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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.
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Here’s our TLI for Wednesday, July 12, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: KAIYA FABELA
C/1B/3B Kaiya Fabela, #7 in the 2025 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Impact Gold 14U National-Smith, what she brings to the team, being more patient, the Colorado Sparkler, PGF Nationals, a family atmosphere, Taylor Davis, the foot fist way and international softball.
EXTRA SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Kaiya Fabela
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
High School: Keller High
Club Team: Impact Gold 14U National-Smith
Graduation Year: 2025
Height: 5-foot-9
Position: C/1B/3B
Nickname: K-Fab
Twitter: @fabela_kaiya
Honors: All-State by Texas Sports Writer’s Association (2022); All-State by Texas Girls Coaches Association (2022); Newcomer Hitter of the Year by Fort Worth Star Telegram (2022); All-Region North Texas Team: Newcomer of the Year by SB Live (2022); 3rd Team All-Area by Dallas Morning News (2022); District 4-6A co-Catcher of the Year (2022); All-American Scholar Athlete by NFCA (2022); District 4-6A Academic All-District (2022); nominee for Fort Worth area High School Softball Hitter of the Year by Fort Worth Star Telegram (2022); and High School Player of the Week for DFW area by Fort Worth Star Telegram (April 18-22).
Travel Ball Stats (2021): .409 AVG, 22 doubles, 3 triples, 18 HRs and 83 RBIs.
High School Spring Highlights/Stats: .447 AVG, .534 OBP, .894 SLG, 1.428 OPS, 9 HRs, 9 doubles, 1 triple and 41 RBIs.
Tell us about the Impact Gold program and how you became involved with them?
I joined the Impact Gold organization in the fall of 2021. It is a great organization that focuses on development while competing at the top level. I love how the leadership of the organization (KC Jackson and Jazz Jackson-Vesely) are very approachable and care about us as athletes and our recruiting journey. My coach, Gary Smith, is one of the top 14U coaches in the country and really pushes us, holds us accountable, while emphasizing the importance of being a great teammate.
What do you bring to the team?
At the plate, I hit for power, gap-to-gap and average. However, I can lay down a bunt when necessary to advance base runners. Behind the plate, I work really hard for my pitchers. It is important for them to know that I support and believe in them. I show this by encouraging them and calling time when we need to regroup. Most importantly I bring a team-first mentality and fulfill whatever role is asked of me.
What area are you focusing on/trying to improve this summer?
This summer, offensively, I’m working on being more patient at the plate and attacking pitches in my zone. Defensively, I’ve really been working on my transfer and improving my pop time.
Can you talk about your experience at the Triple Crown Colorado 4th of July?
The Colorado Sparkler is one of my favorite tournaments. There is nothing like playing with the mountains as a backdrop. Also, it is a nice break from the Texas heat. I enjoyed being able to spend time with my teammates off the field and bring that chemistry to the dirt. Although we were down a few players because of injuries, I loved how we stepped up and competed against some of the best teams in the country.
Scroll down to see more in today’s TLI!