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Here’s our TLI for Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: CHARLIZE CAI
Cornell-committed Charlize Cai recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Lady Magic-Boykin, routine schedule, PGF Nationals, PGF Pre-Thanksgiving Showcase, BSC Bengals-Briggs, Cornell, dermatology, Kobe Bryant, Black Eyed Peas, “Outer Banks” and skiing.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Charlize Cai
Hometown: Folsom, Ca
High School: Vista Del Lago High
Club Team: Lady Magic 18U-Boykin
Graduation Year: 2024
Height: 5-foot-6
Position: MIF/RHP
Nickname: Char
Twitter: @charlizecai2024
Honors: MaxPreps All-Sac-Joaquin and All-Section Sophomore of the Year.
High School Stats: .468 AVG., 8 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HRs, 24 runs and 26 RBIs.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? Lady Magic was founded in 1983 and is located in Sacramento County. The organization focuses on helping players work hard, play well and achieve their dreams along with good sportsmanship. I first learned about the organization by taking batting lessons with coach Ernie Munoz, while he was coaching his older team at the time. For all the good reasons listed, I knew I wanted to be part of this organization.
Do you have any suggestions for training methods or apps and why? I am a believer of having a routine schedule, discipline and being consistent in my training. My schedule consists of going to the gym in the morning before school starts 4-5 days a week. I do most of my hitting on the tee, right after school in addition to team practices.
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this summer? Our team participated in PGF Nationals this past summer. We were placed 17th as a young 16U team. As a team, we competed and I strongly believe we could have done better. However, we have learned a lot while competing against older and very competitive 16U teams. The experience will help us as we move onto 18U this year.
What was your favorite fall tournament/event and why? My favorite fall tournament is the (PGF) Pre-Thanksgiving Showcase. I like it the most because we have a chance to play in front of many coaches. At the same time, I have a chance to play against very good teams in the nation.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? The toughest team I’ve competed against was (BSC) Bengals-Briggs 18U. They have a very good offense, defense and pitching, which makes it very exciting and tough to compete against them.
Can you tell us why you chose to commit to Cornell? Cornell is a very prestigious University that will provide me with the best education and Cornell will allow me to play the sport I love while attending the school. When I stepped foot on the campus, I felt at home. After learning more about what Cornell and their softball program have in place for student athletes, I knew in my heart this was the school for me. Another factor to my decision to commit to Cornell was when I had a chance to meet my future coaches in person. I have the full confidence that I will be in good hands playing for Cornell and my coaches.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? My focus will be pre-med in the first four years and I would like to obtain my doctorate degree in dermatology. At an early age, I always had an interest in how to treat skin well and, more importantly, how to help others who suffer from skin issues or imperfections.
Who is your sports hero and why? I have a few in mind, but I would like to pick Kobe Bryant. I have watched his games and learned how much hard work he put in to be his best and, perhaps, one the best who ever played the game of basketball. I learned that in order to be my best, I must have commitment, discipline, drive, hunger, winning attitude, sacrifices and Kobe Bryant has all of those attributes as a player.
What’s the best hype song and why? My favorite hype song is “I Got A Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas because I like the beats and it’s a good 2000 classic.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? My favorite show to binge watch is “Outer Banks” because I really enjoy watching the storyline and I like the beach lifestyle of the show.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? It’s not a secret, but I really enjoy skiing and paddleboarding.
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