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Here’s our TLI for Friday, Feb. 10, 2023:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: JULIA SHEARER
Maryland-bound LHP/OF Julia Shearer, #21 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Newtown Rock Gold-Garvey, PGF Nationals, PGF Pre-Thanksgiving Showcase, Arizona Storm National-Mathis, Maryland, chemistry, Bryce Harper, Lil Uzi Vert, “Gilmore Girls” and reading.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Julia Shearer
Hometown: Hatfield, PA
High School: North Penn High
Club Team: Newtown Rock 18U Gold-Garvey
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-6
Position: LHP/OF
Twitter: @juliashearer_
Honors: Pennsylvania Gatorade State Player of the Year (2022); 1st Team All-State; MaxPreps High School All-American; #21 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100; and #11 Pitcher in the Class of 2023.
Travel Ball Fall Stats: Hitting — .472 AVG, .552 OBP, 14 SBs, 29 RBIs and 35 runs; Pitching — 1.58 ERA, 88 IP, 150 Ks and .182 batting average against.
High School Stats (Junior Year): Hitting — .618 AVG, .676 OBP, 20 SBs and 7 HRs; Pitching — 0.26 ERA, 156 IP and 299 Ks.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I have been playing for Newtown Rock-Garvey since sophomore year, but have known the coaches long before that. My old team was folding and I was in contact with Joe (Garvey) and Dan (Santelli) and they gave me a spot on the team. It is a really good environment playing for them. We are always able to keep it light and have fun as a team.
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this past summer? PGF Nationals is one of my favorite tournaments in the summertime. That’s where you can find the best of the best and there is no lack of competition in any pool. This summer we were a little short-staffed towards the end of the season, but my team put on a gritty performance and we fought through bracket play and made it pretty far. I always look forward to finding the fruit lady at the fields as well. 🙂
What was your favorite fall tournament/event and why? My favorite fall tournament every year is the (PGF Pre-Thanksgiving) Showcase in California. I love the environment at the Huntington Beach fields and it is nice to get to some warmer weather since PA gets cold around that time. It is also a great end to the fall season for us because there is good competition and we always have so much fun playing there.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? We play Arizona Storm (National-)Mathis basically everywhere we go, and it’s always a close game between us. They have elite pitchers and hitters that are extremely competitive.
Can you tell us why you chose to commit to Maryland? During my recruiting process, I was looking to go Power 5 at a school that had great academics and wasn’t too far from home. I found that in the University of Maryland and committed in October 2021. The culture revolving around sports there is amazing. There are so many resources for student-athletes that I cant wait to experience.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I am really into science and some math, so I am looking to go into chemistry. I also like english and writing, so journalism could also be a potential major.
Who is your sports hero and why? I love Bryce Harper and the passion he has for baseball. He has the ability to electrify the city of Philadelphia and it’s super cool to watch.
What’s the best hype song and why? My current favorite is “Just Wanna Rock” by Lil Uzi Vert. It automatically gets everyone hype just in the first few notes.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? I am currently binging “Gilmore Girls” on Netflix. It’s definitely cheesy but something I can put on and mindlessly watch.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? It’s not really a talent, but something I can do is if I’m really focused and into it, I can finish a lengthy book in one sitting.
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