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Here’s our TLI for Monday, Dec. 19, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: LILLIAN SOTO
Louisiana-bound 1B/3B Lillian Soto recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about D1Vision Softball, “old school” training, PGF Nationals, PGF Show Me The Money, (LSU sophomore P) Raelin Chaffin, anesthesiologist, Louisiana-Lafayette, her dad, Boosie Badazz and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Lillian Soto
Hometown: Ruston, LA
High School: Cedar Creek High
Club Team: D1Vision 18U Nationals
Graduation Year: 2023
Position/s: 1B/3B
Nickname: Lilli
Twitter: @lilsoto2
Honors: 7th Grade Varsity starter; Rising Star Award; 2nd Team All-District; Division 4 state champion; 8th Grade Varsity starter; Rising Star Award; 2nd Team All-District; 1st Team All-District; and Offensive Award.
Travel Ball Fall Stats: 29 at-bats, .414 AVG, 1.034 SLG, 7 HRs, 12 RBIs, 9 runs and 4 of 4 SBs.
​High School Spring Stats: 78 at-bats, .390 AVG, .842 SLG, 6 HRs, 32 RBIs, 32 runs and 5 of 5 SBs.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I became involved with D1 through a teammate from a previous team. After contacting D1Vision, Coach Tammy (Vermuelen) placed me on the 18U national team. I had an injury in December of 2020, which kept me out for a full year. It was hard to get back into the swing of things, but I was determined to come back and be back stronger than ever. I needed reps and lots of them to get back (to) where I wanted to be. I had a conversation with Coach Tammy and asked if I could fill in on D1Vision’s other teams to get more playing time. At first it was hard to get comfortable because I was floating around so much. When I start to get to know all the girls, they welcomed me with open arms. This is one thing I love about this organization; everyone is so close to each other regardless of what team you (are) on, which you are currently playing.
Do you have any suggestions for training methods or apps and why? I consider myself “old school” when it comes to methods of training. I work in the batting cage, at minimum two days a week. I do strength and conditioning, and speed and agility with Johnston Physical Therapy, who helped with me rehab from injury. In addition to this, I participate in general player play, getting in reps on the field, practicing skills, etc.
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this summer? The PGF tournament in Huntington Beach, CA, this past summer was the biggest tournament I had been to, to date. I loved the big atmosphere and the fight that you must have, because each game presents its own challenges. You are literally playing the best of the best in these types of tournaments!! We ended up placing 4th in this PGF. We battled until the end and we were super happy with how we competed.
What was your favorite fall tournament/event and why? My favorite event this fall was (PGF) Show Me the Money in Florida. It was this tournament where things just started to click for me, and it was like ‘Hey, I’m back! I’m the old me again!’ It was our first tournament back since California’s PGF, so I also loved being able to see everyone again.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? My toughest opponent I have ever faced was Raelin Chaffin, while playing high school ball with Cedar Creek. We faced Airline (High) where she was the pitcher. I had a great game against her and if you don’t know who she is, she’s an amazing pitcher that currently pitches for the LSU Tigers. The year I faced her I was an 8th grader starting on varsity.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I plan to study in the field of medicine and currently I have hopes to be an anesthesiologist.
Can you talk about why you chose to commit to Louisiana-Lafayette? I chose University of Louisiana-Lafayette, first and foremost, because of the top-notch coaching staff! I felt at home and comfortable with each of them. Secondly, they are known for their softball program! The girls I met were impressive! It also really helped being close to home, three hours max, and I can be back! I literally CANNOT wait to be a Ragin’ Cajun!!
Who is your sports hero and why? My sports hero is my dad. He played baseball in the minor leagues for the Astros and he has taught me and trained me throughout growing up, not just about sports, but about leadership and life.
What’s the best hype song and why? My favorite hype song right now is “Wipe Me Down” by Boosie Badazz. The beat is great and gets me ready to work.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? My favorite TV show to binge watch is “Grey’s Anatomy.” I watched all the episodes after I had surgery and I have watched them three times since.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? As far as I know, I do not have any secret talents.
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