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College Bound Jocks Player of the Month (Committed): Arissah Garza

Arissah Garza makes the play on defense. Photo: Bakholdin Photography

Working together with College Bound Jocks, Extra Inning Softball is spotlighting CBJ Players of the Month including those who have signed or committed as well as those who are on their way!

Today, for May 2023’s honoree, we feature 2024 infielder Arissah Garza, a California girl who will head to the Midwest to play at the next level.

Here’s more on Arissah and how she committed on her visit to her future program…

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Arissah and her father, Anthony, taking a selfie in Chicago.

Player: ARISSAH GARZA     
Club Team: Firecrackers Central CA – Wallace
High School: Central (Fresno, Calif.)
Grad Year: 2024
Position(s): MIF
Committed to: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)

What factors led you to commit to the Cougars?
My family, coaches and Brian (Chidester) from College Bound Jocks were all big factors. I also connected with the coaching staff at SIUE, I like their culture and the way they teach the game. SIUE’s softball facilities were very nice and the campus as well. SIUE also has my intended major.

When, where, and how did you commit?
I committed to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on January 28, 2023. I went to Edwardsville for my visit and committed at the school.

What are your top individual accomplishments?
I would say there are three:

  1. Committing to a D1 softball program.
  2. Made the 18U Gold team at 14 years old.
  3. Made varsity as a freshman and earned the starting shortstop position every year.
The 2024 grad has played “older” than her age, making varsity as a freshman and playing 18U at age 14.

What are your strengths in softball?
My strengths are that I can be a leader on the field, I have good softball IQ, I can throw from multiple angles and have quick hands.

What is your favorite softball memory?
My favorite softball memory would be playing in our D1 Valley Championship for high school at Fresno State and also playing right before a tornado in Indiana.

Do you have any softball superstitions?
My softball superstitions include NOT wearing a ribbon in my hair and having to do my same on deck routine and at the plate.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen happen on a softball field?
It was funny seeing everyone trip on their shoelaces and eat dirt.

Arissah would love to someday meet softball legend Amanda Lorenz.

If you could meet anyone in the softball world, who would it be?
I’ve met a couple players including Rachel Garcia and Sofia Reynoso but I would like to meet the former third baseman Amanda Lorenz from University of Florida.

What is one thing you have learned from your coach that will always stay with you?
Pressure is a mindset.

How would you say College Bound Jocks helped you in the recruiting process?
CBJ and Brian have helped me so much. He has traveled all the way to California multiple times to help with the recruiting videos. He has made a platform for my teammates and I to show off our talents. He also has reached out to college coaches about me, so I am very thankful.

What is something unique about you?
Something unique about me is that I can hyper-extend my fingers.

Who is your hero and why?
My hero is my Grandma Dollie because she was always my inspiration to be strong.

What other activities/hobbies do you enjoy outside of softball?
I enjoy going to football/baseball games, going on coffee runs especially to Dutch Bros or Starbucks and traveling to new places and states.

What is your favorite quote or motto?
My favorite quote would be fatigue makes cowards of us all.

The Firecrackers Central CA – Wallace team at PGF Nationals last summer.
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