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Here’s our TLI for Thursday, May 5, 2022:
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EXTRA SPOTLIGHT: MARYSSA ZENZEN
Louisiana Monroe-committed 3B/1B Maryssa Zenzen, #80 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Impact Gold-Jackson, Waller High, not striking out in high school softball, coming back from injury, her sports’ heroes, walking on her hands and hitting dingers.
EXTRA SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Maryssa Zenzen
Hometown: Waller, TX
High School: Waller High
Club Team: Impact Gold 18U-Jackson
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-6
Position: 3B/1B
Nickname: Zen
Twitter: @maryssa_zenzen
Honors: Committed to University of Louisiana-Monroe and 1st Team All-District (2021).
Travel Ball Summer Stats: .364 AVG, .435 OBP, .504 SLG, .030 OPS, 44 hits, 32 RBIs, 3 HRs and 7 SOs.
High School Highlights: .437 AVG, .496 OBP, .728 SLG, 1.24 OPS, 117 PA, 45 hits, PA 117, 5 HRs, 10 BB, 37 RBIs and 0 SO.
How did you became involved with your travel team, Impact Gold-Jackson?
I saw the success they had over the summer and my old hitting coach, Hunter Bunch, had nothing but great things to say about Coach KC (Jackson). I knew I would be a great hands.
Can you talk about your experience at Waller High and how you have done there this year?
Since my freshman year, I feel like we have grown each year more and more. Before getting cut short because of COVID my freshman season, we ended it with a win against Barbers Hill, who would eventually win state the next season. My sophomore year, we made history by being the first team to make it past the first round of playoffs at the high school. And this year, being the first team to win district. I love being a part of something so special.
Tell us about your arm injury, how it happened and what you did to come back?
My arm injury actually started when I was playing volleyball in the fall. I first started with rehab and it wasn’t working, so we had to proceed with surgery. My doctor did such a great job, I think that’s one of the reasons why I was able to come back so fast. I also was doing my physical therapy regularly and pushing myself.
You’re on a very impressive streak in that you haven’t struck out in high school softball this year! Any extra training techniques you do to help in this area?
Yeah, I have not had a strikeout all season this year, knock on wood (laughs). I feel like I’m just seeing the ball really well and I’m hitting good pitches to hit. In the past, I’ve always struggled being behind in the count, but I really am liking battling back from a 0-2 count. I think something that has changed with my approach to the plate this season is being aggressive. I LOVE attacking the first pitch (strike).
It’s fantastic that you’ve had over 100 plate appearances this year and NO strikeouts…
I think the biggest thing to this season’s success has been me wanting to get better everyday and never being satisfied with where I’m at. I am actually seeing the ball a lot better; I found out I needed contacts and glasses and those have helped me see the ball so much better.
Who are your sports heroes?
Jessie Warren, Simone Biles and Mike Trout.
Do you have a secret talent/skill?
I can walk on my hands for a very far distance.
What’s your most memorable softball story?
Hitting my very first over-the fence-home run for sure.
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