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Florida-committed C/UT Ariel Kowalewski, #13 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, is a decorated five-time national champion, including two PGF national championships, but she never ceases to amaze her Texas Blaze United 18U teammates.
Kowalewski really impressed Lehigh-committed 2023 OF Gracie Smith of Texas Blaze United this past summer at the Alliance Nationals when the Blaze faced Athletics Mercado-Smith. It was Game 3 against the A’s and Smith said Kowalewski called the entire game. The Blaze won and advanced.
“Ariel is a proven winner with a great bat and very good behind the plate,” Smith said. “She is a player you want up to bat with the game on the line.”
North Carolina-committed C Janella Wilson, #14 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, has been playing with Kowalewski and Texas Blaze United for the past three years.
“I have always admired her work ethic and determination,” Wilson said. “There is nothing she is not willing to do for her team. One of my favorite memories with her was this summer at the Alliance Championship in Oklahoma City. She called my pitches in the series against Athletics Mercado and the complete trust we had in each other was unique. I loved being able to hear her ideas and know that we believed in each other. Her portrayal of her confidence in herself and her teammates is perfectly balanced with her ability to be willing to learn and understand the game even more.”
Kowalewski’s teammates agree her mental game puts her at another level.
“AK is a player who has a very high softball IQ and a high mental approach towards the game that comes from her love for the sport,” said 2024 OF Tyler Towsen of Texas Blaze United. “She knows how to utilize her skills wherever she is at, the plate, on the bases, or anywhere on the field, she contributes to the team because of how versatile she is. Honestly, the energy she brings to the field is just an awesome vibe and it’s just so fun to be on the field with her. She has really stepped up in being a more verbal leader and you can tell that she wants to take control of the field and the game.”
EXTRA STAR POWER Q&A
Name: Ariel Kowalewski
Hometown: Richmond, TX
High School: William B. Travis High
Club Team: Texas Blaze United 18U
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: C/UT
Nickname: AK
Twitter: @Ariel_ak47_2023
Honors:
Five-time national champion, including two-time PGF national champion; runner-up to Triple Crown Junior Sparkler; USA Softball All-American; ASA Challenge Series Champion; Extra Inning Softball 14U All-Summer Team; Alliance Nationals Tier 1 16U All-Tournament Team; 1st Team IF High School All-American by Extra Inning Softball; 3rd place at Alliance 16U Nationals (2021); finished top 8 at Top Gun Invitational (2021); National Honor Society; and Member of Cards for Kindness and Number Sense.
Travel Ball Fall Stats:
Batted .488 with a .557 OBP, 1.527 OPS, .976 SLG, 5 HRs, 15 doubles, 5 triples, and 42 RBIs.
High School Highlights/Stats:
MVP of Fort Bend ISD; co-District champs; Academic All-District; batted .657 with a .713 OBP, 2.156 OPS, 1.433 SLG, 13 home runs and 47 RBIs.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them?
Blaze United 18U is coached by Caitlyn Cain and Sarah O’Brien.
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?
I focused my energy on weight training, hitting and catcher drills. I am fortunate to have a cage in my backyard, so I spent many hours working on my swing. I did tons of tee work, front toss and machine. It gave me a chance to really focus on improving my swing.
What is something you have faced in your life that has helped you become the person that you are today?
When I was younger, I was small compared to a lot of my teammates and often overlooked. This gave me a drive to work harder and push myself. I think that’s what helped to build the work ethic that I have today.
What’s your most memorable softball story?
I began playing 10U at the age of 7. In my very first at bat in 10U facing live pitching, I was showing bunt. I was hit hard right in the chest. I took my base, but then my Coach told me I had to go back and complete my at bat. Also, winning PGF!
What’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
I love to bake and draw!
What have you learned about yourself in the past year?
I learned that it’s not good to be a perfectionist.
Do you have a secret talent/skill?
Drawing Disney characters.
Who is the most underrated player on your team?
Emily Delgado, because she is consistent offensively and defensively. In tough situations, she comes through for the team!
If you could have dinner with four people dead or alive, who would it be?
TJ Watt, Lisa Fernandez, Aubree Munro and Jose Altuve.
What are you looking for in your future college?
A place where I can get a great education, feels like home and can compete for a national championship.
What do coaches say they like most about you and your game?
Coaches have said they like my consistency offensively and defensively, my leadership and my passion for the game.
What was the highlight of your summer season and/or fall season?
I would say the highlight of my summer was when we beat the No. 1-seeded Athletics Mercado team at the Alliance Nationals best of 3, and I got to call pitches behind the plate during our third game. The highlight of the fall was verbally committing to the University of Florida.
EXTRA INSIGHTS
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Live life to the fullest, no regrets. Work hard, do your best and be a good person.
What’s your spirit animal? Goldfish.
Favorite pro athlete: Aubree Munro.
Favorite Movie: “Lilo & Stitch.”
Favorite song/artist: “Forever After All” by Luke Combs.
Favorite TV show to binge: “Cobra Kai.”
Favorite motto/philosophy on life: “Set your goals high and don’t stop until you get there.” — Bo Jackson
— Carlos Arias, Extra Inning Softball (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)