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Here’s our TLI for Monday, June 20, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: ISABELLA GERLACH
Western Michigan-bound UT Isabella Gerlach recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Fusion 18U National-Unruh/Greenwood, Corydon Central High in Indiana, home runs, playing the outfield, how she chose Western Michigan, the women’s national soccer team, juggling and walk-offs…
EXTRA SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Isabella Gerlach
Hometown: Corydon, IN
High School: Corydon Central High
Club Team: Fusion National 18U-Unruch/Greenwood
Graduation Year: 2022
Height: 5-foot-8
Position: UT
Nickname: Bella
Twitter: @gerlach25
Honors: 1st team All-State; led the state of Indiana in HRs with 22 for (2022); selected to the North/South All Star team (2022); All-Conference (since my freshman year); Academic All-State; Team MVP (since freshman year); HR record holder at North Harrison High and Corydon Central High; led the Mid Southern Conference in HRs, batting average, SLG, OPS, RBIs and runs.
Travel Ball Highlights/Fall Stats: 8 HRs, .434 AVG, 1.442 OPS and 1.110 SLG.
High School Spring Highlights/Stats: Corydon Central finished in the Final Four of the state tournament, winning sectional, regional and conference. Senior Season stats — 22 HRs (47 career HRs for 3 years due to Covid), .526 AVG, 1.232 SLG, 1.826 OPS and 49 RBIs.
How did you become involved with the Fusion program?
Fusion is based out of Louisville, KY. Travis Unruh started the organization with one team and has grown the organization into more than 25 teams. The 18U National team is coached by Ryan Greenwood, Paige Murphy and Carmyn Greenwood. For most of my travel ball career, I have played on teams based out of state where it was difficult to attend team practice due to distance.
I was looking for a team closer to my home so I could make practices. I was also looking for a team with a National schedule with coaches who would push me out of my comfort zone. I met Coach Greenwood and instantly knew he could help me take my game to the next level. I decided to join the Fusion for my final travel ball year and it has been the best decision I have made.
What do you bring to the team?
Versatility, grittiness and the ability to hit for average and power. Coach Greenwood has helped me realize my speed and I now am a threat to steal anytime I am on base. I love being able to play multiple positions for my team.
What area are you focusing on/trying to improve this summer?
Outfield. On my previous travel ball teams and in high school, I was an infielder. I played every position in the infield. For the Fusion, I am needed in the outfield. Coach Greenwood and Coach Murphy have been instrumental in developing my outfield skills.
What were you looking for when you found your future school?
My recruiting journey was a roller coaster. I had my heart set on a particular university, but when COVID happened and all the college players received an extra year of eligibility, I had to refocus my mindset. I was looking for a mid to larger University that was near a city. I wanted to make sure the University I chose fit my academic and athletic goals. Western Michigan checked most of the boxes in what I was looking for in a University. I committed the fall of my senior year.
Who is your sports hero and why?
I honestly do not have a single sports here, but I would say the Women’s National Soccer team would be a team I look up to. They successfully fought and won for equal pay as the Men’s National Soccer team. They stood up for what they believed in and brought more attention to women’s sports and the discrepancy in pay and rights between men and women. My hope is softball will be able to develop the NPF for all of us to have an opportunity to play after our collegiate career is over.
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