RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
Over the last week or so with Signing Day (and the Signing Period) kicking off, we’ve been spotlighted the seniors who have finalized where they’re going to college, but it’s been a busy time for the Class of 2023 standouts who are committing too.
One of those who finalized where she’ll play at the next level is outfielder Gracie Hillman, who was ranked in the 2023 Extra Elite 100 that was released this past Spring.
Here’s what we wrote about her at that time when she was playing for the Birmingham Thunderbolts 04 team coached by Jay Roberson:
Gracie is a stand-out outfielder due to her uncanny ability to track a ball and then use her explosive speed and fearless nature to jump or dive when making a remarkable catch. She also has a strong and accurate arm. A lefty at the plate, Gracie has a strong short game, and her dedication to working hard in the off-season has added a new strength and power to her performance. She also puts her swift feet and ball reading skills to work as she steals her way around the diamond, often sacrificing her body to place her team into scoring position. When describing Gracie’s work ethic, Coach Ted Flannery said, “That kid would run through a brick wall if you asked her to.”
Over the last year, Gracie had the highest batting average on her Hoover (Alabama) High team, which finished 4th in State, and was second highest on her Bolts club… all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.
You may remember that Extra Inning Softball did a spotlight on Gracie and three of her junior Birmingham Thunderbolt teammates right before the Sept. 1 Contact Period started— the others were Hannah Dorsett, Katie Flannery and Kenleigh Cahalan, who are also all Top 100-ranked players:
As we’ve reported since then, Hannah has committed to Alabama-Birmingham, Kenleigh chose Alabama while Katie selected Oregon.
Last week, Gracie joined her teammates in knowing where she will play at the next level as she committed to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
I’m so excited to announce that I have decided to continue my athletic and academic career at Georgia Tech! Thank you @GaTechSoftball for giving me this amazing opportunity! Thank you to my family and coaches that have supported me through this journey! #gojackets 🐝 pic.twitter.com/ue7CQYRBDw
— Gracie Hillman (@HillmanGracie) November 12, 2021
Here’s how the standout leadoff hitter finalized her decision to play in the ACC…
*****
Name: GRACIE HILLMAN
Position(s): CF/OF
High School (City/ST): Hoover (Alabama)
Club Team: Birmingham Thunderbolts 18U Premier
Committed To: Georgia Tech
Date Committed: November 10, 2021
How did Georgia Tech find you to start the recruiting process?
Assistant Coach Marty McDaniel was the first one to take notice of me while I was playing travel ball for the Birmingham Thunderbolts. I attended a camp this past summer and met Coach (Aileen) Morales and Coach Reese (Mariconda).
What did the Tech coaches say they liked about you and your abilities enough to offer you?
They liked my speed both in the outfield and while base running. Coach Morales liked seeing me power hit, as well as soft and hard slap. Coach Marty liked my footwork and short game.
When did the Tech coaches offer you a scholarship?
Coach Morales offered me a scholarship during my unofficial visit on November 2, 2021.
How did you commit to them?
I called Coach Morales after school on November 10 and said “Go Jackets! I would like to accept your offer to play softball at Georgia Tech.” Coach Morales then Face Timed me to celebrate my decision. We were both very excited.
*** Scroll down to read about the three reasons Gracie committed to Georgia Tech and feels the school is the “whole package”…
