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Here’s our TLI for Monday, May 1, 2023:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: RAMSEY WALKER
Arkansas-committed OF Ramsey Walker, #16 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Virginia Unity-Johnson/Ross, Calvary Baptist Academy, “Rambo,” PGF Nationals, herself, Arkansas, business, Clint Walker, Jay-Z, “Outer Banks” and hunting.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Ramsey Walker
Hometown: Shreveport, LA
High School: Calvary Baptist Academy
Club Team: Virginia Unity 16U-Johnson/Ross
Graduation Year: 2024
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: OF
Nickname: Rambo
Twitter: @_ramseywalker_
Honors: #16 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100; selected to participate in the PGF All-American game this summer; 1st team All-State (2021 & 2022); All-District MVP (2022); State of Louisiana Player of the Year (2022); City of Shreveport Offensive Player of the Year (2019); City of Shreveport Offensive Player of the Year (2022); and City of Shreveport 1st team All City (2019, 2021 & 2022).
Travel Ball Highlights/Fall Stats: She was recovering from a right knee ACL injury/surgery, so she was not able to play in the fall of 2022.
High School Stats: .486 AVG, 53 hits, 16 doubles, 2 triples, 19 HRs, 54 runs and 39 RBIs.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I originally started playing with Coach Jay Ross and Tommy Bain when I was 12 years old with MOJO Ross. I have developed tremendously through the years and now our original team has merged with Virginia Unity and Coach Josh Johnson. I have enjoyed playing under these coaches and I love the relationships that I have developed with my teammates. We currently have teammates out of Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, Texas and I am the only player from the Bayou State of Louisiana!
Tell us about your high school team and how you are doing? Coming back from my ACL injury/surgery has been very challenging, but thankfully I was able to resume playing in time for my high school season. My high school coaches, physical therapists and athletic trainers have supported me and guided me through my recovery. I have had a very good season thus far. We (played) in our high school semifinal game Friday and plan to advance to the finals on Saturday to compete to win our 3rd state championship in a row.
How did you get the nickname “Rambo” and who gave it to you? My teammates throughout the years came up with the nickname, Rambo. My original nickname that I was given during the 8U travel ball was “Ramsbeast.” I still have some of my family members and teammates call me “Beast.” I really like Rambo, but I did not originally know anything about the Rambo movies starring Sylvester Stallone until recently. I see that he was a Beast as well!
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals last summer? I was unfortunately not there with my team last summer because I was having my ACL surgery.I did get to participate in the summer of 2021 where my team won! That moment impacted me so much and set the tone for my future in softball. We faced the best competition and played to the best of our abilities to win the tournament and we were broadcasted on TV.
What tournament/showcase/event are you looking forward to this summer and why? I’m looking forward to PGF because it is always such a great tournament with the best competition out there. I feel that it really sets the stage for my future in college softball. We play hard as a team and make wonderful memories while playing.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? My toughest opponent is myself. I have very high expectations for myself. It is a game of failure, so I am always battling negative thoughts and turning them into positive thoughts. One of the most important things to succeed in the game of softball is confidence and I believe that is a huge battle for every softball player in today’s world.
Why did you choose to commit to Arkansas and do you have any history with the school? I chose to commit to Arkansas because I felt an instant connection with the coaches and staff. Every time that I went there for camps or to watch games, I just felt like home and I knew that was the place that I wanted to be to further my education and softball career. My dad also went to the University of Arkansas where he played baseball. It has been awesome and very special to follow in his footsteps. #GoHOGS
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I’m interested in physical therapy and business. I have always wanted to have my own business and be my own boss. I know that when I put my mind to something and set goals, I will achieve those goals.
Who is your sports hero and why? My sports hero is my Dad, (Clint Walker). I know for a fact that I would not be where I am today if it was not for him. He pushes me to be my very best version of myself and never settles for less. He puts hours day in and day out and I am so thankful for that and to have the opportunity to have someone like that in my life.
What’s the best hype song and why? The best hype song is “Run this Town” (by Jay-Z feat. Rihanna & Kanye West). It is a positive song that gets you in your right mindset to succeed.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? My favorite TV show is “Outer Banks.” I love the suspense of the show and that there is always something new to look forward to. The people on the show never settle and always go for the treasure. They will do anything to reach that goal and I find those traits in myself, so I can really relate.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? My “talent” and favorite pastime other than softball is hunting. I have gone and plan on going hunting around the world to hunt different species of animals. I really enjoy hunting and the outdoors so much.
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