RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
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ABOUT
Firecrackers Brashear SS/3B Nellian McEnroe-Marinas is out to prove how good Hawaiian softball players are.
The Maryknoll High standout is already ranked #5 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100 and she’s looking for more.
Firecrackers 2024 third baseman Jenna Sniffen, a Gatorade State Player of the Year and Maryknoll High teammate of McEnroe-Marinas, knows her very well.
“I played against Nelly for a couple of years before we became an inseparable duo on and off the field,” says Sniffen, herself ranked in the Top 25 of the 2024 Extra Elite 100. “She is and always has been a very good hitter as well as an elite fielder, who will give 120 percent effort to any ball hit her way, no matter what position she is at. It is very difficult to put into words, but Nelly works harder than anyone I know, separating her from the rest.”
“Her talent and skill level is way beyond her years and like no other. Her drive to get better and will to win is a unique aspect that not all players can say they have. On top of all of those tools, she brings a strong love for the game and for the people around her. She is not only a great player, but a great teammate who is always there to pick you up at your low and push you to be better.”
Firecrackers 2023 catcher/third baseman Braiesey Rosa, a fellow Hawaiian, appreciates the kind of teammate McEnroe-Marinas is.
“Nelly is a very independent person and she’s always humble and she’s always one to pick up another player when they are down and that’s what I love most about her,” Rosa said. “She’s always smiling and picking herself up and never giving attitude after a bad play or bad at-bat.”
“Nelly’s very passionate about softball and ever since I started playing with her she’s always been the most hard worker!” Braiesey continues. “If she wants something, she will do her very best to get it. And on the field she’s a beast, she always puts out and does her job and after a bad play she always seems to come back ever harder and that’s what makes her unique to me.”
Firecrackers 2022 infielder/utility player Carys Murakami, who also plays with McEnroe-Marinas at Maryknoll High, raves about her energy level.
“Her skills are unmatched on the field, but it’s her work ethic that sets her apart,” Murakami said. “Constantly striving to be better, putting work in on the side, and having a mentality that nothing can beat her. On the field, she’s a five-tool player who brings great energy to every game and is a great teammate to have.”
“Nelly brings leadership, a positive attitude, and always giving a 100 percent no matter what. She’s unique because of her athleticism and how she carries herself in all aspects whether it’s on the field or off and you know you can count on her in big moments or when you need her.”
EXTRA STAR POWER Q&A
Name: NELLIAN McENROE-MARINAS
Hometown: Waianae, Hawaii
High School: Maryknoll High
Club Team: Firecrackers Brashear 18U
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-8
Position: SS/3B
Nickname: Nelly
Twitter: @MarinasMcenroe
Travel Ball Highlights/Fall Stats: 2021 International Challenge for Polynesia and World team and Alliance All-American Team.
High School Highlights: 2021 ILH champions and second in state for home runs.
Tell us about your Firecrackers team and how you became involved with them…
I have a friend from school, who is now a freshman at ASU. Her name is Liliana Thomas. She was in the Firecrackers program since I first started playing travel ball. I was first introduced to the Firecrackers program from her and her father, Henson Thomas. He told coach Sean (Brashear) about me and got me a tryout with the team.
What were some of the training methods and workouts you did to stay busy during the stay-at-home orders because of the COVID situation?
During the stay-at-home orders, I took it upon myself mostly to stay busy. I would work out by myself around 2-3 times a day outside of practice. I would lift and do cardio by myself. For practice, one of my hitting coaches, Henson Thomas, would take me and a couple other travel ball girls and we would go hit in the cages in his backyard. I would occasionally do fielding. And lastly, I would also go to my Papa’s house and hit in the cage he made for me in his backyard also.
*** Scroll down read more about Nellian including what she’s looking for in a college and why the “doubters” have helped shape her into the great player she is today!