Get on board with Extra Inning Softball’s regular feature, The Last Inning!
We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.
To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at info@extrainningsoftball.com and also los.extrainningsoftball@gmail.com.
Here’s our TLI for Thursday, Feb. 17:
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EXTRA SPOTLIGHT: RYLEE PINEDO
UCLA-bound 2B/SS Rylee Pinedo, #12 in the 2022 Extra Elite 100, talked recently with Extra Inning Softball about playing for So Cal Choppers 18U-Fausett, playing for her mom (Camarillo High coach Nichole Pinedo), the recruiting process and advice for young players.
EXTRA SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Rylee Pinedo
Hometown: Camarillo, CA
High School: Camarillo High
Club Team: So Cal Choppers 18U-Fausett
Graduation Year: 2022
Height: 5-foot-3
Position: 2B/SS
Nickname: Ry
Twitter: @ryleepinedo
Honors: 1st Team All-County (2019); 1st Team All-League (2019); 1st Team All-County (2021); Coastal Canyon Player of the Year (2021); All-State Underclassmen by Cal-Hi Sports (2021); and 1st Team All-CIF SS Division 2 (2021).
Travel Ball Fall Stats: .388 AVG and .463 OBP.
High School Highlights: CIF Southern Cal Regional champion (2021); two-time Coastal Canyon League champion; and CIF-SS Division 2 semifinalist (2021).
Tell us about being on the So Cal Choppers and how you became involved with them…
I became involved with the Choppers my first year of 14s. My mom (Nichole Pineda) played for Gary Fausett when she played and I heard how competitive the organization was and wanted to push myself and play for a great organization like the Choppers.
Can you tell us about your run with Camarillo High last year and what you expect from your senior year?
Last year was definitely one I won’t forget. We had a great run although we were disappointed when we fell short in the CIF Division 2 semifinals. I was very thankful that the season was extended longer with adding Regionals and that I got to play with the seniors a little longer than expected. It was an awesome experience competing against the best and winning Regionals.
What’s it like playing for your mom as the head coach at Camarillo?
I love playing for my mom. Although it’s not always the easiest being the coach’s daughter, she really pushes me to be the best player and person. She really cares for all her players and wants the best for all of us. My other two coaches, Coach Willard and Coach Macasieb, really balance out the coach/parent relationship when I’m on the field.
What would you recommend for young prospects going into the recruiting process?
I would just recommend to stay true to yourself and continue to get better every day. Also, I’d say to work just as hard in the classroom as you do on the field. Lastly, the biggest thing that really helped me is working on my mental game. You can’t perform at your best if your mindset isn’t right and if you’re worrying about your last at-bat or an error you made. Shaking it off and giving yourself positive self talk always helps. With the recruiting process just continue to send emails and attend camps. Also, be the loudest one on the field with lots of energy. Always having your teammates back and being selfless really makes you stand out as well.
Do you have a secret talent/skill?
I’d like to say that I can “hit the griddy” (dance) pretty well (laughs).
What’s your most memorable softball story?
My most memorable softball story is definitely winning the Regional championship last year. Especially because we had the season before taken from us due to COVID. It was such a long season and we all worked so hard and had the time of our lives. All the bus rides, karaoke and inside jokes is something I’ll never forget.
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NEWS & NOTES
***LLG 16U NOVA-Sherlund 2024 C/1B/3B Jackie Yeager was selected to represent 16U Team Spain at the Triple Crown International Challenge June 24-26 in Colorado. Yeager is a sophomore at Stone Bridge High in Virginia.
“I am so excited that I was selected to be a part of Team Spain,” Yeager said. “I can’t wait to represent my heritage and meet new people that share the love of the game. Some goals I have would be to play competitively and help Team Spain make it far in this challenge.”
SO excited to share that I’ve been selected to represent Team Spain🇪🇸 in the Triple Crown International Challenge in Colorado this summer🏔! @msmithsb16 @LLGNOVA16s @smsherlund @LLGCOACH @Los_Stuff @CoachPatrick_ @rittmanjohn @UNCCoachPapa @Coach_A_Mo @michaellew10 @CoachLarissaA pic.twitter.com/zviRxotv0p
— Jackie Yeager 2024 (@jackieyeager75) February 15, 2022
***NJ Heist 18U 2024 SS/2B Naya Martinez was selected to represent 18U Team Dominican Republic at the Triple Crown International Challenge June 24-26 in Colorado.Martinez is a sophomore at Lyndhurst High in New Jersey.
“I decided to play for team DR because I saw that team Puerto Rico roster was posted three weeks ago,” Martinez said. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to play competitive softball for Team Dominican Republic.
“Competing at the International Challenge is a chance to meet like-minded softball players passionate for their love of the game. While I look forward to the competition, I hope to build enduring friendships with teammates, coaches and competitors that last a lifetime.”
I am honored to be selected to play for and represent team Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 at the TCI Challenge 18U in Colorado. @TEAMDRSB @SRod021 @Los_Stuff @ExtraInningSB @triplecrownspts @CULionsSoftball @VUSoftball @Lehighsoftball @SHUSoftball @UNCSoftball @CoastalSoftball pic.twitter.com/tHsZ477xVV
— Naya Martinez (@NayaMartinez24) February 15, 2022
***2025 P/1B Reese Hickey has joined Lady Dukes 2024/2025-Axelson.
Hickey went 5-1 with a 2.60 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 32.1 inning and batted .312 as a freshman for Mount Vernon High in Georgia, which went 22-5 in the fall.
We are VERY excited to welcome 2025 P/1B @_reeseh2025 to the squad. Reese completes our awesome pitching staff and brings yet another big bat to the lineup. @SoftballConnect @IHartFastpitch @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff @BBOS_Nation @StriveSoftball @FastpitchGamers @LegacyLegendsS1 pic.twitter.com/fthv8dL1e1
— GA Impact Hupp-Axelson (@gaimpactaxe) February 15, 2022
*** Scroll down to read more in today’s News & Notes plus more verbal commits to the Big Ten, Big East and more!
