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One of the best parts of my job is getting to watch young players mature and develop, graduating into college and then life.
Baily Dowling is now a freshman at Alabama after earning all kinds of high school and club honors:
- 2020 Extra Inning Softball All-Summer Team
- Illinois Gatorade State Player of the Year (multiple times)
- PGF All-American
- Top 5 Player in the 2020 Extra Elite 100
- 2019 USA Softball U-19 Women’s National Team member
- 2019 Extra Inning Softball 1st Team High School All-American
I went into our site and saw that we had 54 separate stories where Bailey was mentioned! She’s moved on from a great run at the high school and club levels, with Patrick Lewis’ Georgia Impact 18U team, and is now one of the top freshman at the DI level.
Below is a nice “get to know you” Q&A the University of Alabama published online along with a couple articles Extra Inning Softball did on Bailey…
We wish her the best for her freshman year with the Tide and expect her to have a great collegiate career!
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
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Softball Newcomer Q&A: Bailey Dowling
Originally published Feb. 6, 2021 on RollTide.com
How did you get your start in softball?
“I was an only child and on the quieter side, so my mom actually forced me to play softball. At our first practice, I remember diving in the dirt and I just immediately fell in love with the sport. I also played soccer and I loved it, but once I played softball, I knew that was it. My mom played both softball and basketball in college and my dad played football, so I was in a very athletic family.”
When did softball become a serious pursuit?
“I have always been very competitive so as I got older, I became less shy and that competitive side really started to show. I am also from a small town and knew I wanted to leave and thought softball could help me do that. College softball started becoming around a real thought when I was around 12. Before that it was just for fun, but then I started travel ball and started working out and practicing on my own.
“I went to an OnDeck camp with a ton of coaches in Chicago. After the camp, they write an article about each player and their skill level. Colleges started reaching out to me after that and I really began to believe that I could play college softball.”
Living in Illinois can be challenging for those who want to play outdoor sports year-round (due to the weather). How did you overcome those challenges?
“My parents and I moved out to the country and my dad built a batting cage in our backyard. It really helped me because I could go out there every day and work out or hit.”
When you were first looking at colleges, what criteria was high on your priority list?
“I wanted a family atmosphere. I really looked at how college coaches treated their players and coaching staff on each visit. That is how I decided which colleges I liked and disliked.”
When did Alabama come into the picture?
“I have a letter I wrote in third grade about how it was my dream to play at Alabama and hear my name called as I walked out to home plate. I am still not sure how it came about. I really liked their team colors. I went to a tournament in Northern Iowa where Alabama was playing that is when I really fell in love with UA. When it came to my official visit, after five minutes of being on campus, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I got the offer from Murph in 2016 and there was absolutely no hesitation in my mind. My mom was not with us when it happened, so I called her first and then immediately called Coach Murphy back to let him know that I wanted to be a part of the UA softball family.”
After committing did you feel a sense of relief or was it added pressure?
“I really felt the pressure my junior and senior year of high school. That’s when people really knew, ‘oh she’s going to Alabama.’ All along I was happy and very content in my decision.”
How has the transition to college been?
“It has been different. Being an only child and nine hours away from my parents has been hard. I like change and a challenge, so having that mentality has helped in the transition. My teammates and coaches have also helped a ton and made it way easier than I expected. After experiencing the coronavirus protocols in the spring of my senior year, I feel like I am almost used to it. The second-year freshmen got to experience a normal college life and we as incoming freshmen didn’t, so in a way I think that has made it easier for our group since we do not know any different.”
What were your emotions the first time you got to play in the Alabama uniform during the fall scrimmages?
“At first, I wasn’t nervous, but once we got on the field and started playing, I immediately got butterflies and completely lost my train of thought. I couldn’t remember where or how to even throw the ball. Those emotions really showed me that this is the place for me.”
What are your individual and team goals for this season?
“With coronavirus, we weren’t able to get out of our ‘softball bubble’ this fall which made all of us super close. It’s our goal to stay that way throughout the season. My personal goal is to be a freshman that stands out. Not necessarily just on the field but by being encouraging and loud.”
What is your advice to young girls who wants to play college softball?
“It’s a journey, live it up. Take it all in and go on as many visits as you can. Do not put too much pressure on yourself, just enjoy it all.”
*****
Video Interview: Alabama Signee Bailey Dowling… What A Year She’s Had!
Originally published July 7, 2020 on Extra Inning Softball
There was a lot of amazing talent last week at the Top Club National and one who really impressed me was 2020 grad Bailey Dowling, the middle infielder for the Georgia Impact – Lewis 18U team.
In a semi-final win to get the Impact to the 18U title game (a 1-0 loss to A’s – Mercado/Smith), she smashed two home runs, went 3-for-3 and knocked in seven runs. Bailey is 5-foot-10 and plays a solid shortstop and with all the tools: she has the size, strength and fluidity of a major college player now!
And it’s not like Bailey’s an unknown commodity, either; on June 10th it was announced that she repeated as the Illinois Gatorade Softball Player of the Year and last fall she helped the U19 USA Softball team win a world championship as she hit six home runs then for Team USA. And she’s tied for #2 in the 2020 Extra Elite 100 rankings!
Speaking of dingers, Bailey set an Illinois state mark with 65 career home runs in her career… and that was without playing a complete senior season for St. Joseph-Ogden High!
One of a trio of Alabama players on the Impact roster—the others are pitcher Alex Salter (2020) and outfielder Dallis Goodnight (2021)—Bailey was profiled last November as part of our Extra Star Power series—you can read more about her below (a convenient Throwback Thursday piece as well!).
First, though, here’s my two-minute interview with this outstanding talent from last weekend in Oklahoma City…
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Extra Star Power: Bama-Bound Bailey Dowling Brings Team USA Experience to Georgia Impact
Originally published Nov. 3, 2019 on Extra Inning Softball
Alabama-bound 2020 SS Bailey Dowling was unable to play for Georgia Impact Premier-Lewis this past summer because she was dropping bombs on international competition for Team USA’s U-19 Junior National Team.
“I was able to travel around the world last summer with the 19U JWNT,” Dowling said. “We traveled to Paris and played in the first International Softball Game in Ireland. Our team placed third in the USA Women’s International Cup and took home the gold medal in the 19U World Cup. Playing on a team with girls who just finished playing in the Women’s College World Series was amazing.”
“Also, playing against the Women’s USA Team was definitely a highlight. Standing in the batter’s box with Monica Abbott on the mound was a definitely a moment I’ll never forget. Hitting back-to-back home runs in the bronze medal game against the Scrap Yard International pro team is also a highlight of my summer. I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent my country and wear USA across my chest all summer.”
Alabama-bound 2020 RHP Alex Salter is happy to have Dowling back in the lineup for Georgia Impact, which won the PGF 18U Premier national title in 2018 and finished as runner-up in 2019 and in the future when they go on to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
“Bailey has the type of personality that makes you want to be around her,” Salter said. “She is outgoing and friendly and genuine. I know from the moment I met her we would be lifelong friends. She is a difference maker on the field.”
“She has confidence and an amazing ability to read the situation and react to the play. I love having Bailey on the field with me. She always has my back. Her strength at the plate is a huge asset to the team. I know good things will happen when she steps in the batter box. She is full of energy and confidence. I am extremely excited to share our next journey as teammates at Alabama! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!”
Florida-committed 2021 OF Cali Decker is in awe of the 5-foot-10 Dowling’s explosiveness.
“Bailey Dowling is an amazing player and teammate,” Decker said. “She is a leader in everything she does and always works hard. She has a bat like no other, and she is a stud in the field. I’m super excited to take on the summer with her this year. She’s a complete powerhouse.”
Washington-bound 2020 SS Raigan Barrett said Dowling, who will be ranked in the top 5 in the 2020 Extra Elite 100, pushes everyone around her to be better.
“Well, first off, she is an absolute stud and hits bombs,” Barrett said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone hit the ball so far not only in BP, but in games as well. She is the sweetest person ever. One of the coolest things about Bailey is she gets so excited for the success of her teammates. She is the first one to hype you up. She is also extremely hard working and definitely pushes me and the rest of them team to get better.”
*** Go inside “Extra Star Power” to learn more about one of the top 2020 prospects in the nation.
*** NOTE: Click on the words in Bold to discover hidden links!
*****
Extra Star Power: Bama-Bound Bailey Dowling Brings Team USA Experience to Georgia Impact
Originally published Nov. 3, 2019
Alabama-bound 2020 SS Bailey Dowling was unable to play for Georgia Impact Premier-Lewis this past summer because she was dropping bombs on international competition for Team USA’s U-19 Junior National Team.
“I was able to travel around the world last summer with the 19U JWNT,” Dowling said. “We traveled to Paris and played in the first International Softball Game in Ireland. Our team placed third in the USA Women’s International Cup and took home the gold medal in the 19U World Cup. Playing on a team with girls who just finished playing in the Women’s College World Series was amazing.”
“Also, playing against the Women’s USA Team was definitely a highlight. Standing in the batter’s box with Monica Abbott on the mound was a definitely a moment I’ll never forget. Hitting back-to-back home runs in the bronze medal game against the Scrap Yard International pro team is also a highlight of my summer. I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent my country and wear USA across my chest all summer.”
Alabama-bound 2020 RHP Alex Salter is happy to have Dowling back in the lineup for Georgia Impact, which won the PGF 18U Premier national title in 2018 and finished as runner-up in 2019 and in the future when they go on to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
“Bailey has the type of personality that makes you want to be around her,” Salter said. “She is outgoing and friendly and genuine. I know from the moment I met her we would be lifelong friends. She is a difference maker on the field.”
“She has confidence and an amazing ability to read the situation and react to the play. I love having Bailey on the field with me. She always has my back. Her strength at the plate is a huge asset to the team. I know good things will happen when she steps in the batter box. She is full of energy and confidence. I am extremely excited to share our next journey as teammates at Alabama! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!”
Florida-committed 2021 OF Cali Decker is in awe of the 5-foot-10 Dowling’s explosiveness.
“Bailey Dowling is an amazing player and teammate,” Decker said. “She is a leader in everything she does and always works hard. She has a bat like no other, and she is a stud in the field. I’m super excited to take on the summer with her this year. She’s a complete powerhouse.”
Washington-bound 2020 SS Raigan Barrett said Dowling, who will be ranked in the top 5 in the 2020 Extra Elite 100, pushes everyone around her to be better.
“Well, first off, she is an absolute stud and hits bombs,” Barrett said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone hit the ball so far not only in BP, but in games as well. She is the sweetest person ever. One of the coolest things about Bailey is she gets so excited for the success of her teammates. She is the first one to hype you up. She is also extremely hard working and definitely pushes me and the rest of them team to get better.”
*** Go inside “Extra Star Power” to learn more about one of the top 2020 prospects in the nation.
*** NOTE: Click on the words in Bold to discover hidden links!