RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
Here’s the Understatement of the Week: the Birmingham Thunderbolts organization is on a roll when it comes to getting its players committed to Power 5 programs.
The Bolts, based in Alabama, are in the heart of SEC country and last night we detailed how outstanding 2023 infielder Kenleigh Cahalan will stay in-state to play at Alabama.
We also learned that two more juniors on Coach Rocky Thompson’s 18U team—middle infielder Camryn Lookadoo (ranked #78 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100) and Chalea Clemmons (ranked #28), committed to Kentucky and Auburn, respectively, Wednesday night.
But not all of Coach Thompson’s talented players are SEC bound; another 2023 standout on his team, infielder/catcher/utility player Katie Flannery pulled the trigger on committing Wednesday night as well, but she’s going to be far from the South as the daughter of long-time club coach Ted Flannery has committed to Oregon.
In May of this year, we released the 2023 rankings and Katie was listed at #12; here’s what was written about her then:
T-12—Katie Flannery, IF/C, Birmingham Thunderbolts 04 – Roberson
Katie is one of the top power hitters in the 2023 class and, as Coach Jay Roberson puts it, “She’s not an all-or-nothing power hitter as she also hits for a high average.” Katie batted over .400 last Fall and led her team in home runs. She also plays basketball at a high level and once she adjusts to the transition of the seasons, shows her abilities with the bat but also her defensive skills. As Coach Roberson says, “On defense, Katie is a talented third baseman with a big arm and quick release.” For more on Kate, click HERE to read an Extra Star Power article from last year.
Moving up to the 18U team for Fall, Katie is working with Coach Thompson and his talent-loaded Bolts team after having great success with Coach Roberson’s squad.
In an era when players switch club teams and organizations like they do changing shoes, Katie is admired by the Thunderbolts organizational leaders for having grown up in the program.
“Katie is one of the few players that has been a Birmingham Thunderbolt ever since she was 7-years-old,” explained Coach Thompson, “so it is with great joy that we are able to witness all of her hard work grant her this opportunity.”
One of the reasons for the junior’s success, says her coach, is that she never rests on her laurels.
“Many are not able to watch Katie on a daily basis like we do,” Thompson continues, “but it has been a pleasure to watch her grow as a person and athlete. The beauty of her accomplishments, along with others, is that she was challenged every day at workouts and she also challenged others so it’s no surprise that her talent has gotten her to this point— she’s putting in the work.”
And, her head coach concludes, it’s not just about her own growth and development, either.
“As much as Katie wants to win, she wants the younger players coming up behind her to be granted the same opportunity that she has been afforded and that what it is all about.”
*****
Name: KATIE FLANNERY
Position(s): 3B/UT
High School (City/ST): Spain Park (Hoover, Alabama)
Club Team: Birmingham Thunderbolts 18 Premier
Committed To: Oregon
Date Committed: September 29, 2021
How did your Oregon first find you to start recruiting you?
The first time they ever watched me was at Bolts 5 star in 14U. They were there watching a pitcher in the game I was playing. After that they saw me in Colorado and again in PGF.
When did they actually offer you a scholarship?
September 29th on a Zoom call. We had an official visit scheduled but they decided they didn’t want to wait. I am so thankful: now I can take my official next year as a Senior.
When and how did you commit? What were the circumstances?
They offered me the scholarship and they were talking over what it means and how it works. My family and I asked some questions and the coaches were so patient with us. The Zoom call had all three coaches on there and they took their time with everything.
Coach Lombardi was already at home for the night. My Dad had to Zoom in from work. We talked for about an hour about Oregon and classes and life. Near the end of the call, there was a moment of silence and, in my head, I was like “I’m going to commit” so I said, “Thank y’all so much for supporting me and believing in me. It truly means so much and I want to fully commit to y’all and be a Duck.”
Then we all threw up the “O” and it was so exciting!
I’m blessed to announce that I have decided to further my academic and athletic career at the University of Oregon. I am so thankful for my parents who supported from the very beginning. Thank you to all the coaches who have gotten me where I am today. @OregonSB @thunderbolts18p pic.twitter.com/Aj0mXXonlj
— Katie (@KatieFlanneryy) September 30, 2021
*** Scroll down to see what it was about Oregon that won Katie over… and what the Duck coaches liked about her enough to offer!