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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.
To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at [email protected] and also [email protected].
Here’s our TLI for Wednesday, July 27, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: KATIE LIU
2B/OF Katie Liu, #40 in the 2026 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about So Cal Choppers 07-Gurule, hitting and speed, getting more power, coming back from injury, PGF Nationals, what she’s looking for in a future college, Jackie Robinson, being a musician and surfing.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Katie Liu
Hometown: Irvine, CA
High School: Irvine High
Club Team: So Cal Choppers 07-Gurule
Graduation Year: 2026
Height: 5-foot-2
Position: 2B/OF
Nickname: None
Honors: #40 in the 2026 Extra Elite 100
Travel Ball Fall Stats: .418 AVG, .515 OBP, 4 doubles, 1 triple and 3 HRs.
Travel Ball Spring Stats: .554 AVG, .603 OBP, 6 doubles, 11 triples and 2 HRs.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them?
This was a really good team and so I went to their tryout. When they offered me a spot, I was so excited and joined the team. This team is a lot of fun and all the girls are very supportive of each other. The girls have a lot of energy. We work well together and push each other to get better.
What do you bring to the team?
My biggest asset is my hitting and speed. I can get on base and drive in runs. I am a threat to steal bases on any count. On defense, I can play infield as well as outfield.
What area were you focusing on/trying to improve this summer?
I was focusing on getting more power in my swing and being more consistent with my hitting.
What is something you have faced in your life that has helped you become the person that you are today?
I had a fracture in my growth plate in my shoulder when I was 12 (years old) and couldn’t throw for three months. It was hard going from playing softball weekly to not being able to do anything. I had to sit out and watch my teammates play. Now, I am more careful about taking care of my body. I do exercises to strengthen my shoulder and it’s part of my workout routine every week.
Can you talk about PGF Nationals and what you hope to accomplish at the event?
It’s always a competitive tournament because you play top teams from all over the country and I’m very fortunate that it’s in my hometown. I hope to hit well and help my team advance far.
What are you looking for in a future university?
I’m looking for a good academic school with a good softball program.
Who is your sports hero and why?
Jackie Robinson is my sports hero because he risked his life to play a sport he loved. He broke the color barrier and made it possible for everyone to play.
Do you have a secret talent/skill?
I can play the trumpet, piano and french horn.
What’s your most memorable softball story?
In 10U, when my All-Star team made it all the way to nationals and placed third. That was very exciting. One of our team-bonding events was learning to surf in the ocean. That was my first time surfing and it was a little scary and fun at the same time.
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SIGNING/COMMITMENT ALERTS
Kaitlyn Bartlow, 2023, P, Firecrackers Brashear/Westlake High, CA, San Diego
I am so beyond excited and blessed to announce that I have decided to play D1 softball and further my academic career at University of San Diego. Thank you to all my family, coaches, teammates and friends for supporting along the way. Go Toreros💙🤍 @USDSoftball @CoachMJKnighten pic.twitter.com/bJiTgdyCuZ
— Kaitlyn Bartlow 2023 (@kaitlynb2023) September 28, 2021
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BTITW
Today’s Best Thing In The World is …
#BlackPanther2WakandaForever https://t.co/ijRxr92sbT
— Carlos Arias (@Los_Stuff) July 26, 2022
— Carlos Arias, Extra Inning Softball (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)