Peyton Tanner, a 2024 pitcher for Hotshots National-Jones, brings a level of gravitas with her when she steps inside the circle.
The sophomore right-hander from Brazoswood High, #20 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, carries fear and dominance when she pitches, but she does it with a smile.
“Something that I find unique about Peyton as a player is her charisma that she always brings with her when she’s pitching,” said Campbell-committed 1B/3B Veronica Harrison. “There’s something about the way she carries herself that automatically makes myself and the rest of our team completely trust her on the mound. Every time she steps in the circle there is no doubt in my mind that she will absolutely dominate. Peyton is a very outgoing character and she has the greatest sense of humor. She’s an amazing teammate and an equally amazing player and I’m grateful every day that I get to share a field with her.”
McNeese State-committed C Bella Perez, #44 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, has developed a close bond with Tanner.
“Peyton is selfless, humble, goofy, ambitious and definitely one of the most mentally tough players out there,” Perez said. “As a catcher, you tend to grow a bond with your pitcher and whenever she steps in that circle, she means absolute business. She gets the job done and even in those pressure moments, she overcomes with the biggest grin on her face.
“There’s never a moment where she doesn’t have a huge smile and her bubbly spirit is infectious. Her energy on the field and in the dugout is contagious. She is an outstandingly talented player with a one of a kind heart. She is destined to accomplish great things.”
EXTRA STAR POWER Q&A
Name: Peyton Tanner
Hometown: Lake Jackson, TX
High School: Brazoswood High
Club Team: Hotshots National-Jones 16U
Graduation Year: 2024
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: Pitcher
Nickname: Primetime
Twitter: @peytonntanner
Honors: District 24-6A Newcomer of the Year, Southern Brazoria County Pitch of the Year, Brazoswood Varsity Softball MVP and selected to the 2021 Extra-Inning Softball 16U All-Summer Team.
Travel Ball Highlights/Fall Stats: Pitched 56 IP, 99 Ks, 0.50 ERA, and an opposing batting average of .128.
High School Highlights: Pitched 142 IP, 205 Ks, 2.20 ERA with an opposing batting average of.171.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them?
I have competed against Coach Steve (Jones) and Coach Martin (Polar) since I was 5 years old and have always had respect for their coaching styles and team culture. After the fall season in 2020, Coach Steve was in need of an additional pitcher and it was a perfect fit. After the first practice I had with them I knew I had made the right decision. This team really feels like a family on and off the field.
What were some of the training methods and workouts you did to stay busy during the stay-at-home orders because of the coronavirus situation?
During the quarantine I was very fortunate because I have had a pitching mound in my backyard and a batting cage. Me and my dad were able to pitch multiple times a week.
What is something you have faced in your life that has helped you become the person that you are today?
Growing up with two older sisters who also played softball I developed a very competitive personality and have been around the softball field since I was born.
What’s your most memorable softball story?
One of my most memorable moments was my first district game of my freshman year. We played 9 innings and our senior first baseman had a 13-pitch at bat and resulted in a home run in the top of the ninth. I threw a one-hitter and had 18 strikeouts. It was a great way to start my first season in high school!
What’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
Something interesting about me, my dad played in the Junior College World Series, my Aunt Dalenah played in the Women’s College World Series, and my first cousin, Logan Tanner, was on the Men’s College World Series Mississippi State championship team. One of my goals is to play in the Women’s College World Series myself.
What have you learned about yourself in the past year?
Through all of the adversity that Covid-19 has thrown at me, including not being able to play the game, I have learned that I truly love and missed being on the field with my teammates. My commitment to this game has strengthened as a result.
*** Scroll down to learn more about Peyton… including her not-so-secret secret talent and the highlight of her summer season!
