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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 [email protected]. You can also send items/story ideas to Carlos Arias via email at [email protected] or via Twitter @Los_Stuff.
Here’s our TLI for Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020…
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COUNTRY GIRL LEADS BARBERS HILL
Barbers Hill High of Mt. Belvieu, TX, has been knocking on the door of a state championship in recent years, but this could be the year for the Eagles, according to Texas State-bound P Jessica Mullins, who was the District 21-5A co-MVP in 2019 and the District 21-5A co-Defensive MVP in 2018.
Mullins is one of the key returners for Barbers Hill, rated #5 in the nation in the Extra Elite Eighty Preseason High School Rankings.
The 2020 right-hander has also made a big name for herself on the club scene with Texas Bombers 18U Gold-Smith. She also made the Lone Star Elite team in December, which features the top 18U players from the Bombers, Impact Gold and Texas Glory organizations that will play Team USA as part of the Stand Beside Her Tour on April 18 at Constellation Field in Sugarland, TX.
Let’s take a look at Mully …
HIGH SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: JESSICA MULLINS
Hometown: Mt. Belvieu, TX
High School: Barbers Hill High of Mt. Belvieu, TX
Club Team: Texas Bombers 18U Gold-Smith
Graduation Year: 2020
Height: 5-foot-8
Position: Pitcher
Nickname: Mully
Twitter: @jkmullins4
High School Stats/Highlights: As a junior was named the District 21-5A Co-MVP, Academic All-District 21-5A selection and Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star Blue (5A-6A) team … As a junior was part of Barbers Hill’s 5A Regional Finalist squad that went 39-5 … In her junior season, she compiled 93 innings pitched, 162 strikeouts, 0.38 ERA, .570 WHIP and a .137 opponent batting average … In 2018, named District 21-5A Co-Defensive MVP, Academic All-District 21-5A, Texas High School Sports Writers 3rd Team All-State and was part of a state semifinal team that went 39-7 … As a sophomore, she worked 170.1 innings and had 166 strikeouts, a 0.95 ERA, .963 WHIP and .200 opponent batting average … As a freshman, she was a member of a regional finalist team that went 33-7 and she threw 32 innings with 33 strikeouts, a.0.44 ERA, .656 WHIP and a .090 opponent batting average.
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Tell us about your high school team and what we should expect from your team this season?
Barbers Hill High has always had a strong softball program, and I feel extremely honored to be a part of it. In the previous years, we have gone far in the playoffs, while unfortunately falling short each year of achieving the state champion title. I believe that this year we have more grit than ever to win that ring. Our team isn’t just a team, we have grown into a family. We have pushed each other every day and plan to continue doing so till we reach the end that we all desire.
What have you learned about yourself in the past year?
In the past year, I have learned more about myself than I had my entire childhood. I learned how to be selfless, how to be more supportive and how to be confident. I have gone through many self battles that have ultimately benefited me in the long run. I learned how to work hard for what I want and I have discovered that no matter what I go through, God always has a plan and He will never let me down.
What is something you have faced in your life that has helped you become the person that you are today?
When I was 10 years old, my parents got a divorce. At that point, my life started changing dramatically. I had to learn how to become independent. My brother relied on me to wake him up and make him breakfast in the mornings before school when my parents were working. I had to assume the responsibility to take care of myself (getting my homework done and making my own dinner) as well without an adult around. It was difficult. No one wants to grow up that fast. However, just when I was starting to adjust, I moved schools. I moved from Tarkington ISD, which was my home for as long as I could remember, to start my freshman year at Barbers Hill. I had to completely start all over. I had to make a whole new reputation for myself and make all new friends. These life-changing events helped me find who I truly was meant to be. The hardships transformed me into someone who I am proud to be.
What’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
Honestly, I am an open book, but if there was anything people could be surprised to learn about me, it would be that I am a country girl by heart. I grew up raising chickens and taking care of horses. I even had a pet opossum once that my parents found in our yard. I also loved going mudding with my friends that lived nearby. I can sing some old country legends too if I knew the tune. (Yes, my country accent is still with me!)
Do you have a secret talent/skill?
My secret talent is baking. I enjoy baking pies, cookies, cakes, pastries and much more. This is definitely my stress relief outside of softball.
Tell us about the reasons you chose Texas State?
When it was time to start getting serious in my softball career, looking forward towards college, my dad suggested signing me up to attend college camps. So, of course Texas State was one of my top picked softball programs to attend. The main factor that attracted me to Texas State was the possibility of being coached by Cat Osterman, a four-time All American and a two-time medal winning Olympian. She was one of my very first idols in softball and I knew she could take me to the next level as a pitcher and a player. Not only that, but as I grew older, I realized just how beautiful the campus was. I could imagine myself walking to class and still being amazed every day that this is actually my college. The scenery I observed during my visits to Texas State made me feel at home already! The whole environment gave me a vibe that said “You belong here.” Ultimately the coaches and players were what really helped me make my final decision. All of them were so welcoming and they carried the attributes that I looked for in good people, so at that point I knew I wanted to be a part of this program.
MUNRO WISDOM
When Team USA catcher Aubree Munro has wisdom to dispense, TLI believes you should listen. This bit of Munro wisdom came with an assist from Darren Fenster, the Boston Red Sox Minor League Outfield and Baserunning Coordinator.
This is so true & I love it! I’ve been fortunate to have many pitchers that do this over the years and I’ve appreciated them more and more for the simple thank you that made me feel SO appreciated!
I’m IN IT with all of my pitchers and wouldn’t have it any other way! #battery https://t.co/w3IbmM0Uh6
— Aubree Munro Watson (@Aubree_Munro1) February 24, 2020
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