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Here’s our TLI for Friday, Dec. 30, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: EMMA CASTORRI
Georgia-bound C/UT Emma Castorri, #59 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Georgia Bombers Gold-Lewis, PGF Nationals, GHSA state tournament, whoever shows up to win, sports psychologist, Georgia, Sierra Romero, Kanye West, “Gilmore Girls” and cooking.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Emma Castorri
Hometown: Buford, GA
High school: Buford High
Club team: Georgia Bombers 18U Gold-Lewis
Graduation year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-8
Position: C/UT
Nickname: Em, Castorri, Big E
Twitter: @ECastorri
Honors: #59 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100; Defensive MVP for Buford High; 7A state champion (2022); placed Final Four at state all four years; three-time region champion; various All-Region titles; Varsity track runner; and A/B Honor Roll.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I joined Patrick Lewis’ Georgia Impact 18U Gold team in August 2020 when I was 15 (years old), and in the spring of 2022 we switched to (the) Bombers organization. Coach Patrick has built his team to be successful and competitive. With his help, I found out who I truly was as an athlete. He always holds the team accountable and makes sure we understand the importance of being confident in ourselves.
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this summer? I’ve been playing in the PGF tournament since I was 12 (years old). It has always been the most exciting time of the year for me. The entire summer is what prepares you for that week. This year, I caught (the) majority of our bracket games and felt extremely confident behind the plate. My hitting had come together and I was able to help my team till the end!
What was your favorite fall tournament/event and why? My favorite fall tournament was our high school (GHSA) state tournament. As a senior and our first time winning state since 2016, this year meant so much more to me to prove to everyone that we had what it took to bounce back from failed missions the past few years. There’s nothing better than knowing we were the first school to win at state their first year in 7A, plus being the first team at Buford to win a state championship in a new classification.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? I think each team brings something different to the field when it’s time to play. It’s all between the ears, and whoever shows up to win from the start.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I’m interested in majoring in nutrition or psychology at the University of Georgia. I plan to become a sports psychologist or a registered nutritionist. I love both fields because the human mind fascinates me. I try to take the best care of my body with my diet, so I would also enjoy going into the nutrition field.
Can you tell is why you chose to commit to Georgia? Georgia has always been the ultimate dream school. The family environment and coaching staff made it feel like home. The atmosphere of the program truly opened my eyes when deciding where I wanted to spend my next four years. Nowhere else truly felt like home to me. Coach Tony Baldwin and the rest of the coaching staff take such good care of their girls and make sure they have a good balance of softball, academics and also rest/down time. Georgia has been my goal since I was a little girl, and I’m so excited to join the family next August!
Who is your sports hero and why? My sports hero would have to be Sierra Romero. The way she represents her family and led as such a great example for her younger siblings, I plan to lead the same way. She’s such a great role model and competitor on the field.
What’s the best hype song and why? The best hype song is “Stronger” by Kanye West. The energy of the song gets me hyped up for everything. I could run a marathon to that song on repeat.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? My favorite TV show to binge is “Gilmore Girls,” because it’s such a comforting show.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? A secret talent that I have is my ability to cook. Even if I’m not sure exactly how to cook something, I always try over and over until I make it perfect. I’ve been able to cook since I was young and I really enjoy doing it!
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