RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
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ABOUT
Remember the name Karmen Vazquez… because college coaches certainly are keeping tabs on the slugging freshman phenom.
Karmen was ranked in the Top 10 of last year’s 2026 Extra Elite 100 and has already had her picture taken with coaches from schools nationwide such as UCLA in her home state of Cali as well as Oklahoma and Texas A&M further back East.
Not only has she impressed those who would love to bring Karmen into their college programs, she’s also drawn raves from nationally recognized scouts and event directors such as Derek Allister, the founder of OnDeck Softball.
“Karmen Vasquez is just a bomber who can hit it deep and hit it often,” Allister begins. “Hitting from the left side, Karmen isn’t bashful when it comes to swinging the bat. She is aggressive and gets after it each and every swing.”
Her physical tools for one just starting high school are impressive: she’s been measured in the low 70 mph range with her bat exit velocity and her pop time behind the plate has been clocked at 1.61 seconds.
Extra Inning Softball did a spotlight last December on Karmen, as part of our The Last Inning Series and she has done nothing to disappoint since then—most impressive, perhaps, has been her play this Spring for her Hanford West High prep softball team where she’s had an amazing start to her Freshman season.
“Karmen has been a great addition to the team,” says Head Coach Frank Hernandez. “She leads our squad in most offensive categories through 12 games with a .706 batting average, a .750 OBP, 24 hits, 24 RBIs, six walks and 1.264 slugging percentage.”
But it’s not been the statistics that have wowed her coach.
“I knew what type of player she could be statistically coming into this season,” Coach Hernandez says, “but what’s been most impressive to me is her leadership, softball IQ and work ethic as a Freshman.”
“We have a young team this year,” the high school coach continues, “and having Karmen as that leader on and off the field has been huge for us. It’s not what you get from incoming Freshman traditionally. She works hard and her teammates quickly recognized this. As a Freshman, Karmen rapidly gained the respect of her teammates and coaches and I am excited to see what unfolds for this kid this season. She is fun to watch, and you can’t help but smile seeing her enjoy what she loves to do and at such a high caliber.”
Here’s more on this notable athlete from the West Coast who is definitely one to watch now and in the future…
Name: KARMEN VAZQUEZ
Hometown/ST: Hanford, California
Grad Year: 2026
Positions: C/ 3B
Club Team: Dirtdogs-Vazquez
School (City/ST): Hanford West (Hanford, Calif.) High
GPA: 3.6
Preferred College Major: Criminology
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What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
We were at the Colorado Sparkler and we were playing the Texas Bombers. It went into double extra innings, and we ended up winning on a walk-off.
What was the most challenging thing you have had to overcome on or off the field?
Staying on top of everything while being super busy; it’s not easy but sometimes you got to work hard during the day and do schoolwork during the night while still having fun and being a teenager!
What would you say are your strengths in softball?
My softball IQ and my knowledge of the game.
Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year? Or in general?
Yes, I have… my goal is to help my high school team win a Central Valley ring, to be a leader and to be the No. 1 freshman in the Central Valley.
How would you describe your personality when it comes to showing emotion on the field?
I believe in sayings like “clear your mind like water” and “nobody cares, work harder.” I like to play carefree and understand that we all make mistakes and that mistakes are a part of softball, so I don’t let them determine my game. I learn and move on.
Do you have any softball superstitions?
Yes, I have to wear the same hairstyle and the same hair tie.
What would you say is your philosophy in life?
Live life to the fullest, love the game because time goes fast and you don’t want regrets, and to always be successful or fail at 100 percent—that is the only way to learn.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Ambitious.
If you had a week and unlimited money to travel, where would you go?
Los Angeles.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you’d want to have with you (sorry: can’t be a phone as they’re no cell towers nearby!):
My American Bully Kona (her dog).
If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be?
Marissa Cardona my best friend who passed away over a year ago. (Click HERE to read the tragic story of Marissa’s car accident in March of 2022).
Finally, what’s one thing or accomplish about you that is unusual or unique about you that few know?
I can train dogs to do tricks!
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EXTRA INSIGHTS:
If you could have a “walk-up” song to when you take the mound or approach the plate to hit, what would it be?
Grinding All My Life by Nipsey Hussle
Your best talent off the field is…
My social skills and being involved in outside school activities.
Favorite school subject (and why):
Math, it just come so naturally and easy to me.
Who inspires you (athletically & non-athletically)
Kobe Bryant and my father (Marco Vasquez, who is also a softball coach).
Thing you wouldn’t be caught doing…
Acting out of character.
At a party, would you feel most comfortable telling a joke, singing a song or doing a dance?
Dancing 100 percent… if you know me, my nickname is “Krazy K!”
What is one thing that really scares you?
A big injury that could end my career.
Favorite thing in your closet:
The swag! 🙌
What’s playing in your headphones right now?
Can’t Get Enough by J. Cole
Favorite motto/phrase:
“It’s not the number of hours you practice. It’s about the number of hours your mind is present during the practice.”— Kobe Bryant
If you could choose someone to play you in a movie of your life, who would you pick?
My Dad!
Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with:
Brandon Crawford (shortstop with the San Francisco Giants)
Favorite college uniform (and why):
LSU and UCLA… the colors are just so beautiful!
Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?
Fideo (which is Spanish for “noodles”)
Finally, where do you see yourself in 20 years?
playing for Team USA or going to my job as a detective!