Today’s Extra Star Power takes us to the West Coast to learn more about Tiara Westbrook, who was honored as a Top 30 player in last November’s final look at the senior class—the 2023 Extra Elite 100.
Here’s what we wrote about the versatile player at that time:
T-30—Tiara Westbrook, P/1B, Corona Angels – Howard (Oregon State)
Tiara is an explosive pitcher and hitter who can go off at any time, as she did this Summer at Boulder IDT when she batted .621 with eight home runs… three of them grand slams. Against one of the top programs in the country, she even stroked two homers in one inning. She did similar damage at the varsity prep level, batting .543 with a .600 on-base percentage for Arcadia (Calif.) High and only struck out twice in 85 plate appearances while producing a 1.471 OPS. In the circle, Tiara has 26 wins in her three years of high school ball with a collective 2.11 ERA and a batting average against of .223. The senior committed to the Beavers and Head Coach Laura Berg in September.
Extra Inning Softball recently caught up with the standout senior from the Golden State… here’s more on this future Pac-12 prospect:
Name: TIARA WESTBROOK
Hometown: Arcadia, Calif.
High School: Arcadia High School
Club Team (age group): Corona Angels Gold – (Kim) Howard (18U)
Grad Year: 2023
Height: 5-7
Position: OF
Nickname: “Tt”
Twitter: @WestbrookTiara
Softball Honors: two-time 1st Team All-Pacific League, 2023 Co-Pacific Player of the Year, three-time Pasadena Star News 1st Team All-Area, (one year missed due to COVID); Triple Crown Nationals All-Tournament Team, Alliance 2023 Regional All Star,
Travel Ball Highlights: Helped lead team to Top 3 finishes at two national tournaments (Alliance, Triple Crown Sports); 15 home runs in the Fall of ‘23.
High School Highlights/Stats:Senior season batted .465 with 30 RBI’s and nine home runs.
Tell us about playing for the Corona Angels organization and how you became involved with them:
My older sister Deja played for Coach Kim when I was still with Toni Mascarenas, and after practice, my Dad would go to my sister’s practice and, most of the times at the end of practice, they would scrimmage and Kimbo would let me play in the scrimmages. I looked forward to those scrimmages every weekend, I was in the 6th grade playing against D1 commits, and they did not go easy on me those games were always competitive. I officially joined Kimbo’s team my freshman year, but I always felt a part of his team since the 6th grade. Kimbo is more than a coach to me he is family!
Tell us about your high school team and how you are doing/did:
We went 20-6 this year and won the league title for the second year in a row. Arcadia High hasn’t won a league title in over 15 years before we were able to win last year. We made it to CIF playoffs but lost to the team that made it to the Division 2 Finals. We had a great year and it was a great four years.
What was it like to play at Alliance Nationals last summer?
We made a great run in Indiana last year at Alliance Nationals and finished in 3rd place. We played well as a team, and everyone contributed. It was great to have everything come together and play some of our best softball when it mattered most. Unfortunately, I got injured and was not able to play in the semifinal game.
What event are you looking forward to this summer and why?
I am looking forward to all tournaments and showcases this year since this is my last year of travel ball, but I am probably most excited for Alliance and Colorado.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why?
I think I am my toughest opponent—softball is a tough sport, it’s a sport of failure, so I think the toughest battles are with yourself.
Why did you choose to play for Oregon State?
I picked OSU because I dreamed to play in the Pac-12 ever since I was little and, as I’m an outfielder, I get to be coached under one of the greatest outfielders to ever play (Laura Berg) along with the rest of the amazing coaching staff. I love the campus and how family-oriented the atmosphere is and the state in general gave off such a homey vibe that I loved it immediately!
What areas are you interested in future occupations?
Coaching or Sports Broadcasting… something along those lines. Anything that will allow me to stay connected to the game.
Who is your sports hero?
My older sister Deja is my sports hero. She was my first coach, and I wouldn’t be the player I am today without her. I owe a lot of my success to her.
What’s the best hype song?
Talk by Yeat because all his songs are fire, especially this one.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge?
One Tree Hill because it’s a great show with a lot of seasons.
Do you have a secret talent/skill (doesn’t have to be sports-related)?
I like to think I’m pretty good at MLB The Show.
— Carlos Arias
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