Extra Inning Softball has partnered with College Bound Jocks, a “Marketing Company for Athletes” that, for over 15 years, has succeeded in its mission to help those looking to play at the college level how to “understand, plan and succeed in the college recruiting process.”
We are happy to use our editorial platform to promote these talented athletes as part of our CBJ Athlete of the Month program and today we spotlight Quinn Marnocha
Here’s a video look at the current junior…
…. And here’s more on our March 2022 CBJ Athlete of the Month!
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Player Name: QUINN MARNOCHA
Grad Year: 2023
Position(s) Played: Outfield, Second Base
High School: Neenah (Wisconsin)
Club Team: Wisconsin Bandits Gold 16U
College: uncommitted
What are your team’s top accomplishments?
My Wisconsin Bandits teams have been very successful over the years. There is a core group of seven of us that have played together for several years. During those years we have won countless tournaments and have won or placed near the top in several National Championships. Picking one top accomplishment is difficult but I think it came when we qualified for our first PGF National Championship Premier bid. We were in Kansas City and had to battle through several incredibly talented Beverly Bandits teams late into a cold evening. It was an incredible way to enjoy the Halloween weekend!
What are your top individual accomplishments?
In the broad sense, I feel that one of my top accomplishments is providing my team with consistent versatility. For example, our team needed an outfielder, so I made the switch from second base to outfield, honing my skills to make me an asset at the position. When our team needed more out of our base runners, I learned to be much more crafty on the base paths. Finally, this year, when older girls moved up, we needed more leadership so I stepped up to be a leader on and off the field. On a more specific level, one of my favorite memories was during the PGF National Championship when I hit 2-3 with 2 doubles against one of the best teams in the country, Hotshots – Nelson. It was truly fun to play well against a team that were all Power 5 commits.
What are your strengths in softball?
I have always prided myself on my power hitting and have worked hard to also be a situational contact hitter. I am also enjoying being a leader this season and have a strong voice on and off the field. You will always hear me cheering on my team from the dugout or the field. Additionally, while playing for the Wisconsin Bandits I have developed a high softball IQ and have especially excelled as a savvy base runner; I’m always trying to take that extra base or bait a throw when an opportunity arises. Being fast on the bases has also turned into an asset in the outfield where I provide my team with some energy. I love the opportunity to run down a ball and make a full-stretch diving catch.
What is your favorite softball memory?
This is a difficult one to answer since I have had so many special moments with my team. One that sticks out, is from this past summer. My team embarked on a 3 ½ week road trip that included three tournaments, the final being in Huntington Beach. It was truly a team trip that I will never forget. The special memories and experiences I had with my teammates both on and off the field are irreplaceable.
Do you have any softball superstitions?
It sounds very strange to most people, but I think I play much better with a full bladder. I never go to the bathroom before a game; I like to use the feeling to play with more urgency and energy during the game. It also gives me something else to think about during those high stress situations. It’s always funny because you will see me sprinting to the bathroom after we win! So far there have been no accidents… fingers crossed!
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen happen on a softball field?
Two years ago, our team was playing a high-stress game in the winners’ bracket during the Elite Select World series when our home plate ump ran to the bathroom mid-at bat. We had to finish our game with one umpire because the home plate umpire kept pausing the game to make a run; we found out later that some bad fast food led to a bout of food poisoning. I felt bad for him but it was pretty funny and the other umpire was giving him a hard time. Eventually my dad gave him some Imodium and he umped the next game.
If you could meet anyone in the softball world, who would it be?
I would definitely say Bubba Nickles because she has gone through a lot of adversity in her career due to her injuries her senior year. Despite that she hasn’t given up and she has shown that she is a phenomenal power hitter and spectacular outfielder. I definitely look up to her and hope I can have even 1/10th of her success in my own collegiate career.
What is one thing you have learned from your coach that will always stay with you?
To always believe in myself. Sometimes you need to be your own biggest fan when others don’t believe in you. Having a negative mindset won’t get you anywhere, but if you never doubt yourself, good things will happen.
What is something unique about you?
I was diagnosed with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy when I was 7. We were always told I would grow out of it, but two years ago I was given the news that I would have it for life. It was a difficult diagnosis but fortunately it doesn’t affect my daily life too much. It does, however, give me a greater perspective on what others with medical challenges have to go through. It also has led me to be more interested in the medical field and I hope to pursue a career in medicine in the future.
Who is your hero and why?
I would have to say my Mom, Courtney, and Great-Grandmother, Shirley. I come from a long line of strong women, and I am close with both of them. They have shown me how to be powerful and assertive in a world where being a woman can sometimes ‘shut doors’. I have always prided myself on being a ‘girl-boss’ and know that these two are the reason.
What other activities/hobbies do you enjoy outside of softball?
I have been a competitive dancer for 10 years competing in various styles of dance including Jazz, HipHop, Lyrical, Tap and Ballet. Last year I earned my Point shoes which was a big accomplishment. I like to incorporate the athleticism and balance/flexibility from dance into my softball game.
In addition to dance, I love listening and singing to my favorite musicals, downhill skiing with my brother, reading fiction and really just hanging out at our family cabin. I am also very active in school with DECA and love volunteering with Special Olympics and young dancers at my dance academy.
If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
It would have to either be Coline Hoover as she is my favorite author and I find her to be incredibly interesting or Lin Manuel Miranda, because he wrote and starred in my favorite musical (Hamilton) and wrote the music for one of my favorite Disney movies, Moana.
What is your favorite quote or motto?
I don’t remember where I heard this quote and I can’t find the original creator but it really speaks to me: “Sacrifice: Giving up something that matters for something that matters more.”
Here are the links to our previous CBJ Athletes of the Month (click on the player names)!
- Ella Stephenson (Algonac, Mich.)
- Keira Tolmie (Clarkston, Mich.)
- Taylor Davison (Richmond, Ill.)
