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Here’s our TLI for Friday, Jan. 6, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: KAILEA RICKS
Ohio State-committed 2024 MIF/OF Kailea Ricks recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Sorcerer-Ricks, mental training, PGF Nationals, herself, Ohio State, sports/athletics, Sis Bates, Rich Gang, “All American” and drawing.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Kailea Ricks
Hometown: Madera, CA
High School: Madera High
Club Team: Sorcerer 18U-Ricks
Graduation Year: 2024
Height: 5-foot-8
Position: MIF/OF
Nickname: Kai
Twitter: @kailea_ricks
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I started playing in (the) Sorcerer organization with Bill Schroll on the dark team, then Covid hit and my dad took over a team and we have been there since.
Do you have any suggestions for training methods or apps and why? I am a huge mental player. I really believe in knowing the game. It can take (your) abilities so much further in the game. So definitely train the mind for the game. On the physical side, fundamentals was something my dad and I strived on daily.
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this summer? Nationals is always a fun tournament. We, unfortunately, didn’t have the summer tourney we wanted but those types of endings are always something we all need, definitely, helps grow you as a player
What was your favorite fall tournament/event and why? I didn’t get to play fall this year due to tearing my ACL, but I did follow the team to every tournament. I would have to say any tournament that my coaches from Ohio State show up to is always the best!
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? My biggest opponent is myself. I always strive to be better each and every time I step on the dirt
Can you talk about your decision to choose to commit to Ohio State? I chose Ohio State because when I went on my official visit there was never a time I didn’t feel like it wasn’t home. Also, the coach’s are just amazing people.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I am not really sure as of yet, but definitely something in sports/athletics.
Who is your sports hero and why? Sis Bates is my sports hero because I used to watch her as a kid and when I met her in person she was exactly what I expected and I love her energy so much.
What’s the best hype song and why? “Lifestyle” (by Rich Gang feat. Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan) is the best hype song because softball is really a lifestyle and the song just describes everything so perfectly.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? My favorite TV show to binge watch is “All American” because it’s just very interesting to watch the struggle of a game and family matters mixed.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I’m really good at drawing.
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