As we get ready to launch the updated 2023 Extra Elite 100 rankings on April 26 (two weeks from Monday), we will look at some of the impressive talent in the class.
One of those is Maci Boggess, a fast-rising pitcher and corner infielder from the Charleston, West Virginia area who has worked out with Tim Fouts, the father of Alabama star pitcher Montana Fouts, since the athlete was 9.
“I was working with Montana and only had a handful of pitchers—probably seven or eight at the time,” Fouts remembers, “and she has probably developed where her biggest strength is her really tight spins, the closest spin I’ve seen to Montana’s. Maci’s spins are really good and tight and she reminds me a lot of Montana in her build and long stride. She jumps out right now as far as Montana does in her stride.
The pitching coach also raves about the pitcher’s work ethic.
“Maci, she’s one of those kids who always asks, ‘Oh, we’re done already?’ when we have pitching lessons. She never watches the clock and is such a sweet kid. I’ve worked with her so long, I look at her as family.”
Last Fall, the sophomore joined the Ohio Bombers organization and made an immediate impact on her new team according to Moe Wilkerson, an assistant coach on her Ohio Bombers Gold- Johnson team
“Maci has great composure in the circle and led the team in innings pitched (39) wins (11) and ERA at 1.2,” the Bombers coach begins. “She quickly established herself as an ‘Ace’ level arm this past Fall and is poised to build on that momentum this Summer. “
Moving up in the eyes of college coaches, too, Maci threw 39 innings in the Fall with 28 K’s and a 1.2 ERA thanks to her 60-mph range fastball complemented by a nice drop and rise that keeps hitters off-balance.
Had a good weekend at the D1 skull fest! Can’t wait for this weekend at @ProSwings_ in Orlando!
@bombersjohnson @bombercacataw @Thecore04 @StriveSoftball @TimFouts14 pic.twitter.com/CrgiwawKhU— Maci Boggess (@maciboggess2023) November 3, 2020
At 5-foot-9, Maci’s doctors used to say she’d end up being around 5-foot-11 (her father is 6-foot-2), but no matter how tall she is, the pitcher presents an intimidating presence in the circle. She has been competing with the best and learning from Coach Fouts, who has guided the likes of Montana and another standout 2023 in Mikie Lieving of the Birmingham Thunderbolts – Rocky program and today has close to 75 pitching students.
Coach Wilkerson also says the newbie on the team has quickly drawn the favor of her teammates.
“Macie is a vocal leader,” the Bombers coach adds, “with great composure and she is an awesome teammate who is receptive to feedback. Her teammates enjoy being around her and she is a great young lady to coach. Maci always supports her team and appreciates the impressive offensive support (.379 team batting average and 6.3 runs per game) that she receives from her teammates too.”
Here’s more on this tall pitcher you’ll be hearing more about over the next few years!
*****
Name: MACI BOGGESS
Grad Year: 2023
Positions: P/1B
Club Team: Ohio Bombers Gold – Johnson
School (City/ST): Winfield (West Virginia) High
GPA: 4.0
College: Uncommitted
Top Honors/Accomplishments: National Junior Honors Society/ 4.0
Preferred College Major: Biology
Twitter: @maciboggess2023
Tell us how you first got connected with the Fouts family?
My first travel ball coach, Jason Roberts, recommended me to Tim.
What’s it like being able to work out and hang out with Montana?
It’s really humbling and fun getting to see how much work actually goes into being a SEC pitcher. It’s also really nice to get some of her advice on certain things and situations.
What do you see in her that makes her a success… and traits you’d like to incorporate into your game (and life)?
She is always super determined and has an incredible work ethic. She is also never satisfied with herself and pushes herself to be a better person and athlete.
Do you feel it’s tough being from West Virginia to get noticed in softball… or compete… with players from bigger states such as California, Texas or Georgia?
Yes, because we have to travel a lot greater distance to get good exposure and we don’t have any travel teams that compete for power pools in large showcases in West Virginia.
*** Scroll down to read more about Maci…
