RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
In our ongoing series spotlighting top recruits and where they’re headed to play at the next level, we today head to the Peach State to learn more about 2023 grad Emily Digby, an infielder who will stay in-state to play at the Univ. of Georgia.
The Bulldogs were a series short of making this year’s Women’s College Series, losing to Florida State in the Tallahassee Super Regionals, but Emily is hoping to help her future SEC program to the next level when she hits campus starting this Fall.
A grad of Dacula (Ga.) High, she was ranked in the Top 15 of her class… here’s what we wrote about her in the final 2023 Extra Elite 100, which was published last November:
T-15—Emily Digby, SS, Georgia Impact – Sampson/Gusaeff (Georgia)
Emily really emerged over the last year as a top national player and, according to Co-Head Coach Brett Sampson: “She was huge surprise to our already talented infield. I feel with her playing at the highest level over the last few years, she brings a lot of maturity to the team.” A three-time All-Region, All-County and All-State pick, Emily was the 2021 Gwinnett Daily Post Player of the Year and set school single-season records for hits, RBIs, home runs, walks, slugging percentage and on-base percentage. “Emily has all the tools to be very successful at the next level,” adds her club coach. “I cannot wait to see her on the field with us. She has a cannon for an arm and also has outstanding glove and footwork. At the plate she has some of the best pop in her bat that I’ve ever seen. Playing against her, coaching 3rd base can be scary at times with the ball coming off bat at lightning speed.”
Extra Inning Softball recently caught up with the outstanding athlete to learn more about her on and off the field…
*****
Name: EMILY DIGBY
Hometown/ST: Dacula (Ga.)
Grad Year: 2023
Position(s): SS/MIF
Club Team: Georgia Impact 18U – Sampson
High School (City/ST): Dacula High
GPA: 3.7
College: University of Georgia
Top Honors/Accomplishments: 2021 Gwinnett County Player of the Year; four-time 1st
Team All-Region, County, and State; 2022 Dacula Legend Award, 2022-23 Dacula Outstanding Female Senior Athlete of the Year; finished high school with seven season and career records including hits (155), RBIs (127) and home runs (34).
Preferred College Major: Business
When and how did you commit?
The morning of September 1, 2021, I received a call from Coach Tony (Baldwin) asking me if I’d like to be a part of the program. We set a date for my official visit and after being on campus, I knew it was where I was meant to be. I verbally committed soon after.
What was it that helped you finalize your decision?
After meeting the coaching staff and understanding what role I may play, it was a pretty easy decision. The addition of Coach JT D’Amico was an added bonus and I can’t wait to get started working with him and the rest of the staff.
When did you first visit the campus and what impacted you most from your visit then and subsequent visits there?
I’ve attended camps several times when I was younger and have always dreamed of playing at Jack Turner Stadium. Every time I went back to Athens I felt at home and knew it would be at the top of my list when it came time to start talking with coaches.
How far will you be—time-wise and/or in miles—from your home?
One of the most exciting parts of committing to UGA is that my hometown is only about 30 minutes away, so my family won’t have to travel very far to come and support the team.
What did the college coaches recruiting you say they liked most about your play on the field?
My consistency and versatility which comes from having a calm and competitive demeanor. They said my swing is smooth with surprising power.
What’s been your most memorable softball experience so far in your career?
Playing in the PGF Futures All American games the last two years is pretty high up on the list. Having the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the country is always exciting. Last year I went 2-for-2 in the game including a triple that turned into an inside-the-park home run.
What would give you the most pleasure: making a great play defensively to end the game or hitting a game-winning walk-off hit?
(Laughs) this one is so hard because I love to hit but, in the end, I think I would have to go with making a great defensive play to end the game.
Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year? Or in general?
This year I had the mindset to just really enjoy my last season of high school and travel ball. It all goes by so fast, and I wanted to make sure I seized every opportunity during my senior year.
Do you have any softball superstitions?
Nothing too crazy other than eye black is a must have.
What would you say is your philosophy in life?
I think in life you have to strive for personal growth, cultivate empathy and kindness, take challenges head on and maintain a positive outlook. It’s important to have meaningful goals and to learn from your life experiences as well as valuing the relationships you have.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field? Off the field?
On the field: Versatile.
Off the field: Compassionate.
What do you want to do once your playing career is over?
I guess it all depends on how long I can play the game but eventually I’d like to have a successful career and be able to have a family of my own.
What do you feel makes softball such a wonderful sport? And how can it be improved?
Softball has allowed me to meet some of my closest friends that I will have for a lifetime and the sport itself fosters a strong sense of teamwork among players/coaches. It requires collaboration, communication and trust among team members which helps to form the lifelong friendships you’ll gain.
Softball also teaches valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and resilience. To improve our sport, I think we have to continue to have increased visibility and support from all levels. This will help attract more participants and grow the game.
What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
My family has vacationed in New Smyrna Beach for years and it is one of my favorites. The Shark Bite Capital of the World!
What’s been your favorite place to have played fastpitch?
PGF and Huntington Beach California. You can’t beat the weather and the competition is second to none.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
I’ve been blessed over the years to have a wonderful support base and I’ve been lucky enough to not have any major obstacles but in April of 2022 I had to have a tumor removed from the base of my left thumb. It was about the size of a marble.
The tumor was causing all kinds of pain when I would hit and catch the ball. I had a fantastic doctor here in Atlanta that performed the surgery, and I was able to recover in time to get back on the field that summer for the travel season.
Who would you say is a role model or someone you look up to in life?
My parents are definitely my role models. They’re amazing people, who push me to not only be a great athlete, but most importantly they push me to be a great person.
If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be?
My Aunt Carrie who passed away this April at the age of 42.
EXTRA INSIGHTS:
What’s your favorite softball item (like preferred bat, glove, etc.)?
I would have to say my glove. I take that thing everywhere (laughs)!
Favorite item(s) in your closet:
My shoes… you can never have too many options.
Favorite school subject:
Math
Best way to unwind is…
Spending time with my friends and family.
What’s playing in your earbuds/headphones right now?
Country.
Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with…
I don’t have just one, so I’d have to say the entire cast of Friends.
Who inspires you (athletically & non-athletically):
Athletically: Sis Bates… I hope to be half the player she is on defense and I think I have a pretty good future coach to point me in that direction.
Non-athletically: Grace Lyons and Sydney Chambley. Yes, both are incredible athletes, but what I love most about them is the way they live through the Lord.
Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?
Steak!
What drives you in life?
To be the best version of myself each day and to be someone my cousins and younger players can look up to.
What have you learned most about yourself over the last year or two?
I’ve learned the importance of taking care of my mental health. I’ve proven to myself that hard work does payoff and there is nothing I can’t accomplish once I set my mind to it.
What’s something unusual or different about you that most folks don’t know?
I have an unhealthy love for 80’s music and 90’s TV sitcoms (laughs).
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 hope to have a great career at Georgia, but I want to be remembered as a great teammate and loyal friend. I’d love to have the opportunity to give lessons or coach at some point and I’d love to do that in my hometown or Athens.
*** Note: if you too are a committed softball player and would like to share your story, go to our I Committed page by clicking HERE!
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