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Here’s our TLI for Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: ALISSA WERNZ
Uncommitted 2024 CF/SS Alissa Wernz recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Minnesota Renegades 18U-Muelken, OnForm, PGF Nationals, PerfectGame Minnesota, Wisconsin Bandits, marketing and business, family culture, Bryon Buxton, Pitbull, “Friends” and surfing.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Alissa Wernz
Hometown: Maple Grove, MN
High School: Maple Grove High
Club Team: Minnesota Renegades 18U-Muelken
Graduation Year: 2024
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: CF/SS
Nickname: “Wenzy” or “Lis”
Twitter: @alissawernz
Honors: Elite 35 Underclassman in Minnesota (2022); Elite 35 Underclassman in Minnesota (2021); Hustle Player of the year HS (2022); Rookie of the year HS (2021); All-Conference (2022); Honorable Mention All-Conference (2021); CCX Metro All-Area (2022); and selected for 2022 Showtime Sports Midwest Fastpitch Showcase.
High School Stats: .403 AVG, .513 OBP, 1.110 OPS, .597 SLG, 25 runs and 2 HRs.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I started playing for the Minnesota Renegades for my 2021 16U fall season after my summer travel season with the HD Elite team run by Lisa Kohler. The two clubs merged and the program was an immediate fit for me. The family culture on my team and coaching each other is something I really respect and I want to have that as a collegiate athlete. I also love the training facilities!
Do you have any suggestions for training methods or apps and why? The biggest key in training is consistency and respecting the process. Being coachable and asking questions. I saw the best results in my play when I focused on smaller mechanics and speed/weight training.
I also use the app OnForm by EquiRatings and absolutely love using it to break down mechanics in my swing. It’s super easy to put film into the app and slow it down to see the pin points of movements.
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this summer? Our team played (PGF) Nationals in Huntington Beach, California for the PGF Tournament. It was a great experience to face such good competition and the way we came together to finish out the season. It was so much fun and definitely one of the highlights of my summer!
What was your favorite fall tournament/event and why? My favorite fall tournament was playing in PerfectGame, Minnesota. We played great and everybody came together and we performed our best. It was a great way to start the fall for us.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? I would say the Wisconsin Bandits. We are matched up with them in many tournaments and it feels like it’s a “border battle” every time. It’s always a neck-and-neck game and it just comes down to who’s having a better day.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I am really interested in Marketing and Business. I see myself marketing in a field like sports or exercise sciences.
What are you looking for in a future college? In a future college, I’m looking for a team that has a family culture but also the determination to win. Academically, I’m also seeking a strong business program. I’d like to study business and marketing and later get my graduate degree in sports/exercise science. I love a big community that revolves around sports. Schools that have that amazing bond over athletics are so much fun to be a part of.
Who is your sports hero and why? Bryon Buxton. His power and speed make him an unmatched outfielder and hitter. He always plays full out and aggressive, which is what I try to follow after. I want to follow in his footsteps! (except for the injuries!)
What’s the best hype song and why? “Greenlight” by Pitbull. It’s best to play in the dugout right before the game starts. It gets everybody’s energy up every time.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “Friends.” I end up rewatching the series a lot and it’s a show that doesn’t get boring. I love the bonds between them all and also how funny and sweet it can be.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? Surfing (Wake and Ocean). I’ve always loved it and having the opportunity to do it at home on the lake and in the ocean when I travel is something I’m really grateful for.
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