RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
Leilani “Lani” Bustamante “Lani” is a standout middle infielder ranked in the 2024 Extra Elite 100 who plays for the Firecrackers – Schneider/Medina 18U team and also excels in the classroom with a 3.8 GPA as an Honor Roll student.
Lani, who is a junior at Aquinas High in San Bernardino, Calif, is out to a great start this season and was ranked in the Top 5 in the Golden State with 18 RBIs as of last week. She has 64 RBIs with almost two years yet to play and has a high school batting average at an impressive .525.
In the last week, she committed to attend school at Missouri-Kansas City, the Kangaroos or “Roos,” who compete in the Summit League Conference at the DI level.
Here, in Lani’s own words, are how that commitment came to be when she told Head Coach Kiki Stokes O’Connor and her Assistant Coaches Kelsey Aikey and Rylee Bayless she wanted to play for them…
Also, check out below the complete bio we did on Lani in the Oct. 3 edition of The Last Inning…
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I remember my Tee Ball coach telling my parents I was going to do big things in softball, because I was so competitive so young. I would chase the ball no matter where it was hit just to get an out and, the funny thing, is we didn’t even keep score in Tee Ball, but there I was ready to win!
I told my parents at a young age that I wanted to play softball for college out of state. I wanted to see the world and experience the life God has planned for me.
Time flies when you’re having a a good time and, before I knew, it the recruiting process was here.
September 1st of my Junior year (last Fall) was the first day college coaches could reach out to me. I remember clicking on Twitter and all my fellow 2024s were posting how excited they were to see who would call them!
I sat with my parents in our living room and said that—regardless of how many calls and emails I got on September 1st—I would remain humble and that I would trust God’s plan for me.
I received quite a few calls and emails and was also invited to tour a few schools. I met some amazing coaches and received good interest, feedback and encouragement, so I was in no rush to make a decision as I knew my heart would tell me when I found home.
Just when I wasn’t expecting any more calls or text at the time, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Head Coach Kiki Stokes reached out to me. We had a phone call and I was super stoked (pun intended!) on how just through a call I felt like I was talking to someone I knew my whole life!
My 16th birthday was a month away and my parents told me to choose anything I wanted. I chose to visit UMKC on an unofficial visit—that’s how I really wanted to spend my 16th birthday–chasing my dream.
My parents told me at first that I was crazy and that it was too far away, but I had no idea it was all a plan to tell me “no” just so they can surprise me with flight tickets for my birthday!
My dad kept telling me” “Chase your dreams” and that “We are going to support you as we have seen you earn everything coming to you.”
My visit at UMKC was absolutely amazing as I met with Coach Kiki, Coach Bayless, and Coach Aikey, toured the campus and learned about their softball program.
I knew the whole time there that I felt at home and that “this was it”—the feeling in the recruiting process where your heart feels whole and “you just know.”
As of this week, I am now a proud “ROO!”
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The Last Inning (Oct. 3, 2022): Spotlighting Firecracker Leilani Bustamante, Camping, Verbals, ‘Get At Me Dog’ & HOTD Vibes
Get on board with Extra Inning Softball’s regular feature, The Last Inning!
We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.
To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at [email protected] and also [email protected].
Here’s our TLI for Monday, Oct. 3, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: LEILANI BUSTAMANTE
MIF Leilani Bustamante, #72 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Firecrackers Medina-Schneider 2023, glovework drills, Alliance Nationals, criminal justice, Kobe Bryant, Nipsey Hussle and “All American.”
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Leilani Bustamante
Hometown: San Bernardino, CA
High School: Aquinas High
Club Team: Firecrackers Medina-Schneider 2023
Graduation Year: 2024
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: MIF
Nickname: Lani
Twitter: @LeilaniB_21
Honors: 3.85 GPA and Principal Honor Roll.
Travel Ball Highlights/Summer Stats: .450 AVG, led team in in batting average, hits and RBIs, and finished top 30 out of 150 at the Memorial Day Classic.
High School Highlights/Stats: .722 AVG, CIF All-State nominee, .556 AVG with 48 RBIs for her career, and ranked top 30 RBI leader in California.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I was with my team Athletics Mercado since 12U (with the) same coaches, however, my team recently ended due to loss of a lot of great players, therefore I got in touch with Coach (Daniel) Schneider and went for a workout with the team. Felt great to find a home where I can compete and continue my growth. Over the years the class of 2023 players on Firecrackers Medina have watched some of my games and both players and coaches were very supportive. I recently transitioned over (to) Firecrackers and have felt very welcome and love that the girls trust my athleticism to compete for the team.
What are some of your training methods/training routine? I work out with (my) high school team Monday-Thursday. Every week for the last five years, I have never missed a lesson with hitting instructor Jimmy Flores with FHOP batting lessons. On my free time, me and my dad enjoy getting extra reps in at our local park. We always focus on footwork drills and short hops. Love glovework drills.
Can you tell us about your experience at Alliance Nationals this summer? I had a great experience at Alliance (and) faced some really great pitching and found ways to drive the ball
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? It is hard to choose the toughest opponent. To be honest, all teams were great and gave us a good run.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I plan to pursue a career in the Criminal Justice field. (My) long-term goal is to become a child advocate lawyer. I have a big heart for kids in the justice system and want what is truly best for them.
Who is your sports hero and why? My sports super hero is Kobe Bryant because of the love and grind for the game. If he (had) a bad game, he would work 10 times harder so it wouldn’t happen again. He is my role model and I look up to his mentality, not just as a player, but as a father as well. He reminds me so much of my own father. #girldad
What’s the best hype song and why? “Grinding all my Life” by Nipsey Hussle because I have been grinding in the game since I was 5 years old and still going.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “All American.” I can replay that series over and over, really puts a meaning behind hard work, dedication, real teen life experiences and how to overcome challenges.