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Player Spotlight: Class of 2022 SEC Commit Kiana Estrada

Kiana Estrada is versatile enough to pitch or play the infield or the outfield.

Monday, February 25 is a big day for us as we kick off our list of the Extra Elite 100 players for the Class of 2022. Throughout the next few weeks as we unveil the players who are elite eighth graders, we’ll profile talented candidates and today we head to Southern California to look at a versatile player who had interest ranging from the Pac-12 closer to home, but decided to head cross-country to play in the SEC…

NAME: KIANA ESTRADA
Hometown/ST: Chino Hills, California
Grad Year: 2022
Position(s): 1st Base/Pitcher/Outfield
Club Team: Athletics Mercado-Greg
High School (City/ST): Chino Hills High; attending Townsend Jr High currently (8th grade)
GPA: 3.80
College: University of Arkansas
When committed? Jan 13, 2018
Other Universities Considered: Louisiana Lafayette, Washington, Texas A&M, LSU, Oregon
Preferred College Major: Business

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In your short but accomplished softball career, what’s been a highlight for you that comes to mind?
My most memorable softball experience was being in Colorado last year playing in a game against the East Cobb Bullets. e had to go into three extra innings and then (my teammate Riley) Potter came up to bat with runners on base and hit a line drive into right field to win the game. We all ran on the field screaming and we were all so happy!

Kiana says it was her hitting that attracted SEC and Pac-12 interest along with Louisiana-Lafayette.

When did the recruiting process begin for you and what did you think of it overall?
It started sometime in October and it was awesome! It was so exciting to know tht college coaches loved my swing. Over the next few months after that, I got to learn about different programs, schools and discover great coaching staffs. I did a few unofficial visits which was awesome. My family was very much involved with the process—from my parents to my brothers.

When did it hit you that Arkansas was where you wanted to go?
The moment I realized that the University of Arkansas was the perfect fit for me was when my family and I saw the Academic Center and the indoor hitting facility. The Academic Center was mind blowing with all the things that the athletes receive to help them with academics. The indoor hitting facility was awesome with how big it was. I also loved the vibe of the team and the coaches were.

What, in your opinion, got you the heavy college interest you ended up receiving over the last six months?
My hitting, all the college coaches that showed interest said they love my swing and power. I hit for power and average and defensively I have a strong arm also which lets me play outfield and first base, but it was my hitting that attracted college coaches.

What are your personal goals short-term and long-term?
Academically, my goal is to keep my GPA over 3.8. My softball goals are to have a .400 or higher batting average for the season and, long-term, one day be the NCAA home run leader and play for the USA Softball National Team.

Do you have any softball superstitions?
One of me superstitions is that when I am putting on my uniform I always put on my right sock and knee pad on first.

Do you a philosophy—or philosophies—in life that you live by?
Yes, several… God and family are everything. Have fun and work hard. Never quit. And enjoy the moment; it’s about the journey.

Who inspires you?
My parents and brothers. My Mom, who works hard day and night at her job to be No. 1 and shows me a woman can be strong and tough. My brother Brad, who plays Jr Hockey, inspires me to never give up and to fight for what you want. Sometimes the road is hard, but you have to keep pushing. My Dad, who has always showed me to believe in myself. He believes my brothers and me are going to do great things. My little bro Dylan, who shows me how to enjoy the moment and that family is everything.

What worries you most about what your generation is facing in the future?
I worry about kids my age not having goals or a plan for their future. I believe you have to have big goals to expect big achievements.

What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
Walt Disney World… it was so awesome! I spent all day and night there with my family and my best friend Lexi.

Kiana admits her biggest critic is often herself.

What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
I expect a lot from myself. I’m my own biggest critic and I like to excel in everything I do. I always want to do better and develop and, although I still want to win and overachieve, I’m getting better in learning to enjoy my successes and my achievements.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you’d want to have with you?
Chick-fil-A! I cannot live without having my Chick-fil-A.

If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be?
Carley Hoover, the LSU pitcher, is the one person I would love to have dinner with. I would love to ask her pitching questions and how she goes about her day to be so good.

What’s a talent you have away from the softball field?
I love to draw. I can spend hours just drawing, it’s something I l just love to do.

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EXTRA INSIGHTS:

Favorite food: steak
Favorite thing in your closet: my Arkansas jacket
Favorite school subject: Math
Most recent movie seen: Peter Rabbit
Did you like it? I liked it… two thumbs up.
What’s playing in your headphones right now? House Party by Sam Hunt
Pets? sadly no pets….
Favorite motto/phrase: “Nothing is impossible.” The word itself says “Im possible”
Pie or cake (and why)? cake, because it can have so many different flavors and can be great with ice cream
Describe yourself in one word: “energetic”

 

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