I Committed: 2024 Extra Elite 100 Pitcher Mattie Beliveau to Hawaii… They’ve “Always Had My Heart”

Over the past month, Extra Inning Softball has spotlighted top high school juniors—the Class of 2024—in our Extra Elite 100 player rankings but also in our “I Committed” series where the athletes share what university they’ve chosen and why.

This week, we honored pitcher Mattie Beliveau from Southern California as a top prospect in the junior class as she was ranked as a Top 35 player… here’s what her bio write-up said:

T-33—Mattie Beliveau, P, I-5 Softball – Snyder/Fitz
Mattie is a hard throwing right-handed pitcher that sits between 61-to-64 mph. She is an “absolute bulldog on the mound and competes on every pitch,” says Coach Jared Snyder. “She is a player that absolutely hates to lose, is extremely competitive and holds herself to a level of excellence that I have not seen before.” Mattie exudes confidence on the field and has no fear of any hitter that steps in the box. She is the type of pitcher who can carry her team and expects to do that on a daily basis. Not only is Mattie firm enough to beat hitters with her speed, but she is also a very good pitcher who is not afraid to “pitch.” She has no fear of throwing her change-up to make a hitter uncomfortable while being confident in throwing hard in. Mattie averaged about one strikeout per inning pitched and hitters only hit .238 off her while she led the team in ERA and strikeouts.

When the recruiting period starting on Sept 1—the time when coaches could reach out to prospective recruits—Mattie quickly knew where she wanted to go and, in short order, committed to her dream university: the University of Hawaii University at Manoa.

Here, in the athlete’s own words, is how she made her decision…

*****

It’s been a wild ride these last couple years.

I started my high school career at Arlington High School in Riverside, California, but halfway through my sophomore year I had a change of heart and transferred to Hillcrest High School right down the street where I grew up.

Since I was a transfer, I had to sit out 30 days. This is where I really felt the love of the game. When you are forced to sit out for 30 days and just watch from the sidelines. It teaches you to value the time you get when you do get to play.

After the sit out period, I led my team to a C.I.F championship and ended up with 185 Ks, two perfect games, was selected All-River Valley league, all C.I.F, and All-State in half the season I played.

It was a very exciting season!

I also had a stint where I ended up in the emergency room the day before our first state game with some mystery illness, where the doctors told me I couldn’t play for four weeks.

Well, those that know me know that was not going to stop me from playing my first state game. I mustered up every bit of energy and not only started that game, but ended up winning that game.

It truly was one of the toughest mental games I ever pitched. It truly gave me a sense of being a true competitor. This now leads me to my commitment to the college I chose.

There were many different options that I was approached on midnight September 1, but the one school that has always had my heart was the University of Hawaii.

When Coach Bob Coolen called me right at the strike of midnight like Cinderella, I knew I was sold. It’s been a dream of mine to play for Hawaii since I was a little girl. It’s like all the pieces just fit.

Along with my travel team, I-5 in California, I play for a travel team based out of Maui. The culture, and OHANA spirit has always been embedded in my heart & soul. I know I was born to play for Hawaii.

My dreams have come true, and I can’t wait to start my journey as a Rainbow Wahine.

Go Bows!

— Mattison Beliveau