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 Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023:
*****
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: AINLEY MUNO
Northwestern-bound Ainsley Muno, #65 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Illinois Chill Gold, strength and conditioning, PGF Nationals, Queen of the Hill, Corona Angels-Tyson, Northwestern, science, Derek Jeter, silence, “Friends” and juggling.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Ainsley Muno
Hometown: Barrington, IL
High School: Barrington High
Club Team: Illinois Chill Gold 18U
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 6-foot
Position: 1B/C
Nickname: Ains
Twitter: @AinsleyMuno
Honors: Two-time All-Conference; 2nd team All-State; 3rd Team All-State; Daily Herald Cook County All-Area; NFCA 2nd Team All-Region; #65 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100; and #9 1B in the Class of 2023.
Travel Ball Fall Stats: .389 AVG, .410 OBP, .796 SLG, 1.206 OPS, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HRs and 15 RBIs.
High School Stats: .483 AVG, .575 OBP, .917 SLG, 1.492 OPS, 7 doubles, 15 HRs and 60 RBIs.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I play for the Illinois Chill 18U and I started playing for them in the summer of 2022. I was looking for a highly-competitive team and to play in front of more college coaches and help me achieve my goal of playing collegiate ball.
Do you have any suggestions for training methods or apps and why? I have strength and conditioning four times a week. Twice a week, I practice with the Chill. I hit with a hitting coach once a week and hit on my own throughout the week. I was taught at a young age that if you want to be good, you have to consistently practice.
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this summer? In the summer, my team played at PGF Nationals and we did really well. We placed top 10 in the 18U Premier Division. It was my first time playing in California for Nationals and I had a great time. It was amazing playing against great teams and the energy was outstanding throughout the tournament!
What was your favorite fall tournament/event and why? My favorite tournament in the fall was Queen of the Hill in Crown Point. It was our first tournament together as a team and we were down some players. We really came together as a team and won the tournament. It was special to me because I had played in that tournament for many years and as a senior we won it.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? One of the toughest opponents we played in the summer was against the Corona Angels-Tyson 18U. We battled inning after inning. The game was filled with energy and it was fun to play.
Can you tell us about your decision to commit to Northwestern? I first went to watch a Northwestern practice when I was 12 years old. It was awesome watching such talented players and a motivated coaching team. When I decided to commit to Northwestern, it instantly felt like being a part of a family. The coaches and players are so dedicated and amazing to be around. I loved how much attention to detail the coaches put into each individual player and how committed they are to continually improve as a team. The academics paired with the softball program is unlike any other. It is also great being an hour from home.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I have always had an interest in science throughout high school and in particular biology. A science degree can lead to many exciting opportunities.
Who is your sports hero and why? Derek Jeter is my sports hero. He was a great leader of his team and constantly worked to perfect his craft. Also, (he) really loved the show that recently came out called Captain.
What’s the best hype song and why? This is a hard question to answer. People that know me think I am crazy because I love silence. Surprisingly, I don’t listen to music.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? I like to binge watch the TV show “Friends.” It is a funny and light TV show and I like watching it when I get a chance.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I am teaching myself to juggle and can juggle three balls right now.
Scroll down to see more highlights …
