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 info@extrainningsoftball.com and also los.extrainningsoftball@gmail.com.
Here’s our TLI for Friday, Nov. 18, 2022:
*****
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: GABBY LEACH
Tennessee-bound OF Gabby Leach, #12 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Texas Sudden Impact-Leach, her twin sister, Alannah, practices with her club and high school teams, staying consistent, PGF Nationals, Hotshots National-Nelson, dental field, Tennessee, Aubrey and Kelcy Leach, “The Office” and arts.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Gabby Leach
Hometown: The Woodlands, TX
High School: The Woodlands High
Club Team: Texas Sudden Impact 18u-Leach
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-6
Position: OF
Nickname: Gab
Twitter: @leach_gabby
Honors: #12 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100; 15-6A All-District Honorable Mention (2020); Texas Sports Writers Association All-State (2021); 1st Team All-Montgomery County Team (2021); Utility Player of The Year 13-6A All-District Team (2021); 13-6A Academic All-District (2021); National Fastpitch Coach’s Association- All-Region VI (2022); Texas Sports Writers Association- All-State (2022); Houston Chronicle 2nd Team All-Greater Houston (2022); 1st Team All-Montgomery County Team (2022); 1st Team 13-6A All-District Team (2022); and 13-6A Academic All-District (2022).
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? Playing for Texas Sudden Impact has been a big part of my life. I have played for Sudden Impact ever since 10U. Growing up my sisters were always on the older teams. My twin and I would always go watch the older girls practice when our’s was done. My father is the 18U Coach and all four of us girls have played for him.
Can you talk about your relationship with your twin sister, Alannah, and how that has affected your softball career? Growing up with my twin sister, Alannah, by my side, we did everything together. I have always had a built-in throwing and hitting partner. Alannah and I work really well together in the outfield. We truly know each other’s strengths and abilities. Playing softball together has pushed us to make each other better, and hold each other accountable.
What are some of your training methods/training routine? I practice with my travel ball team twice a week when we are not playing on the weekend. My high school ball team we have our offseason during the fall, and we run and work out in the weight room. During the spring, we practice every weekday during and after school. Whenever I can come before or stay after practice, I work on my own with my dad and twin sister and my older sisters when they are available.
What areas are you focusing on/trying to improve this fall? I am working on staying consistent at the plate in all situations and with every at-bat. I am also working extremely hard to be prepared for the SEC and to ensure that I am equally confident and proficient in bunting, slapping and swinging away.
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this summer? This past summer my team attended the PGF Nationals in California. I always enjoy traveling to California and getting to face new teams that are full of talent. I love the weather, competition and how PGF runs (its) tournaments. It is an awesome experience full of memories.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? I would probably have to say the Hotshots (National)-Nelson. They are a team full of many talented players and it is always a fun and competitive game when we get to play them.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I am not quite sure what as of now, but I am interested in the dental field. I am looking into being a dentist or dental hygienist. I have always enjoyed helping people and I find teeth very interesting.
Can you talk about your decision to commit to Tennessee? Traveling to the University of Tennessee, became a regular thing for my family as we came up to watch both of my oldest sisters when they played there. I quickly started to fall in love with how incredible Tennessee was in all aspects and it truly started to feel like home. I chose the University Of Tennessee because of the environment of Tennessee athletics. Tennessee treats student-athletes with respect and support. The softball coaching staff is amazing and they genuinely care about their players. It’s always been a dream of mine to compete at the highest level. Finding a school like Tennessee and committing, checked all those boxes for me.
Who is your sports hero and why? I don’t have any specific person, but I would probably have to say my two oldest sisters — Aubrey and Kelcy. Both (of) my sisters have had a big influence on me and are the reason I started playing softball. Growing up I looked up to them for everything. They have taught me so much about the game of softball. They prepared me to always be ahead of the game. I am truly grateful for them being in my life.
What’s the best hype song and why? I don’t have any specific song that gets me hyped, but playing any type of music during warmups that everyone knows the words and can sing to, gets me hyped.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? I have many favorite TV shows, but my all-time favorite would probably be “The Office.”
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I would say my other talent/skill is that I’m artistic. I enjoy drawing, painting and pottery.
Scroll down to see more highlights …
