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Here’s our TLI for Friday, Dec. 2, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: KARMEN VAZQUEZ
Uncommitted C Karmen Vazquez, #7 in the 2026 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Central Cal Dirtdogs 16U-Vazquez, extra work, PGF Nationals, Surf City Early Thanksgiving Showcase, Athletics Mercado-Tidd, law enforcement, high-level softball, Kobe Bryant, Waka Flocka, “Manifest” and baking.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Karmen Vazquez
Hometown: Hanford, CA
High School: Hanford West High
Club Team: Central Cal Dirtdogs 16U-Vazquez
Graduation Year: 2026
Height: 5-foot-5
Position: C
Nickname: Krazy K
Twitter: @KarmenVazquez08
Travel Ball Fall Highlights: Hitting a grand slam in front of Oregon, Oregon State, Oklahoma, UCLA, San Diego, LMU, Saint Mary’s and Long Beach (coaches). And also hitting another homer at Surf City Pre-Thanksgiving Showcase (in front of UCF, LSU, UCLA, Texas A&M, Washington, Oklahoma State, Iowa, Santa Barbara, UC Davis, Minnesota coaches). And not allowing any stolen bases!
High School Highlights/Stats: Currently a freshman and I just finished first year of varsity water polo.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I first started playing when I was 6 years old, while everyone else was 8. My dad coached my older sister, who played for the Dirtdogs and later graduated from Cal State Northridge, and I grew up going to every game. We come from a small town in the Central Valley called Hanford and that is where the Dirtdogs is based. Dirtdogs was founded by Coach Jeff Harger, who is currently at Texas A&M as an assistat, (and) softball coach and Coach Ralph Herrera, who is the owner of Tilted Athletic Facility.
Do you have any suggestions for training methods or apps and why? Just do what you can always put in the extra work or else someone else will outwork you and take your spot!
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this summer? This summer at PGF Nationals, my team and I were challenged. We were in the 14U Premier Power Pool. We played against the top teams in the country with our team full of Central California players! Even though some of the outcomes didn’t go the way we wanted them to, we still did good things when it mattered in front of the schools that were there watching.
What was your favorite fall tournament/event and why? My favorite tournament was the Surf City Early Thanksgiving Showcase in Huntington Beach. We played really well in front of some of the best schools in the country.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? I would have to say Athletics Mercado-Tidd because it is always a one-run game and it always comes down to one hit or one error.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? At this moment, I would like to go into law enforcement like my uncle. I am interested in serving my community to make a difference in someone’s life.
What are you looking for in a future college? There are a few things that I am looking for in a college that I attend. 1. Is the softball program competing at the highest level? 2. The surrounding areas must have a college vibe. For instance, does the town/city live and die by the colors of that school. And 3. Does the school provide me with the right tools to better my future beyond softball?
Who is your sports hero and why? It’s definitely going to go with Kobe Bryant because of his work ethic, whether it was in practice, training on his own or in a game, he would also give 110 percent.
What’s the best hype song and why? “Grove St. Party” (by Waka Flocka feat. Kebo Gotti) because once the beat drops I feel like it’s ON! and it’s time to GOOOO!! I don’t really know, I just get that feeling like it’s time, it’s game time!
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “Manifest” or “LA’s Finest.” I love watching criminal movies and shows that are mysterious and problem-solving.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I like to bake. I will put on my apron and get down with my mixing bowl.
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