Get on board with Extra Inning Softball’s regular feature, The Last Inning!
We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.
To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at info@extrainningsoftball.com and also los.extrainningsoftball@gmail.com.
Here’s our TLI for Monday, Aug. 15, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: JOCELYN “JOCEY” ERICKSON
Oklahoma-bound C/1B Jocelyn Erickson, #10 in the 2022 Extra Elite 100, helped OC Batbusters-Stith win the 18U Alliance Nationals this summer and she recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about the OC Batbusters, competitiveness, the mental game, Alliance Nationals, Texas Bombers Gold, winning national titles, Keilani Rickets, “Bring em Out,” and photography.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Jocelyn Erickson
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
High School: Sandra Day O’Connor High
Club Team: OC Batbusters 18U-Stith
Graduation Year: 2022
Height: 5-foot-10
Position: C/1B
Nickname: Jocey
Twitter: @joceyerickson
Honors: Gatorade Arizona State Player of the Year; MaxPreps Arizona Player of the Year; Arizona Republic All-State Team; 6A Conference Player of the Year; Desert Valley Region Player of the Year; 1st Team 6A All-Academic by Sports360AZ; 1st Team All-American by MaxPreps; All-USA Today Team; top 20 national high school softball Players of the Year by Scorebook Live (SBLive); 1st Team High School All-American by Extra Inning Softball; 2022 National All-Star Team by Alliance Fastpitch Tournament MVP at Triple Crown Nationals; and Tournament MVP at Alliance Fastpitch National Championship Series.
Travel Ball Highlights/Summer Stats: Champions at Top Club Nationals, Triple Crown Nationals and Alliance Nationals; runner-up at Boulder IDT; 57 games, .551 AVG, .633 OBP, 25 HRs and 114 RBIs.
High School Spring Highlights/Stats: 6A All-Star Team by ASCA; 6A/5A/4A All-Star Homerun Derby champ by ASCA; 6A/5A/4A All-Star Game MVP by ASCA; 33 games, .624 AVG, .704 OBP, 25 HRs and 58 RBIs.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I first started playing with the OC Batbusters when I was in 8th grade. I had just verbally committed to the University of Oklahoma in the fall of my 8th grade year and began playing with them in January. I was looking for a team that would prepare me for college and make me the best possible player I could be. When I began with the Batbusters, I played for coach Mark Campbell on his 14U team. Coach Mark wanted the best for his players and pushed them to be the best. I am honored I got the opportunity to compete and play for him. I later moved up to the 18U team my freshman year to play for coach Mike Stith. I played for Coach Mike for about four years and he is the best coach I’ve ever had. Everything he says and teaches is very simple and meaningful. He taught me many life lessons about how to succeed in the world. I also had the opportunity to play with so many amazing players throughout my four years … some I will get to play with again at Oklahoma this year. I’m forever grateful I was able to play for such an amazing organization, phenomenal coaches and talented teammates.
What do you bring to the team? I believe I bring competitiveness, drive, and laughter. I try my best to be a great teammate and a huge part of that is holding your teammates accountable and pushing them to be better than they were yesterday. It’s also vital to have good team chemistry and relationships with your teammates. I try to make them laugh and have fun on and off the field because those are the memories we’ll look back on and smile. Playing for your teammates is one of the most important aspects of the game.
What areas were you focusing on/trying to improve this summer? I wanted to win this summer with my best friends by my side more than anything. I mainly focused on the mental game. Coming through in pressured situations, calming all the emotions that were going through my mind and just being present in the moment for my team. Softball is always (a) rollercoaster of emotions and failure is inevitable, but I’m glad I was able to work through the ups and downs this summer. The mental game is a huge part of success.
Can you tell us about your experience at the Alliance Nationals this summer? My experience at the Alliance Fastpitch Nationals was amazing! We played in Indiana and it was beautiful. I was given the chance to play on the Alliance All-Star team with one of my teammates and a ton of talented players before the tournament began. We were sponsored by Under Armour and got to do a media day. It was a really cool experience. Then the tournament began and my team made it to the Elite Eight. This tournament is super cool because the bracket is based off of the WCWS. So there’s the eight teams who make it into the Elite Eight and then the championship series is best of three. My team lost a game, so we had to work our way through the loser’s bracket on Saturday. We played some really tough teams and had to double dip one of them, but we pulled it out. We were able to grind and make it to championship Sunday, where we would face the team (Texas Bombers Gold-Smith) we lost to previously. We came out on Sunday determined to win. We won the first game and run-ruled them in the second game. The dogpile after the final out is a memory I’ll never forget. I want that feeling again and I hope to achieve it in college. My team was so fun to play with and play for. They will forever be my friends and I’m so glad I was able to go on this journey with them. Winning the Alliance tournament at the end of the summer has been our goal all year and we finished it.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? Texas Bombers Gold, because we lost to them two different times throughout the summer, but we ended up beating them in the championship games in the end.
What are your goals for the future? Contribute to winning Oklahoma’s third straight national title. Get my bachelor’s degree. Make lifelong friends and memories. Give back to the younger generation.
Who is your sports hero and why? Keilani Ricketts, because I grew up watching her play and compete for national championships. She is confident and composed, and she is left-handed.
What’s the best hype song and why? “Bring Em Out” by T.I., because that’s the song my high school team would run out to during a home game and it would hype us all up.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? One of my passions is photography. I love designing/coordinating photo shoots and editing.
Scroll down to see more highlights …
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NEWS & NOTES
***1B Hallie Meeks, #73 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, joined Virginia Unity 16U-Johnson/Ross. Meeks helped Georgia Impact-Caymol win a 16U title at PGF Nationals this summer.
“As you know, winning PGF is the highest achievement any softball team or player can experience before going to college,” Meeks said, “Winning it for my third time is truly a blessing. My GA Impact sisters are a very talented and determined group of girls, and I am happy I got to do this with them. My time with GA Impact-Caymol was an amazing experience, and I am thankful to them for providing me with the opportunities to develop and become a better person and player. Leaving GA Impact was not an easy decision for me, and it took a lot of time, prayer and many discussions with my family.
“I decided to join Unity for the same reason I joined GA Impact a few years ago. I feel like God opens and closes doors to allow people to grow, and I see this opportunity with Unity as another open door he led me to. I played for Coach (Jay) Ross for several years, and I hold a high level of respect for his coaching abilities. Unity gives me the chance to stay in my age group and continue my growth in the sport that I love. I am very excited to go to work and play with these talented Unity girls.”
We also welcome @16_hmeeks to our roster. “Miss PGF” by many (3 titles to her resume) Hallie brings the POWER, winning mindset and infectious smile to our talented roster. She has collected 86 Hrs and anchors down the infield. Excited to have Hallie on board. @ExtraInningSB pic.twitter.com/hEzeIeO1mZ
— Sparks Elite Ross / Stewart (@sparkselite18) August 7, 2022
***2025 C/LF Lauren Bacon joined Iowa Premier 16U National. Bacon, a former USA Softball All-American, previously played for St. Louis Chaos 16U-Beatty.
BIG NEWS! Iowa Premier 16U National welcomes @LaurenBacon03, a 2025 OF/C out of St. Louis, Missouri as it's newest member! Lauren is an impact player, bringing a speed & power combo to the Squad. A real good team just got ALOT better! #LookOut2023 @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff pic.twitter.com/P28WQaRvU2
— Iowa Premier Fastpitch (@IowaPremierFP) August 12, 2022
***OF Jordan Williams, #61 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, joined Virginia Unity-Johnson/Ross. Williams, a two-time 1st Team GHSA 7A All-Region selection, previously played for Atlanta Vipers-Harris.
A big Unity welcome to another STUDent Athlete @JordanW2024 Jordan adds depth to our outies and provides another lefty stick to our lineup with pop and speed. @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff @LegacyLegendsS1 pic.twitter.com/0xPWR7okxs
— Sparks Elite Ross / Stewart (@sparkselite18) August 9, 2022
***2024 SS/3B/C Addison Lund joined TN Mojo 16U-Sweat. Lund, a former USA Softball All-American, previously played for Atlanta Vipers Gold-Harris. Mojo-Sweat was previously with the Atlanta Premier Gold organization.
“I am excited to join the team and excited to work with the coaches and girls on the team,” Lund said. “I had heard good things about them and after talking to coach (Jason) Sweat, he made me and my parents feel comfortable with the decision.”
https://twitter.com/Mojo_Sweat/status/1558133471096328193
***2027 C/UT AJ Lincoln joined Iowa Premier 14U National. Lincoln previously played for Nebraska Gold 309.
BIG TIME! Iowa Premier 14U National welcomes @AJLINCOLN23 as it's newest member!! AJ is a physical & skilled athlete bringing a huge skill set to our National Program! She joins a great group ready to turn heads in 2023! Welcome kid! @Los_Stuff @ExtraInningSB #IPFLIFE pic.twitter.com/h3PIqu0mqk
— Iowa Premier Fastpitch (@IowaPremierFP) August 11, 2022
***2024 1B/OF Maizy Crawford joined Cal Nuggets-16U-Woods. Crawford previously played for NorCal Ohana Tigers 2024.
So exited and grateful to announce that I am joining the Cal Nuggets organization! I know that this organization will push me to be the best I can be and get me where I want to go in my future of softball!! @RRecruiting_ @Los_Stuff @ExtraInningSB pic.twitter.com/fHZDhn4Jzf
— Maizy Crawford 2024 1B/OF (@maizycrawford24) August 13, 2022
***2025 RHP/1B/OF Hannah Potts joined TN Mojo 2025-Nelson. Potts previously played for TN Mojo 07-Nelson. Potts batted .475 with eight RBIs and 10 runs as a freshman at Wellston High in Ohio.
We would like to welcome Hannah Potts to our team. The 5’11” pitcher throws upper 60’s and will provide another great arm to our pitching rotation. The sophomore attends Wellston High School and is from Wellston, OH. @Los_Stuff @ExtraInningSB @LegacyLegendsS1 @hannahpotts2025 pic.twitter.com/nUGEqNyBW4
— Mojo Bruce Lewis 18U (@TNMojo07) August 13, 2022
***RHP/OF Ella Dawson, #74 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, joined Top Gun 16U National. Dawson previously played for Lady Dukes-Betsa/Hebert/Lamar.
Excited to welcome 2024 @EllaDawson2024 to the @topgunfastpitch National Program! An All State OF in Virginia and a finalist for the @PGFnetwork 2024 All American Game, Ella is also a pitcher w/ velo north of 65 mph! 🔥 #tgf @Los_Stuff @ExtraInningSB @TGA_Turner @BTurner_75 pic.twitter.com/FyDkd62PjG
— Top Gun 14 National (@TG_14_National) August 13, 2022
***RHP/1B Sydney Jackson, #96 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, joined Texas Blaze United 18U. Jackson previously played for Impact Gold-16U-Jazz.
***2024 OF Izzy Carlyle joined Unity 2024-Bridger. Carlyle previously played for Atlanta Vipers 16U-Harris.
Unity Bridger would like to welcome Izzy Carlyle and family to our team. Izzy is a fast outfielder with a good bat. Welcome Izzy. We are excited to have you. The U! @carlyle_izzy @ExtraInningSB @LegacyLegendsS1 @Los_Stuff pic.twitter.com/NLsKELRP8B
— Unity Bridger 2024 (@UnityBridger) August 14, 2022
***2025 RHP/1B/OF Sophia Peterson joined TN Mojo 2025-Nelson. Peterson previously played for Hanover Lady Hornets 2025 National.
We would like to welcome Sophia Peterson to our group! She is a RHP/1B/OF from Ashland, VA that works vertically in the zone with a deceptive rise ball, changeup, and drop ball. She is also a power hitter with strong defensive skills. @Los_Stuff @ExtraInningSB @SophiaP2025 pic.twitter.com/PplE9KPIy4
— Mojo Bruce Lewis 18U (@TNMojo07) August 14, 2022
***2025 P/SS/3B Briana Cazares joined EC Bullets 16U-Samples/Abbott/Cutting. Cazares previously played for Athletics Mercado.
New Bullet Alert
Briana “Brie” is a 2025 grad at East Paulding HS and holds a 3.9 GPA. She is a P/SS/3B for softball and a varsity swimmer in the offseason. Her future plans include playing softball in college and pursuing a veterinarian degree.@EastCobbBullets@Los_Stuff pic.twitter.com/oChaERg3Ll
— EC Bullets 18U – Samples/Love (@ECBullets18U) August 14, 2022
***2025 1B/C Ashton Giet joined Carolina Elite National 16U-Herring/Bulla. Giet previously played for SC Warhawks Softball.
https://twitter.com/National16U/status/1558950521091883011
2026 C/UT Kaylea Jo Foster joined Texas Thunderbolts Premier-Whiddon. Foster previously played for Illusions Gold.
So excited to announce that I’ll be part of the Texas Bolts Premier Whiddon team! @ncsa @texasbolts@bevoshorns09
@BoltsOrg@ExtraInningSB@Los_Stuff pic.twitter.com/esQweyJYZK— Kaylea Jo Foster 2026 (@KayleaJo) August 14, 2022
***SS Lilly Laney, #72 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, joined Texas Thunderbolts Premier-Whiddon. Laney previously played for Texas Bombers HTX-Davis.
https://twitter.com/LillyLaney3/status/1558978499930718209
***2024 P/3B Brooke Watson joined Mojo 16U-Sweat. Watson previously played for OC Batbusters-Smith.
We have added another stud, Class of 2024 @brooke_watson20 ! Brooke attends The Boyd Buchannan School in Chattanooga, baller, power hitter, and can sling it in the circle! @Los_Stuff @LegacyLegendsS1 @TnMojoFastpitch @eliteprospects @IHartFastpitch @BoydBuchanan @Fastpitchnews pic.twitter.com/qs7F0SFdoy
— Jason R. Sweat (@jasonsweat) August 15, 2022
***Indiana Magic Gold 08-National-Greene released its fall schedule and roster.
Excited to get after it with this group going into the 2022-2023 season! Let’s Go M⭐️gic! 💪🥎 #greatingold #goldblooded https://t.co/wj8uIpzatn
— Indiana Magic Gold 16U Moore-Carmichael (@magicnational08) August 7, 2022
***Illinois Firecrackers 16U-Adkins released its fall schedule.
The Illinois Firecrackers 16u fall schedule is listed below. Be sure to come and check out these talented student athletes!@ShowtimeSports1 @IHartFastpitch @TopPreps @Los_Stuff @LegacyLegendsS1 pic.twitter.com/5OhFcoNYWf
— Illinois Firecrackers 18U Adkins (@IL_Firecrackers) August 13, 2022
***AASA 16U-Bryson released its fall roster.
Congratulations to the athletes who will be taking the dirt to represent AASA Bryson 16U this Fall! #aasabryson #allamericansportsacademy #masteryourgame ❤️🥎💙 pic.twitter.com/pOczSOeZUe
— Firecrackers Leles 18 Gold (@FCLeles18Gold) August 14, 2022
***SJ Mystics 14U National released its fall schedule.
Our fall schedule is looking good!! @14uSJ_Mystics @BG_batterynrake @Los_Stuff @SBRRetweets @IHartFastpitch pic.twitter.com/y53S7sqlIg
— Kylie Harris 2026 (@kylieharris2026) August 15, 2022
***LA Bombers Gold 07 released its fall schedule.
So excited for this upcoming fall season with this TALENTED group! @Los_Stuff @LegacyLegendsS1 @bombers_fp @IHartFastpitch pic.twitter.com/BnvAijEPdN
— Impact Gold National 07 (@IGNational07) August 15, 2022
***Lady Dukes 18U National Premier OF/C Hannah Capps, #65 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, hits softballs very hard.
Crowd: “hit the ball hard”
Hits, knocks pitchers glove off
Crowd: “man she hit that ball hard”Shoutout to pitcher for staying with the play! @DukesPremier18u @Los_Stuff @BBOS_Nation @SoftballDown @scan1ansports @softball_dugout @StriveSoftball @OTGMediaTV @ExtraInningSB pic.twitter.com/16VjXmE4HD
— Hannah Capps (@HannahCapps9) August 15, 2022
***CLICK HERE to see the 2022 PGF 18U, 16U, 14U, 12U and 10U Premier Nationals order of finish.
***CLICK HERE to see the 2022 Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series 18U, 16U, 14U, 12U and 10U order of finish for 2022.
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SIGNING/COMMITMENT ALERTS
Kyllie Weingart, 2023, C/SS/UT, Minnesota Renegades/Maranatha Christian Academy, MN, St. Thomas
I’m extremely excited to announce my commitment to continue my academic and softball career at the University of St. Thomas!! #gotommies💜💜💜 @USTSoftball pic.twitter.com/bp7peQ8aDA
— Kyllie Weingart (@kyllieweingart) August 13, 2022
Hailey Harpis, 2023, C/UT, Mojo 2023-Lunsford/Commerce City High, GA, Georgia State
I am excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic & softball career at Georgia State University. Huge thank you to my family, friends, coaches, & teammates who believed in me! @GSU_Softball @Mojo_Lunsford @richardnich24 @CoachANicholson pic.twitter.com/XocGEcCplK
— Hailey Harpis Haileyharpis@gmail.com (@HHarpis) August 13, 2022
Molly Lawson, 2023, UT, Lady Lightning Gold/Eastern Alamance High, NC, Bucknell
So blessed to announce that I have commited to play softball at Bucknell University!! I couldn’t be more grateful for all the help I have received through my journey! Thank you to all my coaches and teammates that helped make this happen! Can’t wait to be a bison!🧡💙🦬 pic.twitter.com/YIx33ry4eD
— Molly Lawson (@Mollyylawsonn) August 13, 2022
Savannah Money, 2023, P, So Cal Athletics/Ashford High, AL, Troy
I am super excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Troy University. Go Trojans! @SharonOmara22 @TroyTrojansSB pic.twitter.com/WgqRynqi9O
— Savannah (@SavannahMoney_1) August 13, 2022
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BTITW
Today’s Best Thing In The World is …
A new team has arrived! Catch the new #LeagueOfTheirOwn series only on Prime Video. #FindYourTeam
— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) August 12, 2022
— Carlos Arias, Extra Inning Softball (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)
