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. 22, 2022:
*****
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: KATE MCCARTNEY
2028 SS Kate McCartney won a PGF 12U Premier national championship with Lady Magic-Munoz this summer and she recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about her club team, bringing positivity, getting faster, PGF Nationals, winning six games in a row, Team USA, Steph Curry and playing piano.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Kate McCartney
Hometown: Placerville, CA
Future High School: TBD
Club Team: Lady Magic-Munoz 12U (14U in fall ’22)
Graduation Year: 2028
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: SS
Nickname: Zetta
Twitter: N/A
Travel Ball Highlights/Stats: PGF Nationals Stats — 14 games, .512 AVG, .562 OBP, 1.441 OPS, .878 SLG, 21 hits, 6 doubles, 3 triples, 1 HR (grand slam), 27 RBIs, 7 SBs and 2 for 4 with 4 RBIs and a 3b in the PGF championship game against the Thunderbolts; Summer Stats — 101 games, .486 AVG, .546 OBP, 1.411 OPS, .865 SLG, 122 hits, 30 doubles, 13 triples, 13 HRs, 128 RBIs and 43 SBs.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I became involved with Lady Magic when someone from my old team invited me to a tryout with them. I am so happy that I play on Magic. I love it, I love the group of girls I play with, and my coaches are great. They always tell us to at least get 1 percent better every time we play.
What do you bring to the team? I bring a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and dedication to my team.
What areas were you focusing on/trying to improve this summer? I focused on being faster on defense, throwing the ball harder, keeping my top hand strong when I’m hitting and hitting inside pitches this summer.
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this summer? My experience at this past PGF was great! I never doubted that we were going to win the whole thing and neither did anyone else on my team. We picked each other up throughout the whole week, especially when we had to win six games in a row in one day to get to the championship. We were able to do that because we were all hungry to be in the championship game, and because we took the six games one at a time.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? The toughest opponent we have faced is having to win six games in a row to get to the championship.
What are your goals for the future? My goals for the future are to win more national championships, go to college and play softball, play on Team USA and have a family.
Who is your sports hero and why? My sports hero is Steph Curry because of how hard he works.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? One skill other than sports I have is that I have been playing the piano since I was 4 (years old).
Scroll down to see more highlights …
*****
NEWS & NOTES
***LHP/OF Grace Halata, #55 in the 2026 Extra Elite 100, joined Texas Bombers 16U Gold-Peters. Halata previously played for Impact Gold 14U National-Smith.
“Last season, I played for Impact Gold National–Smith 14U out of Texas,” Halata said. “Me being still an 8th grader (2026) at the time I was challenged to compete against the best of the best. Everyone in the country knew who this team was and they were out for you every time you stepped foot on the field. You defiantly had to bring your ‘A’ game or you wouldn’t last long. Also, not only did I get to compete against the best, I was playing with the best girls in the county. Last fall, I was pitching alongside EK Smith (#1 in the 2026 Extra Elite 100) and KG Favors (#2 in the 2025 Extra Elite 100). That was an absolute dream and an accomplishment of its own. I learned so much from them two on how to compete at a high level. How many athletes can say they got to do that. I am forever grateful to both of them to have that opportunity and to teach me everything they know.
“This season, I decided to make a change to the Texas Bombers organization. I will be playing with the Texas Bombers Gold 16U–Peters. I can say I’m excited to play with these girls. There is a lot of elite talent across the board. I’m also ready to get to work in the Bombers Academy training program. Me being a left-handed pitcher drew me to this team for the fact that I will be able to work with one of the best lefties in the world — Cat Osterman. She will help me achieve my goals on how to work batters and how take advantage of them from my left side in the circle. Her experiences on the mound will help me achieve my goals and get me to the next level.”
I’m excited to role with my new team this season. Let’s Go!!! #AllGasNoBrakes @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff https://t.co/JTG5FHw2Wh
— Grace Halata (@GraceHalata) August 18, 2022
***Oregon State-committed MIF Ashley Wolfe, #45 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, joined Midwest Speed 18U National-Koltes. Wolfe batted .500 for Select Fastpitch at the Alliance Nationals.
https://twitter.com/Ashley_Wolfe4/status/1561151736139628545
***Midwest Speed 18U National-Koltes released its 2022-23 roster.
So excited for this upcoming season with these amazing girls!! Jumping up to the next age level and I can’t wait!! #rollspeed @Los_Stuff @NCAASoftball @ExtraInningSB @thealliancefp @HFLfastpitch pic.twitter.com/rBU6r4jhvd
— Kylie Gaston (@kyliegaston27) August 21, 2022
***Athletics Mercado-Tidd 2026 MIF/3B Lianna “Boo Ya” Palcios is like NWA … she’s “Alwayz into Somethin'” when it comes to softball.
Taking advantage. 2 weeks left before school starts. Freshman year starts next week
Class of ‘26 @Los_Stuff @LegacyLegendsS1 @IHartFastpitch @SBRRetweets @D1Uncommitted @recruit_tc #NothingIsImpossible #allhardwork pic.twitter.com/QbGueDtGzN— Lianna Palacios (@Booya26) August 19, 2022
***Beverly Bandits Premier-Conroy CF Addie DeLong, #11 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, layed out for this one at PGF Nationals.
A little flashback from PGF Nationals! Looking forward to the fall🧡🖤@BurgSoftball1 @Los_Stuff @PGFnetwork pic.twitter.com/XtPV6vXABf
— Addie DeLong (@AddieD00) August 19, 2022
***Coach Pat Affrunti joined the Tampa Mustangs organization. Affrunti led FL Impact 18U-Affrunti to a USA Softball Class A national championship this summer in Richmond, VA.
The Tampa Mustangs are excited to announce that Coach Pat Affrunti has joined our organization and will bring his USA 18u National Champion team with him. Coach Pat has years of softball experience across all levels and has a long history of winning. Welcome @saintleocoach pic.twitter.com/4ffDi0UfSx
— Tampa Mustangs (@TampaMustangs) August 19, 2022
***P/1B Jordyn Stuessy, #75 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, joined Hotshots 16U National-Esparza. Stuessy previously played for Athletics Mercado-Bonola.
States lived in-6
Select teams played for-7
Military BRAT life isn't easy & only 2nd time in 8 years, I have a repeat softball home! TEAM IS 🔥🔥!#gotinvite@hotshotsnation@CoachBallMalone @Los_Stuff @coachkoons @s_lex23 @CoachPatrick_ @BUMoore @LegacyLegendsS1
@HSPremier16uHTX pic.twitter.com/o96X7Fcvu3— Jordyn Stuessy (@Jordyn_sb39) August 20, 2022
***2024 CF/UT Arlette Caravaca joined Florida-based Lady Dukes 18U-Sergio. Caravaca previously played for Jacksonville Storm National-Harris.
I'm excited to start a new chapter in softball as I've committed to play 18U for Lady Dukes – Sergio out of WPB, Florida. We'll play on many national events!!! @Los_Stuff @LegacyLegendsS1 @JeffConrad10 @AuburnSoftball @clemsonsoftball @_CoachLevin @LadyDukesSergio pic.twitter.com/DaZQcXv49e
— Arlette Caravaca | OF/UTL (@ArletteCaravaca) August 21, 2022
***TN Mojo Florida 14U-Gunkel joined the Bombers Fastpitch organization and will be known as Florida Bombers Gold 16U-Gunkel.
We are very excited to announce that our FL Mojo 14U team will be moving to Texas Bombers Fastpitch in 2022 as Florida Bombers Gold 16U. Let's GO!!
@FL_BombersGold16U@bombers_fp @ExtraInningSB @D1Uncommitted @LegacyLegendsS1 @Los_Stuff
🔗https://t.co/n4vnfrwHA0 pic.twitter.com/1Bw2bB26So— Florida Bombers Gold Griffis/Gunkel (@FLBombersGold16) August 19, 2022
***2027 RHP/UT Paige Welch joined Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027-Alford. Welch previously played for Alabama Thunderbolts 2027-Causey.
📢Roster Annoucement📢
⚡️Please help us in welcoming #44 Paige Welch to the team! She is a RHP/UTL who has crazy spin on the ball and also big power at the plate!⚡️#BoltsBoom #BePremier @Los_Stuff @ExtraInningSB pic.twitter.com/kfhEemYVhY
— Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027-Alford/Rocky (@BhamBolts2027) August 20, 2022
***Rogue FC 25/26-Kaye released its 2022-23 roster.
✅ out the 25/26 squad!💥 @PHPSports_Live @Los_Stuff @ondecksoftball @eliginnis @ToddMabrey1
🖤💚🔥#roguefc #roguefastpitchclub pic.twitter.com/C8hmZQeHbG— Randy Kaye (@CoachKayeAZ) August 20, 2022
***2024 C/UT Gracie Johns joined KC Peppers 16U-Wallace. Johns previously played for Carolina Elite SC 16U National-Fusetti.
KC Peppers-W 16u
Roster News
– And Another, And Another
– From the STL2024 C/UT: Gracie Johns@gracie_johns12
Troy, MO pic.twitter.com/JptTiOQd7n— Jeff Wallace – GM – BC Peppers (@JWall1820) August 19, 2022
***2024 RHP Erin Cahill joined Rhode Island Thunder Gold 16u National-Lotti. Cahill previously played for Team Long Island.
So extremely happy to say that I will be playing with @RITG16unational for the upcoming 2022-2023 season! Can’t wait to get started! @thunderjam134 @Los_Stuff @LegacyLegendsS1 @CoachLarissaA @J_Cottrill_ @coachMarino11 @jjpower19 @MrCoachTbratt @jeffharger @scsbcoach_bev pic.twitter.com/NijXerR5ZE
— Erin Cahill (JUCO) (@erincahill2024) August 20, 2022
***2023 C/OF Holly Pardini joined Cal Nuggets 18U-Wood. Pardini previously played for Firecrackers Leles.
I am so excited to start this travel fall season joining the Cal Nuggets on Haley Woods 18u team!! I can’t wait to see where this amazing opportunity takes me and I am so excited to be playing for such a knowledgeable coach and organization💛💙 @Cal_Nuggets @Los_Stuff pic.twitter.com/jU1wMfEytI
— Hollie Pardini (@HolliePardini) August 20, 2022
***2025 UT Mikayla Nations joined Texas Bombers Gold American 16U-Jacoby. Nations previously played for Texas Bombers Gold HTX-Gonzales.
https://twitter.com/NationsM25/status/1560380071738834945?t=VD1qQR8ZaewcgEqMi2luFw&s=03
***P/UT Jericho Tate, #66 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, joined Georgia Impact 16U Premier-Maher. Tate previously played for Athletics National 2024-Madden/Clemmer.
Welcome @tate2024 to our roster. Jericho plays for @WSHSVikingSB and has great movement in her pitches, highlighted by a drop curve that is her out pitch. pic.twitter.com/eAMDhCKH9m
— Georgia Impact – Maher (@GAImpact_Maher) August 18, 2022
***2023 C/1B Abryanna Newcomb joined BSC Bengals 18U-Briggs. Newcomb previously played for Explosion 18U-Denio-Hagberg.
I would like to announce that I will be finishing out my travel ball career on BSC Bengals Briggs 18u! Thank you @BSCBengals @coachbriggze @briggze6 for this amazing opportunity. Go bengals! @Los_Stuff @LegacyLegendsS1 @SBRRetweets @ExtraInningSB pic.twitter.com/JrhK5cKTsj
— Abryanna Newcomb (@AbryannaNewcomb) August 19, 2022
***RHP/UT Teagan Gabrielse, #18 in the 2025 Extra Elite 100, joined Team NC 16U-Eley. Gabrielse previously played for Carolina Elite SC-Fusetti.
We are excited to welcome 2025 P/UT @TGabrielse2025 to our team. She attends Hickory HS in Chesapeake VA. Tegan will bring a BIG 💪 in the ⭕️ and a BIG bat in the lineup! Welcome Tegan‼️@TeamNCSoftball @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff #LetsGo pic.twitter.com/HR6kRRVybN
— Team NC – Eley (@teamnceley) August 20, 2022
***MIF/OF Alexandria Williams, #3 in the 2026 Extra Elite 100, joined Georgia Impact 14U-Holcombe. Williams previously played for Georgia Impact-Sullivan.
We are excited to add Alex Williams to our roster! Alex is an elite hitter that brings great athleticism and speed to our team! Welcome to the team and #GoImpact! @Alex_A1_00 @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff pic.twitter.com/8M0UTI44CG
— Georgia Impact Premier Holcombe (@ImpactHolcombe) August 21, 2022
***Beverly Bandits 14U Futures-Norwood released its fall schedule.
Can’t wait to get this season started and get back on the field with my girls!! #BetterTogether @Los_Stuff @bandits_2026 @katedrohan @KarenWeekly @OSUcoachG @Jamie_Trachsel @CoachStanton @deanAU_TigersSB @RitterPiper pic.twitter.com/KC5Ka9Q6YH
— Maggie Krause (@maggie_krause21) August 21, 2022
***2024 C/3B Clare Picone joined Rhode Island Thunder Gold 18U National-Lotti. Picone previously played for TC Futures 16U Gold-Cole.
I’m extremely excited to be joining the Rhode Island Thunder Gold 18u National Lotti team!! @LottiRhode @thunderjam134 @BobRossiRITG @Frank_Lieto @dustinb120 @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff @BrenttEads pic.twitter.com/dxX4nQO1jz
— Clare Picone (@picone_clare) August 21, 2022
***2028 LHP/UT Brooklyn Wesley joined American Freedom Platinum 2027. Wesley, a 1st Team All-Tournament selection at the Colorado Sparkler, previously played for DND Dynasty 2K9 National.
Ready to get to work for the fall🥎🥎 Same horse just different stable💪🏾@AFSBALL @LegacyLegendsS1 @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff @USASoftball pic.twitter.com/a9wmIOIJVo
— Brooklyn Wesley 2028 (@Brooklyn3Wesley) August 21, 2022
***Mojo-Lewis 2025-26 released its 2022-23 roster.
Ready to roll with the crew! 🔥Roster Announcement 2022-2023📣 @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff @BSherSB @rittmanjohn @KarenWeekly @UACoachMurphy @KateMalveaux @UKCoachLawson @VTechSBcoach @_TimWalton @e_newellcoach @AJDaugherty1 @UGACoachTony @GassoPatty @BethTorina @deanAU_TigersSB pic.twitter.com/1eXoM9huKO
— Mojo-Lewis/Hebron Softball/Brittany Lewis (@MojoLewis) August 21, 2022
***2027 OF Maelyn Dixon joined Oklahoma Legacy 09. Dixon previously played for Epic 09 National-Mitchell.
🚨New player alert!🚨 Welcome Maelyn Dixon. She brings more athleticism to the outfield and has pop off the bat from the right side! @LegacyLegendsS1 @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff pic.twitter.com/zVwdQh1WN0
— Oklahoma Legacy 09 (@Oklegacy09) August 21, 2022
***LTG Lions 16U-Henderson/Cat released its fall schedule.
Fall 2022 Schedule 📝 can’t wait to see YOU🫵🏼out there💥! @ExtraInningSB @ondecksoftball @LegacyLegendsS1 @D1Softball pic.twitter.com/7LktjHm13u
— LTG Lions 18u Henderson/Cat (@ltglions2024) August 21, 2022
***Lady Dukes 18U-Gold-Torres released its fall schedule.
https://twitter.com/kateheslin2024/status/1561431615913467904
***EC Bullets 19U-Lawson released its 2022-23 roster.
https://twitter.com/BulletsLawson/status/1561395626163961857
***Athletics Mercado 14U-Bonola released its 2022-23 roster.
Ready for the upcoming season! Let’s go AM 👊🏼🥎 my#23 @SophiaAcevedo23 @_SCHSSoftball @Los_Stuff @SoftballConnect @MercadoAcademy @AM2026Ramirez @TexasSoftball pic.twitter.com/qNpXClT7Zg
— Belinda Rios-Acevedo (@BelindaRiosAce2) August 20, 2022
***Firecrackers Leles-Veasey released its fall roster.
🧨 Excited to share our Fall 2022 Roster 🧨 See you on the dirt! #congratulations #firecrackerssoftball #firecrackersleles #playwithhonor @TCSFastpitch @PGFnetwork @USASoftball @thealliancefp @TdaddyNeal @LegacyLegendsS1 @Los_Stuff @Thomas87222596 pic.twitter.com/EFuGoYMZ4X
— Firecrackers Leles 2025 (@FCLelesVeasey) August 20, 2022
***Fury Premier 2026 released its fall schedule.
Come check out the Fury Premier 2026 girls this fall! @FURYPremier2026 @AdamV_Fury2026 @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff pic.twitter.com/f9mHJ2gucg
— Annie Whittemore (@AnnieWhittemor3) August 19, 2022
***Newtown Rock Gold 18U-Garvey released its fall schedule.
Here is my Fall schedule with @GoldGarvey ! Super pumped 🔥 @Los_Stuff @ImpactRetweets @BBOS_Nation @IHartFastpitch pic.twitter.com/ebgJRo8HrW
— helenwoloshyn2024 (@helenwoloshyn) August 19, 2022
***Originals 23-Austin released its 2022-23 roster and fall schedule.
https://twitter.com/OriginalsAustin/status/1560718834637709312
***2026 C/UT Lexus Witman pulls it off.
When your mom is standing 15 ft away and hitting balls at you to practice quick response and you grab that ball you didn't think you would 🤣🤣 why I'm so surprised idk but it made my day #softball #catcher #majormedialeague pic.twitter.com/Cd4mlxHSSl
— Lexus Whitman (@Lexussoftball26) August 18, 2022
***Every softball player/team needs a hype video and Southern University know how to do it.
SU Softball is back on the BLUFF! 👀#SouthernIsTheStandard #GoJags #ProwlOn pic.twitter.com/pPWB3Ccmox
— Southern University Softball (@SUsoftball_) August 20, 2022
*****
SIGNING/COMMITMENT ALERTS
Megan Kruger, 2023, 1B/P, NC Challengers/Wake Forest High, NC, Florida International
I am so blessed and excited to finally announce my commitment to Florida International University. I would like to thank my coaches and family for this great opportunity. I’m so excited to be a panther! #PawsUp @FIUSoftball pic.twitter.com/6ubiS5wzp1
— Megan Kruger (@MeganKruger2023) August 20, 2022
Emma Denison, 2023, RHP, Texas Glory Midwest-Beyster/Edwardsburg High, MI, Bowling Green State
I am SUPER excited to announce that I have verbally committed to play Division 1 Softball at Bowling Green St University to continue my academic and athletic career! Thank you to everyone that’s helped me on my journey. Lets go FALCONS!!! #AyZiggy @CoachFentonBG @BGSUSoftball pic.twitter.com/ov8HuhOwVA
— Emma Denison (@EmmaDenison16) August 20, 2022
Kylee Edwards, 2023, MIF, Lady Dukes-Lamar/Shelbyville High, IN, Mississippi State
I am blessed & excited to announce my commitment to Mississippi State University to continue my Academic & Athletic career. Many thanks to my family & coaches for making my dream become a reality. Thank you @Coach_Ricketts @MrCoachTbratt @jjpower19 for this opportunity! #SEC pic.twitter.com/xEVdIPdgmt
— Kylee Edwards (@kyleeedwards67) September 26, 2021
Ella Janish, 2023, MIF/UT, Lady Dukes-Rabitsch/North Gwinnett High, GA, Emory
I could not be more excited to announce that I’ve committed to play softball and go to college at Emory University!! I owe infinite thanks to everyone who’s supported me, as well as the Emory coaches for giving me this amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to be an Eagle!!🦅🦅 pic.twitter.com/iKZS6Joqne
— Ella Janish (@EllaJanish) August 20, 2022
Mia Hool, 2023, NIF/OF, Finesse-Peters/Allen Park High, MI, Wayne State
I am so excited to announce that I have committed to Wayne State University to continue my academic and softball career! I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, and teammates for everything they have done for me along the way! Go Warriors💚💛 pic.twitter.com/mi1td7exDC
— Mia Hool (@hool_mia) August 19, 2022
Emma DeBoer, 2023, P/1B, Rock Gold VA-Buchanan/Louko//Calvert High, Central Michigan
I am so excited to announce that I will be furthering my education and softball career at Central Michigan University! I would like to thank my family and teammates as well as coaches for all the support. @McCallSalmon @BrittiniK24 @saradriesenga10 #Fireupchips 🔥👆 pic.twitter.com/Ug8j6lx7Aq
— Emma DeBoer (@Emma_deboer15) August 19, 2022
Damaris Saldivar, 2023, OF/IF, Texas Glory Naudin/Nolan Catholic High, TX, Texas A&M International
Kynley Brewer, 2023, 2B/OF, LLG-DeMarco/Uwharrie Charter Acadmey, NC, UNC Pembroke
Super excited and bless to announce that I will be furthering my education and softball career at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke! I would like to thank my family my coaches and my team for the love and support throughout the years!#GOBRAVES pic.twitter.com/gToYS3fWTd
— Kynley Brewer (@BrewerKynley) July 30, 2022
Kate Kujawski, 2023, OF, Ohio Lightning 05-Pulley/St. Vincent-St. Mary High, OH, Ashland University
I am super excited to announce my commitment to play Division II softball at Ashland University! I want to thank my coaches, team, family, and friends for helping me get here! #goeagles 💜💛@AshlandUSball @CoachKnerem pic.twitter.com/l3RKzOBw3U
— Kate Kujawski (@kujokate54) August 18, 2022
*****
BTITW
Today’s Best Thing In The World is …
This Sunday, Fire Will Reign. #HOTD pic.twitter.com/m76DSMw9hh
— House of the Dragon (@HouseofDragon) August 18, 2022
— Carlos Arias, Extra Inning Softball (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)
