Let’s do a simple and quick “scouting report” on junior Rylee Slimp to see why she was so highly recruited and was ranked in the Top 10 of her 2024 class…
- Size? Yep… 5-foot-11 and athletic.
- Speed? Check… 2.7 home-to-first time.
- Power? Definitely… exit velocity of 75 mph.
- Quickness? Oh yea… great first step when pursuing balls in the outfield.
- Arm strength? A plus… well above average.
- Hits for high average? Definitely… the top hitter at Alliance Nationals as she batted .543 and was tops in hits (19) and doubles (5).
- Smarts? For sure, both on and off the field, as she carries a 3.86 GPA in the classroom.
Combine all of these attributes together and it’s no wonder, then, that Rylee Slimp, the outstanding outfielder from Texas with the strong lefty short game complemented by home run power, had major Power 5’s pursuing her heavily over the last year.
Ultimately, however, a trip to Westwood and a tour of the UCLA campus clinched it for her that she would someday sign with the Bruins and Head Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez.
Rylee has long been on our radar as a top talent and, along with her Top 10 ranking in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, she was selected to this year’s Extra Inning Softball 16U All-Summer Team when released Sept. 17, 2020.
We recently caught up with the Texas junior to learn more about her decision and other highlights in softball as well as off the field…
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
*****
Name: RYLEE SLIMP
Hometown: Georgetown, Texas
Grad Year: 2024
Position: Outfield
Club Team: Texas Blaze 18 United Cain
High School: Liberty Hill (Texas) High School
GPA 3.86
Committed to: UCLA
Top Honors & Accomplishments: Extra Inning Softball ranking of #7 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100 and #4 for Outfielders; Alliance All-Tournament Team 16U Tier 1; Alliance Blaze 16U United finished #5 at Alliance.
Preferred College Major: Graphic Design
When and how did you commit?
I committed on Wednesday, October 12. I had a Zoom call with all the coaches, my parents and my brother.
What was it that won you over about UCLA?
UCLA was a school that I considered my top dream school and after visiting the campus and seeing the connection that all the players had with each other, and with the coaches, I just knew it was where I belonged.
I’m so blessed to announce my commitment to further my academic and athletic career at UCLA!! I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me along this journey and have helped make this dream a reality. GO BRUINS 💛💙 #4sUP @UCLASoftball @blaze18united pic.twitter.com/Ecmri27W3L
— rylee slimp (@ryleeslimp29) October 13, 2022
When did you visit the campus and what struck you most on your trip?
My official visit was October 14-16 and what struck me the most while being there was how unique the campus was and the beautiful California atmosphere.
I saw it as somewhere I would, of course, love playing softball, but also somewhere I would love to be as a student. I got to spend so much time with the players and it allowed me to see how much they value being a family and that was something I really looked for in a school.
What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
Hitting a grand slam against St Louis Chaos in IDT Colorado in the fourth inning to tie up the game and then later winning 8-6, knocking them out. It was the first grand slam I had hit, and it was memorable being in such a big game.
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?)
I would say one of my strengths is my mental game and being able to react and stay collected in high stress situations. Colleges that recruited me mentioned my speed on the bases and in the outfield and ability to consistently hit for multiple base hits.
Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year? Or in general?
I just moved up this year, so one of my goals is to be able to adjust to high level 18U pitching and continue being a strong consistent hitter
Do you have any softball superstitions?
I have to wear a visor every game and I always tie my left cleat before my right.
What would you say is your philosophy in life?
Live only in the present, not the past or future.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field? Off the field?
On the field: competitor.
Off the field: passionate.
What worries you most about what you and your classmates your age are facing now and in the future?
Mostly climate change, pollution and division within the country.
If you won a million dollars and had to spend it all in 24 hours, how would you spend it?
I would spend a million dollars on a vacation for my family to Argentina, Air Jordan 1s and 4s, and donate to a mental health foundation.
What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
Ketchikan, Alaska.
What’s been your favorite place you’ve played softball?
Huntington Beach, California.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
Moving away from my childhood home and starting over in a new place and school.
Who inspires you (athletically & non-athletically):
Athletically: Maya Brady
Non-athletically: my big sister, Brittani
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 best friend so that I would have someone to talk to.
If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be?
Parker McCollum (Texas-based country singer and songwriter)
EXTRA INSIGHTS:
What’s your favorite softball item (like preferred bat, glove, etc.)?
My 2022 Easton Ghost Advanced
Favorite items) in your closet:
Sweatshirts and crewnecks, Air Jordan 1s.
Favorite school subject:
US History.
Best way to unwind is…
Watch Netflix and nap or listen to music.
What’s playing in your headphones right now?
Drake and 21 Savage’s new album.
Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with…
Jeremy Peña (Houston Astros shortstop & World Series MVP).
Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?
Pazookies.
What drives you to play the game of softball?
What drives me to play softball is the purpose that it gives me. I love playing the game more than anything and it gives me something to work for every day and something to play for every weekend.
What have you learned most about yourself over the last year or two?
I have learned that nothing in life is promised and the most that I can do is live in the present and focus on how I can be better each day.
When you leave the sport, 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 played with passion and as someone who showed how much they loved the game each time they stepped on the field.
