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, los.extrainningsoftball@gmail.com or text (949) 606-3602.
Here’s our TLI for Monday, Jan. 16, 2023:
*****
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: LAUREN JOHNSON
Alabama-bound OF Lauren Johnson, #29 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Fury Platinum X, muscle memory, Alliance Nationals, playing with her older sister, Birmingham Thunderbolts, Alabama, sports management, Jenna Johnson, Gary Clark Jr., “The Office” and painting.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Lauren Johnson
Hometown: Franklin, TN
High School: Centennial High
Club Team: Fury Platinum X 18U
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-6
Position: OF
Nickname: LoJo
Twitter: @laurenjohnson_0
Honors: #29 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100; Middle Tennessee Player of the Year (2022); District Rookie of the Year (2021); District MVP (2022); 1st Team All-Midstate (2022).
Travel Ball Fall Stats: .600 AVG, 1.040 SLG and 4 HRs.
High School Stats: .577 AVG and 5 HRs.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? My older sister, Jenna Johnson, started playing with the team around 14U. It was always my goal to join a Fury Platinum team and I got the opportunity at 14U. My previous travel team got the new name Fury Platinum and I’ve been on it ever since. The Fury Platinum organization values positive connections and strengthening a player’s mental and athletic ability. The players and coaches are some of my greatest motivators and they feel like family. They pride themselves on the success of their athletes and preparing them for reaching their future goals.
Do you have any suggestions for training methods or apps and why? Muscle memory can create repetitive success. Practicing almost every day, either mentally or physically, can easily boost your athletic ability. Mental toughness is key to playing at the highest level. If you can treat a “failure” as a motivator for success, you will grow as an athlete.
Can you tell us about your experience at Alliance Nationals this summer? Alliance Nationals this year was such a fun tournament. Our team battled with some of the best pitchers and teams in the nation. There was so much skill and talent with every team we faced.
What was your favorite fall tournament/event and why? My favorite fall tourney was when I was 14U and played with my older sister on her 18U team. It was one of my first times being able to play with Jenna. One game I hit the go-ahead home run and walk-off double to win the game. Celebrating with my sister was so exciting. It was one of the best tournaments I played in.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? My toughest opponent was the Bolts. They were always a fun team to play against because they challenged everyone to be better. It was always a head-to-head battle. There are some of my future teammates on the team and it was great to see them.
Can you tell us why you decided to commit to Alabama? The Alabama team and coaching stuff is like a built-in family. My older sister, Jenna Johnson, was a huge motivator. For the past years, she has only complimented the team for their family bond. I wanted to be a part of that family. They truly want the players to succeed to the best of their ability on and off the field.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? My goal is to major in business/marketing and minor in sports management. I want to take charge and bring other people to success. I love talking and communicating with people to solve problems. I also have a passion in coaching and helping others. The coaches in my life have helped me reach my full potential and I want to be that in someone else’s career.
Who is your sports hero and why? I’ve always looked up to to my older sister, Jenna Johnson. She has taught me so much about being a great player and teammate. I also have grown up watching Haylie McCleney. She also played at Alabama and was an outfielder. She led her team to many wins and was an admirable leader. Today, she inspires many athletes to love the sport of softball, like me.
What’s the best hype song and why? “Come Together” by (Gary Clark Jr. &) Junkie XL. It has a great beginning to get everyone hyped up. I have used it for the past two years as a walk-up song (for) my high school softball team.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? I love watching “The Office.” If I ever need to laugh, I’ll turn it on.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I actually love to paint whenever I get the chance. It is a good distraction from a stressful day.
Scroll down to see more highlights …
