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Here’s our TLI for Monday, Jan. 9, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: NAILYN MARSHALL
Cal-bound MIF Nailyn Marshall, #14 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about LTG Lions-Henderson/Taylor, value repetition, PGF Nationals, PGF Pre-Thanksgiving Showcase, Corona Angels-Tyson, Cal, forensic psychologist, Serena Williams, OT Genasis, “Scandal” and baking.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Nailyn Marshall
Hometown: Elk Grove, CA
High School: Franklin High
Club Team: LTG Lions 18U-Henderson/Taylor
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: MIF
Nickname: Nai (Ny)
Twitter: @nailynmarshall
Honors: #14 in 2023 Extra Elite 100; 16U All-Summer Team by Extra Inning Softball (2022); Four-year Varsity starter for Franklin High; 1st Team All-Delta League (2021); and 2nd Team All-Delta League (2020).
Travel Ball Stats: Summer — .349 AVG, .403 OBP, .562 SLG, 8 homers, 8 doubles, 37 RBIs, 24 runs, 9 SBs and a .980 fielding percentage; Fall — 22 games, .346 AVG, .375 OBP, .654 SLG, 18 hits, 4 homers 2 doubles, 1 triple, 17 RBIs, 12 runs, 6 SBs and a .956 fielding percentage.
High School Stats: .405 AVG, .483 OBP, 30 hits, 20 RBIs, 10 doubles, 2 triples and 4 homers.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? LTG, which stands for Love the Game, is based in Elk Grove, CA, in Northern California under the leadership of Coach Joe Henderson and Jim Carda. I became involved with this organization after my 10u Coach, Erin Taylor, joined their program. I followed her and have been with LTG since 12U. Many of my current teammates I have either played with or competed against since 10U. So I consider my teammates true “softball sisters.” LTG has taken pride in developing players as I am one of them and I give all the credit to my coaches for being loyal and committed to seeing my team grow and prosper. With us maintaining the core of our team for such a long time, our parents have also developed a bond. My team is very fortunate to have parents that not only support their kids, but all of the girls on the team. LTG is also about being a sisterhood no matter the age group. Coach Joe makes it a point to always remind us that we are creating the path for those after us. Over the years, I have learned from older players and take pride in doing the same for players younger than me. Former players always come back from college to impart their knowledge to us and I look forward to doing the same because it is about always giving back.
Do you have any suggestions for training methods or apps and why? My suggestions for training methods are to be consistent and value repetition. Also, set personal goals and find a way to track your progress. Receiving a lot of reps and being consistent have been the approach taken at all of my team’s practices since I’ve been with LTG. I also have been very fortunate to have great trainers for my hitting, fielding and strength/agility training. I see my hitting coach, Thomas Neal, fielding coach, Ernie Munoz, and strength/agility trainer, Donni Jackson, weekly. I also find ways to do things either on my own or with my dad. It can be very challenging at times to balance school, practice and training, but the main key for me is to think about the long-term outcome from my training in helping me reach my team’s goals and my personal goals. It’s also important to make training fun. I have done everything from throwing socks in the house with my dad, throwing tennis balls off the wall, to playing wiffle ball with my older brother. Formal training is important, but it is OK to have fun in the process while working on the skills needed to continue getting better.
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this summer? I have been very fortunate to participate in PGF Nationals since 10U and it continues to be the best experience ever. This past summer by far was my most memorable experience, however. My team finished 3rd and this was such a rewarding feeling. My teammates put in so much quality work, both as a team and on their own, and it just felt great in knowing that we were a play or two away from competing in the PGF national championship. LTG is not considered a big-market organization as my team only pulls from a small region. So to be able to compete and earn the respect from notable teams that are from bigger markets made us proud. We accomplished this together as a team with all of my teammates contributing to our success and showing that we have the ability to compete with anyone.
What was your favorite fall tournament/event and why? One of my favorite fall tournaments this season was the PGF Pre-Thanksgiving Tournament. This tournament showcased some of the best teams in the country and I always want to compete against the best. To have the opportunity to play against teams such as the NW Bullets, Lady Dukes, Corona Angels and So Cal Athletics, it requires stepping your game up and playing at the highest level as these are notable organizations with stellar players and coaches. We also got a chance to play against the Czech Republic and having the opportunity to not only compete, but also interact with softball players on an international level was a great experience.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? The toughest opponent I have faced were Corona Angels-Tyson. They are a very strong team and have a very competitive spirit. It is always fun to face them in tournaments.
Can you tell us why you chose to commit to Cal? I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to commit and sign my NLI to Cal. Not only is it one of the best, if not the best academic institutions in the country, but Cal, to me, is also the face of college sports in Northern California. I also believe in the potential of the softball program under Coach (Chelsea) Spencer’s leadership. I was fortunate to have multiple options to consider, but when I spoke to Coach Spencer for the first time on Sept. 1st, I knew that it would be an honor to have the opportunity to play under her leadership and where I wanted to be. Her coaching staff is amazing and knowing that I have a chance to play side by side with some proven talent on the field, a lot of it homegrown, it was a no brainer for me. I felt I have already learned so much from Coach Spencer and her staff and look forward to working hard both in the classroom and on the field as a Cal Bear.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I am planning on majoring in psychology or legal studies. I have an interest in becoming a forensics psychologist. I have always been a huge advocate for helping others around me and believe that I can make an impact on my community with any of these areas of occupations.
Who is your sports hero and why? My sports hero is Serena Williams because she shows the confidence and determination I strive for on the softball field. She has always been my role model in sports ever since I was a little girl.
What’s the best hype song and why? The best hype song would have to be “Everybody Mad” by OT Genasis. This song has been my high school walk-up song for the past three years of my high school softball career. I listen to this song before every game day on repeat to motivate myself for a great day on the ball field.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? My favorite TV show to binge is “Scandal” because I think Kerri Washington is a phenomenal actress and the intense thriller. Story keeps you intrigued. PLUS there is a lot of forensic science involved.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? My mom is a phenomenal cook, so she’s taught me a lot, but my favorite thing to do is bake. I also enjoy hiking and dancing.
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