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“Athletic.”
That’s the word that keeps being used by coaches—both club and college—when talking about Allie Blum, the outstanding 2024 infielder for the Beverly Bandits 16U Premier – Holloway/Mack team who just committed to the Univ. of Kentucky this week.
“I can say she is a very athletic young lady with a lot of power at the plate,” begins Coach Seth Holloway, her club coach.
“Allie runs the bases extremely well and is very aggressive on the base paths which suits our offense well,” Holloway continues. “She covers a lot of ground defensively has a strong arm and has a quick transition getting rid of the ball. I am really looking forward to watching her play the game this fall and next summer season.”
Ranked #32 overall in the 2024 Extra Elite 100 and #27 for infielders, the talented high schooler had already earned six varsity letters in soccer and basketball in addition to softball (and she was All-Conference in soccer, too).
Allie’s been with the Bandits program since age 10U and has shined playing the top competition in travel ball as well as high school.
For powerhouse New Palestine (Ind.) High this past spring, she helped the team go 23-4-1 as she hit .394 with 12 home runs, 39 RBIs and 45 runs scored. Her softball honors included 2nd Team All-State in Indiana as just a sophomore as well as All-Conference and All-County.
Her high school head coach, Ed Marcum, told Extra Inning Softball earlier this week:
“Allie is an incredible athlete and the first time you see her field a grounder and throw you immediately know she is special defensively. She’s just a great all-around player with power at the plate.
And now, she’ll take that athleticism and power to the SEC as she committed to the Kentucky Wildcats on Tuesday… we caught up with Alli and here’s how it all went down in our latest version of the “I Committed” series…
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When and how did you commit to Kentucky?
I committed to Kentucky on Tuesday, September 27th at 8 pm.
What was it about the Wildcats that won you over?
Kentucky has been my dream school since I was in 8th grade and, when I visited there, I loved the team and family like atmosphere that the coaches gave off. In the end it came down to where I felt most at home and that was Kentucky
When did you visit the campus and what impacted you most on your trip?
I visited the campus two weeks before I committed. The student atmosphere stuck out to me most. I had never really toured the campus or even been to a football game and seeing how excited the students were really stuck out to me.
What’s been your own most memorable softball experience?
My most memorable softball experience was this past summer in Colorado. My team played amazing but other than that we had so much fun.
What would you say are your strengths on the field?
I think my most valuable aspect is my speed and my focus and toughness in the game.
Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year? Or in general?
Yes, I have, I always set a batting average goal and fielding percentage goal.
Do you have any softball superstitions?
I always wear my hair the exact same way and I keep two rubber ducks that I got in 12U in my front pocket of my bat bag.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field? Off the field?
On the field: Aggressive.
Off the field: Straight forward.
What worries you most about what you and your classmates your age are facing now and in the future?
I honestly really worry about how my generation will be on their own. I feel like people are very dependent on their parents now.
If you won a million dollars and had to spend it all in 24 hours, how would you spend it?
I would definitely give some to charity and then probably by a house, and fancy clothes and food!
What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
Definitely California.
What’s been your favorite place you’ve placed softball?
Also California at PGF Nationals.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
My biggest obstacle is probably feeling like I’m not good enough, I really struggled with that before, and during, the recruiting process.
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!)?
Probably a grill so I could cook food.
If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be?
I would have dinner with Abe Lincoln (laughs)!
EXTRA INSIGHTS:
What’s your favorite softball item (like preferred bat, glove, etc.)?
My Wilson glove, it’s custom and is so pretty.
Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with…
Tom Holland.
Favorite item(s) in your closet:
My sweatshirts, definitely.
Favorite school subject:
Math.
Best way to unwind is…
Take a nap.
What’s playing in your headphones right now?
“I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons.
Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?
Mac-N-Cheese.
What drives you to play the game of softball?
My passion for the sport, the way I feel safe when playing. It’s like it’s just me and my team and the game.
What have you learned most about yourself over the last year or two?
I am a very straight forward, no crap-taking person.
Who inspires you (athletically & non-athletically):
Athletically: My teammates.
Non-athletically: My family.
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 a great player but also a great person, I want to stay in the athletic field so maybe coach or become the Director of Ops (Operations) somewhere.
If you’re a recently committed player and would be interested in being featured, email: [email protected].