RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
In April (2022), Extra Inning Softball did a feature titled: Extra Star Power: New Jersey 2024 Outfielder Lisey St. Jean… Newtown Rock 18U Speedster “Can Handle Anything Hit Her Way” in which one of her teammates, infielder Mariah Penta, commented:
“She is one of the fastest people I’ve seen at the 18U level. At practice, she smokes all of us when we are being timed running the bases, it’s crazy. I know she is going to be a great player that makes an impact wherever she goes. I truthfully love Lisey as a friend and teammate.”
In the recently released 2024 Extra Elite 100, Lisey came in at #21 and her bio read:
T-21—Lisey St. Jean, OF, Newtown Rock 18U
Lisey is a dynamic speedy left-handed slapper who bats in the leadoff spot for Newtown Rock Gold led by Coach Joe Garvey. She is multi-dimensional with the ability to bunt for a hit, soft slap, power slap, and hit away. Lisey has been clocked sub-2.7 seconds from home to first base and has tremendous instincts as a base runner with the ability to steal a base at any time. In addition, Lisey is a premier defensive centerfield with tremendous range and an overhand throwing velocity clocked at 70 mph. She just completed a 45 game summer schedule without committing an error in in the grass and finished the summer with a .395 batting , 38 runs scored, 26 stolen bases in 30 attempts and a .498 OBP. At PGF 18U Premier Nationals, Lisey had a .340 hitting average, a .430 OBP, and was a perfect 4-for-4 in SB’s. Playing for Paul VI High School in New Jersey this past spring, Lisey had a .585 batting average and a strong .675 OBP in addition to scoring 40 runs and garnering 22 steals. She was 1st Team All-Conference, All South Jersey 1st Team, and 2nd Team All-State. Lisey trains with slapping instructor Jimmy Mullis at Athletes Development Center in Georgia.
Assistant Coach Dan Santelli of Newtown Rock 18U – Gold, spoke to what makes the speedster so a dynamic player:
“Lisey’s biggest strength and what separates her from others is her passion for the game and her relentless drive to continue to improve all aspects of her game…she is never satisfied. She has a slapping /hitting coach in Georgia, a speed coach, and does Austin Wassermann Throwing to mention a few. In addition, she does an awesome job of passing on her knowledge to the younger players in our organization. She is an outstanding role model of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.”
“As a 3-dimensional slapper, Lisey is extremely difficult to defend. She has really improved her power slapping over the past year and has an exit velocity in the 70’s In addition, she is a tremendous base stealer which almost automatically turns any single into a double.”
Here’s more on the impact player…
*****
How did you commit to the Wolfpack coaching staff… was it on a call? In-person? Walk us through how you told them.
NC State reached out to me at midnight on September 1, which was so exciting as they were top on my list going into recruiting. I attended three prior camps since January and loved every minute on campus and working with the coaches. They invited me to a visit and I got to meet with the coaches, tour the campus and facilities, attend another camp, and see what is like to be part of the Wolfpack. I also got to watch a game at Carter-Finley and see NC State beat Texas Tech! It always felt like home when I was on campus. After my visit we stayed in touch, and I committed after a few calls and text messages with the coaches. It was such an exciting moment when I told them I wanted to commit! I’ve found my ‘Pack!!
When did you know in your heart that you wanted to join the ACC program?
The ACC is obviously one of the most competitive conferences in the NCAA with so many great programs. I knew I wanted to challenge myself and compete against the best.
What was the deciding factor(s) that flipped you towards NC State?
So many factors! The softball program, great coaches, culture, academics, location, facilities, campus experience, student-athlete life, and the amazing Wolfpack spirit!
Looking back at Sept. 1, the first day of the recruiting period, what was that day like for you?
It was exciting because I could finally talk to coaches. My school didn’t start until the following week, so I had a busy day with calls with coaches. I really appreciated all the coaches that reached out to me.
Now that the recruiting process is done, what’s a piece of advice you’d give to future prospects coming up in softball?
A lot of people say it, but don’t get caught up in other people’s recruiting journey. It is different for everyone, and every school may approach recruiting differently. That’s OK. It can be stressful but know that it will work out and you’ll find the right fit.
We know you’re an excellent slapper with speed and power… what area of your game are you most proud of and what’s an area you want to improve before you head to college?
I’m proud with how I’ve developed as a slapper and a 3D player. As I’ve gotten older and played higher level competition, it’s been important to develop all of my skills to be successful and keep pressure on defenses. I’ve continued to grow and committed to working hard and to keep improving. I’m never satisfied. I know that I have the skill set to be an impact player for the Wolfpack.
What do you do to keep busy when not involved with softball, either games, practices or workouts?
School keeps me pretty busy when I’m not at practices and workouts. I also like to go visit my sister, Lilly, at Villanova and watch some of her fall softball games. One of my other sisters, Belle, plays soccer at Goucher College and I like to go see her too when I have any free time. I also really like to read, which is great to do at home or when traveling for softball.
You mentioned in the Extra Star Power profile earlier this year that Haylie McCleney is someone that’s an inspiration or role model to you… why is that?
I’ve always loved how she competes and plays the game. She’s done so much to grow softball. I love how she plays outfield and her approach at the plate. I also got the chance to work with her remotely through Austin Wasserman’s High Level Throwing program. I know I’m a versatile player, but she has helped motivate me to be an elite outfielder…outties do rule!
If you could change one thing about the sport to make it better, what would it be?
National coverage of the sport has increased, but it’s not enough. The players, teams, and fans have shown how great the sport is and it has earned more.
Best advice you’ve ever received is…
To believe in myself in all situation and fight through adversity. Softball is a tough sport and always challenges you.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
I’m about 5-foot-3 and it’s always been easy to be misjudged by coaches and schools if you don’t fit the ideal model for a player. I’ve always used it as a motivation and know my skills and athletic ability make me unique and valuable.
Being from Marlton, New Jersey, what’s something you’re proud of from your hometown, the area you live or your state?
My family and I are life-long Philadelphia Eagles fans. I love football and have been going to games with my family since I was very little. My dad has been a season ticket holder since 1999. We love going to the games and cheering on the Birds. We even had the chance to go to Minneapolis to watch them win Super Bowl LII.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen on a softball field?
My coach, Joe Garvey, is probably the funniest person I’ve been around on a softball field. He expects a lot, but he knows how to make us laugh on and off the field. He loves the game, is committed to helping us reach our goals, and keeps us loose no matter the situation.
Any idea what you want to major in or do for a career post-college graduation?
I am planning to enroll in NC State’s Sports Management program with a minor in Sports Science. They have a great program and excited for the options it will open up! I definitely want to be around sports post-college.