Extra Star Power: Meet Iowa Premier 16U Pitcher Carly Goodwin, Who Struck Out 25 in One Prep Game in June

Earlier in July, the Iowa Premier club program held an organization workout in Colorado for just its players and, via livestreaming, almost 70 college coaches watched the players including standout 2024 pitcher Carly Goodwin.

Carly  was an All-State player as a freshman and had another strong year this season earning All-District honors with the state honors still to be announced.

Extra Inning Softball Correspondent Joy Roeder was at the workout and came away impressed with the 5-foot-11 pitcher’s performance, who for her Sigourney (Iowa) Savages High team continued to impress, throwing back-to-back perfect games at one point and in another contest pitching a two-hit shutout in a 12-inning 1-0 win in which she struck out 25.

Click HERE to see our video from that event that included Iowa Premier head Greg Dickel and Carly being interviewed.

This week, the organization is in Kokomo, Indiana, for the Alliance National Championships and we recently caught up with Carly to learn more about her background and what she’s like off the field… here’s that Q&A:

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Name:  Carly Goodwin
Hometown/ST:  Sigourney, Iowa
Grad Year:  2024
Position(s): Pitcher
Club Team: Iowa Premier 16u National- Dickel
High School (City/ST):  Sigourney Jr-Sr High (Iowa)
GPA: 3.8
Preferred College Major: Business/HealthCare Administration

What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
Playing at the 2021 Iowa Girls High School State Softball Tournament with my teammates.

What would you say are your strengths on the field? (and/or what do the club and/or college coaches say they like about your game?)
Poise, mental toughness, ability to stay even keel and velocity/command

Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year? Or in general?
To earn a D-1 scholarship and be able to compete at that level.

Do you have any softball superstitions?
Yes, I have the same pre-game ritual before every game I play.

What would you say is your philosophy in life?
To be successful, you need to put more time in than others are willing to put in, and the drive has to come from within.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field? Off the field?
On the field: tough/gritty.
Off the field: pleasant/nice.

What worries you most about what classmates your age will face in the future?
The daily pressures of being a high school student while trying to please everyone.

If you won a million dollars and had to spend it all in 24 hours, how would you spend it?
I would spend it by buying a bunch of new shoes and a Jeep Wrangler.

What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
Estes Park, Colorado where my dad had his wedding in 2015.

What’s been your favorite place you’ve placed softball?
Fort Dodge, Iowa, where the Iowa State Tournament is played.

What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
Balancing playing high school and club ball, while also being a three-sport athlete and trying to live somewhat of a normal life as a teenager.

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 mom!

If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be?
The St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

Finally, what’s one thing or accomplishment about you that is unusual or unique about you that few know?
I’m a three-sport athlete. I have started as the varsity basketball point guard since my freshman year and was an all-conference and all district player, I play softball and I run track as well including the 100’s, 200’s, 400’s and 800’s.

EXTRA INSIGHTS:

What’s Your favorite softball item (like preferred bat, glove, etc.)?
I really like the Wilson A2000 Softball Glove

Favorite item(s) in your closet:
My Adidas Ultra boost, and Lululemon Align leggings.

Favorite school subject:
Algebra.

Best way to unwind is…
Relax and have fun with my friends.

If you have 30 minutes to shop and $100 to spend, where do you go?
Lululemon.

What’s playing in your headphones right now?
Justin Timberlake’s Suit & Tie.

Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with…
Michael Jordan.

Favorite college uniform (and why):
Oklahoma States white and orange pinstripes. I like the pinstripe look and the unique colors they have.

Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?
Anything pasta related.

Best talent off the field?
Being a nice person.

What drives you to play the game of softball?
Knowing what’s ahead of me and the future I want for myself.

What have you learned most about yourself over the last year or two?
To never doubt myself and be confident.

Who inspires you (athletically & non-athletically):
Athletically: Jennie Finch
Non-athletically: my parents.

When you leave the game of softball, how do you want to be remembered and what will you do when you’re finished playing to help grow the game ?
I want to be remembered as someone who never gave up, and always worked my hardest. I want to help grow the game with younger kids as they grow up.