bandits so I decided to work even harder to never get cut again.
How old were you when you were cut and was it a big shock? And how did you rally the strength to pull yourself up and become better?
I was 12 years old and it surprised me because that has never happened to me before. I just worked harder and let this fuel my drive to play.
Tell us about the Bandits and your time with them…
I have played for the Bandits four years. I love all the girls on the team, and it feels like I’m part of a big family. I really enjoy the opportunity my coaches and teammates give me.
Playing for the Beverly Bandits…an organization that’s produced some pretty good players (and pitchers) over time! What does it mean to you to wear the Orange & Black uniform?
It is a privilege to wear the Orange & Black because of all the talented pitchers that played before me in the organization. And to put on the same uniform as them is an honor.
How often do you train?
I train four to five times a week.
What’s been your most memorable softball experience so far?
Pitching at 14U PGF Nationals and winning in extra innings against the Texas Hotshots.
What moment stands out to you from that game?
When Kaidance Till went to second base on a base hit when the first base coach did not send her and the ball was overthrown trying to get her out. She came all the way around to score the winning run.
What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you:
I’m obsessed with TikTok!
What is it about Tik Tok that has made you such a fan?
The diversity and positivity spread throughout the platform… and plus I can dance to the songs!
Do you have any special talents or skills?
I’m really good at interior design.
If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be & why?
Michael Jordan, because of his mindset and his competitiveness.
What are you looking for in your future college?
A coaching staff that will improve my game, teammates that are welcoming with a good environment, and a school with good facilities
What do coaches say they like about most about you and your game?
I’m hard working and very dedicated.
When did you realize that you had what it takes to pitch at the college level?
When one of my coaches told me my hard work was being noticed and colleges were interested in me.
Who has been a softball hero, idol or mentor…someone you look up to?
Coach Regan (Krause) is more of a mentor and is pushing to be the best. I love her will to win. I look up to Montana Fouts at Alabama because of her style of play and how she stays composed on the mound at all times.
What college do you think has the coolest uniforms & logo in your opinion?
The top three coolest uniforms are those of Alabama, Florida and Missouri. My favorite logo is Clemson’s… I love the PAW!
Have you been on any college campuses to check out the schools?
I’ve been to Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, Northwestern and Florida, I can see myself playing at any of those schools.
If you were able to change one thing in softball for the good, what would it be?
I would increase softball exposure and would like for fans to know how fast and hard playing softball really is.
Where would you like to see yourself in 10 or 20 years? Hopefully still in the game of softball, weather that’s still playing or coaching. Also, would like to have a family in 10/20 years.
EXTRA INSIGHTS
What’s the best advice you have received: You must have a purpose in everything you do… from my lifting coach.
Favorite Pro athlete: Michael Jordan.
Favorite Movie: She’s the Man.
Favorite Song/artist: Artist: Olivia Rodrigo; Song: Heatwave
Favorite TV show to binge watch: The Night Shift.
Your philosophy on life: God deserves all the glory and every opportunity given to you you must take.
