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ABOUT
Earlier this month, we did a spotlight on the Select Fastpitch organization out of Kansas City and, today, we highlight the 2023 standout pitcher from that team, Marissa McCann, who played an instrumental part in her team placing second in PGF 18U Premier Nationals this Summer.
Marissa lives in Surprise, Arizona, but has ties to the Kansas City area—thus the reason she plays for Select. The talented senior attends Willow Canyon High where she has a 3.9 GPA and is committed to the University of Missouri with an intended college major of Occupational Therapy.
She has the grades and the athletic skills to have been recruited heavily before committing to the Tigers of the SEC.
“Marissa is an absolute competitor on the mound,” says Select coach and club director Eric Jones. “You know she is confident and believes she can beat any batter any time on any stage. That mindset gives her poise and the ability to lead her team in any situation.”
The pitcher compiled a 0.90 ERA at PGF Premier Nationals with a .879 WHIP while only allowing a .158 batting average against her. Marissa racked up 61 strikeouts in 46 innings pitched in the Orange County-based tournament against top competition; in the bracket play she took on such nationally competitive teams as the Ohana Tigers, Newtown Rock, Tampa Mustangs-TJ, NW Bullets, Lady Magic, and Birmingham Thunderbolts
Along with PGF, Marissa competed in several other top summer tournaments including the Top Gun Invitational, Top Club Invitational, Colorado Fireworks and the Rawlings Invitational. Against such strong teams, she held a 1.60 ERA and 1.05 WHIP and 193 strikeouts. Other notable wins over the summer were against name programs such as the Beverly Bandits, Nebraska Gold and Arizona Storm.
“Marissa is a bulldog in the circle,” explains Willow Canyon High head softball coach Donnie Tizzano. “She is always locked in and the bigger the moment, the better she performs.”
Coach Tizzano has seen first-hand that Marissa is not only a top talent, she is also a great teammate.
“She never acts like she’s as big-time of an athlete that she is,” he says. “Marissa gets more satisfaction out of team wins than individual accomplishments.”
As a junior this year, Marissa’s high school stats were jaw dropping: in 120.1 innings, she produced a 0.29 ERA and a .441 WHIP while striking out 275 batters and compiling an 18-0 record. Opponents batted just .108 against her.
Her list of honors is equally impressive and includes 2022 Arizona State Championship Player of the Game, 5A Conference Player of the Year, 5A Region Player of the Year and the Arizona Republic Softball Player of the Year.
This Spring, she was named as the Extra Inning Softball National High School Player of the Week for March 1, 2022.
Extra Inning Softball’s Joy Roeder caught up with the dominating pitcher… here’s what Marissa had to say:
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Extra Inning Softball: What’s been your most memorable softball experience so far in your impressive career?
Marissa McCann: It would have to be placing second with my team in the 2022 PGF Premier tournament.
What would you say are your strengths on the field?
My strengths on the field are very centered around my pitching. I feel that I am able to command my pitches and remain calm in stressful situations.
What is one goal you have set for this year?
Implementing my drop ball into the games I throw.
Do you have any softball superstitions?
This one is very recent. Before our Chicago tournament, one of our catchers, Kylie Brockman, made us bracelets with our colleges on them. Ever sense then, I have had some pretty good games. Now I don’t like to play without it on my wrist.
If you won a million dollars and had to spend it all in 24 hours, how would you spend it?
I would first buy a Husky, then I would buy a Grabber Blue Mustang. I am not really sure what I would do with all of that money.
What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
Florida.
What’s been your favorite place you’ve placed softball?
California
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
Being able to balance church, family, softball, and school.
What’s one thing or accomplishment about you that is unusual or unique about you that few know?
I’ve gotten to do pitching lesson with Monica Abbott.
What drives you to play the game of softball?
I just LOVE the game!
What have you learned most about yourself over the last year or two?
I have learned how to handle pressure. Something I like to keep in mind is, don’t make the moment bigger than it is.
When you leave the game of softball, how do you want to be remembered,
As someone who always gave everything they had on the field and off for their teammates, friends and family.
What will you do when you are finished playing to help grow the game?
I would love to give pitching lessons to younger girls.
What would you say are your strengths on the field?
My strengths on the field are very centered around my pitching. I feel that I am able to command my pitches and remain calm in stressful situations.
What would you say is your philosophy in life?
God always comes first.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
On the field: gritty; off the field: content.
What are things you are involved in outside of softball?
Outside of softball I enjoy helping with charity tournaments. I am also involved with my church.
EXTRA INSIGHTS
What’s Your Favorite Softball Item (like preferred bat, glove, etc.)?
Wilson A2000 glove.
Favorite item(s) in your closet:
American Eagle Jeans.
Favorite school subject:
Sports Medicine.
Best way to unwind is…
A nice hot shower!
If you have 30 minutes to shop and $100 to spend, where do you go?
Target.
What’s playing in your headphones right now?
Morgan Wallen.
Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with…
Taylor Swift.
Favorite college uniform (and why):
Mizzou’s all black uniform. I just love the blackout look.
Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?
An In-N-Out cheeseburger.
If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be?
Jesus.