Here at Extra Inning Softball, we love to spotlight those players who’ve made their dream of playing at the next level come true.
Grace Minarovic—a speedy, power-hitting infielder from the Lone Star State—made it two in the family who will be competing on the fields of Northwestern in the Big Ten as the senior high schooler will join her brother, Evan, who plays for the Wildcats baseball team.
She was one on eight signees in the large recruiting class for Head Coach Kate Drohan who inked with Northwestern in November. Click HERE to see the complete signing class.
I’m so excited to announce my commitment to Northwestern University!! Go Cats!!!@katedrohan @CarylDrohan @NUSBcats pic.twitter.com/GKz7F9NpNO
— Grace Minarovic (@Graceminarovic) November 2, 2022
At the time Coach Drohan said:
“Grace will bring speed and athleticism to our team along with a great spark on defense. Our team will rely on Grace’s work ethic and determination.”
We recently caught up with the talented Texan to learn more about her likes on and off the softball fields…
*****
Name: GRACE MINAROVIC
Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas
High School: The John Cooper School
Club Team: Texas Sudden Impact 18U – Leach
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: Infield/Utility
Twitter: @graceminarovic
Honors: High Honor Roll
Travel Ball Highlights/Fall Stats:
- Batting Average – .370
- On-Base Percentage -.491
- Steals – 10
- Home Runs – 4
- Fielding Percentage: .968
High School Highlights/Stats (junior year):
- Batting Average – .429
- On-Base Percentage- .535
- Steals – 22
- Home Runs – 8
*****
Tell us about the Sudden Impact and how you became involved with them?
I play for Texas Sudden Impact in the Woodlands under Todd Leach. I got connected with Coach Todd’s oldest daughter, Aubrey Leach, for hitting lessons and eventually found a spot on the 18u team.
This is my third year playing for SI and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the knowledge and experience’s that are available to me.
Do you have any suggestions for training methods or apps that have helped you?
I really enjoy using HitTrax while I’m practicing hitting. It gives instant feedback with being able to watch your swing immediately after as well as important data like exit velo and launch angle.
It also simulates you hitting on a virtual field which is very helpful to watch.
Your team competed at PGF Nationals last year… what do you remember about that experience?
I love competing at PGF Nationals in California with my team. It’s a fun environment with good competition throughout the entire tournament.
Last year my team and I did pretty well and got to play some great teams which only made us better as a whole. I’m looking forward to going back again this upcoming Summer!
What was your favorite Fall tournament/event and why?
My favorite Fall tournament is probably the Ronald McDonald here in Texas. It’s a big tournament with many out of state teams and college coaches coming to watch and play in.
It’s also usually played at my travel ball teams “home fields” which makes it even more competitive but fun for my team.
Which team has been your toughest opponent and why?
I would say our toughest opponent would be Impact Gold Jackson. They are a good team whose roster is filled with D1 players.
We get to play them a lot in local tournaments and it’s always an intense battle.
Can you tell us why you chose to commit to Northwestern?
Northwestern is such a unique place. When looking for schools, my family and I’s main priority was finding a high academic school whose softball is also competitive.
Northwestern could not have fit that criterion more perfectly.
On my visit, the family-like culture that Coach Kate Drohan has created was something that became very evident to me. I immediately felt at home in Evanston and knew it was the place I was meant to be.
I am so excited to get started next year with the amazing coaching staff and girls!
What areas are you interested in studying and why?
I am still undecided with what I specifically want to do in the future, but I am leaning more towards the business and marketing realm.
My high school offered an entrepreneurial studies class that I was able to take my junior year which really sparked my interest in that area. I’m excited to continue that interest at Northwestern.
What’s the best hype song and why?
My favorite hype song is “I’m Gonna Be” by Post Malone. I like the message it gives of working hard for what you want in life and it also has a good beat to get hype to.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why?
I am currently binge watching my guilty pleasure show Dance Moms. All the drama is funny to watch and the dances are always entertaining.
Do you have a secret talent/skill?
I am actually part of the dance and aerial silks program at my high school.
Silks is the Cirque du Soleil thing that you see fabric hanging from the ceiling and people doing different tricks on it. I’ve been doing dance and silks since my 6th grade year and it definitely something challenging but fun that I enjoy doing.
— Carlos Arias, Extra Inning Softball
