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 Friday, Dec. 17, 2021…
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EXTRA SPOTLIGHT: HAILEE BUSTOS
TLI is often asked about training methods and techniques, so we’d like to highlight uncommitted 2023 C/1B Hailee Bustos, a true “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” Workout Warrior.
Bustos, #50 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100 and #23 Catcher in the Class of 2023, plays for AASA-Merrida and Western Sierra Collegiate Academy. Here’s on this outstanding junior…
EXTRA SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: HAILEE BUSTOS
Hometown: Lincoln, Calif.
High School: Western Sierra Collegiate Academy
Club Team: All American Sports Academy 18U Gold-Merrida
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-10
Position: C/1B
Nickname: HB
Twitter: @HaileeBustos28
Travel Ball Highlights/Fall Stats: PGF Futures All-American Game 2023 Watchlist; #50 2023 Extra Elite 100; and #23 catcher in the Class of 2023.
High School Highlights: SMAL All-League 1st Team (2020); Sac Joaquin 1st Team All-League (2021); and Sac Bee 1st Team All-Metro (2021).
Great wk of work getting ready 4 nxt season! @Los_Stuff @BBOS_Nation @StriveSoftball @CollegeBDJocks @LegacyLegendsS1 @ImpactRetweets @IHartFastpitch @SnapMyAd @CoastRecruits @sixty_feetSB @UncommittedUsa @SoftballConnect @pitch_zone @ExtraInningSB @ondecksoftball @SAProfileCard pic.twitter.com/YIhXeguJcC
— Hailee Bustos (@HaileeBustos28) December 13, 2021
What are your training methods and daily routine?
My training weeks often differ day by day, but I’ll give an example of a normal day in my week … In the mornings before school, I usually work out with my dad on endurance and agility for about an hour and go to school. After school, I go straight to Major League Performance, which is a great performance gym for athletes where I train for an hour and a half to two hours. The experience there is special because of the environment, and because we do Olympic weightlifting. Then I come home, hit 4-5 buckets in my garage, and do some homework. I have a catching lesson and hitting lesson throughout the week as well, which would fit in after the gym. I make sure to get in at least one piece of softball work every day except Sunday. I let Sunday be my rest and recovery day, so I can rest and (recuperate) for the next week.
How did you become involved with your travel team/organization?
All American Sports Academy has a special place in my heart because it’s always been my home. I had always admired this organization because of its uniformity and family atmosphere created by Debbie Nelson, someone I greatly admire. I joined the organization when I was 9 years old, and played in it for a few years. I had to leave after that time because I was playing up in age group and wanted to try and stay age pure, but there were no teams in my age group in my area at that time. I am very happy that I had found my way back when I was 14 years old to play for Coach B’s 18U team. The coaching staff on this team has created such a good atmosphere for these girls and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it.
How did your club team do this past summer and in the fall?
This summer/fall was an interesting one for this team. After the summer season, we lost over half of our team because they graduated. This fall, we played with a completely rebuilt team and we have all become pretty close in that short time. We competed against other top level teams and picked up some key wins in the fall, while getting to know each other in the process.
Do you have a secret talent/skill?
I don’t know if you would call this a special talent, but I am pretty good at umpiring! I have always had a knack for building relationships with my umpires when I’m behind the plate and I think my own experiences as an umpire have helped me do that. I can also park my mom’s big Suburban on a dime!
What should you expect from club team this summer? As I said before, this team has gotten pretty close in a short amount of time and we learned how to support each other on the field really well. So as far as what should be expected, I’d say a dominating defense and pitching staff and a solid lineup.
What should you expect from your high school team this spring?
My high school team and I have a good amount of room for growth, but we are hard workers and determined to get those wins! As captain, I’m excited to help this team learn and grow over the course of the season.
What’s your most memorable softball story?
I remember one day I had the best game of my life, but what made it special was it was in front of my Grandpa. This particular game I hit a grand slam and scored in all eight of the runs that we put on the board through RBIs. When I came off the field, my Grandpa was so excited for me, he gave me the biggest bear hug. It was really cool that I got to show out for him.
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*** Scroll down to learn the latest on player and coach moves and where more than 40 recently-committed players will compete in college!
