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Here’s our TLI for Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: KYLA STROUD
Auburn-committed 1B/3B Kyla Stroud, #13 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about the Georgia Bombers 18U, hitting and defense, arm strength, Alliance Nationals, OC Batbusters-Stith, Auburn, psychology, Kobe Bryant, Lil Baby, “Grey’s Anatomy” and brookies.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Kyla Stroud
Hometown: Covington, GA
High School: Newton High
Club Team: Georgia Bombers 18U
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-6
Position: 1B/3B
Nickname: Ky
Twitter: @KylaStroud
Honors: All-County (2019); 1st Team All-Region (2019); All-County (2020); 1st Team All-Region (2020); All-County (2022); 1st Team All-Region (2022); Freshman of the Year (2021); Slugger of the Year (2022); two-time 12U USA All-American; career record with 24 HRs; and career record with 134 hits.
High School Highlights/Stats: 65 at bats, 20 runs, 35 hits, 7 HRs, 28 RBIs, .538 AVG and .571 OBP.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I love the Georgia Bombers! We have an amazing coaching staff and a great group of girls. The bond within this team is not like any other. I became involved with the organization Georgia Impact since I was 10 years old, and after my last year of 14s coach Patrick (Lewis) called me up to play with Georgia Impact 18s, which are now the Georgia Bombers.
What are some of your training methods/training routine? Hitting with Lincoln Martin and doing defense with Joseph Virgo. While I hit with Lincoln, I work on different things such as staying balanced, pitch recognition, hitting pitches where it’s located, and staying up rather than leaning a lot on my backside. Also, I work with Jimmy Mullis working with the simulator.
What areas are you focusing on/trying to improve this fall? I am working a lot on my arm strength because I am coming back from a small labrum tear in my throwing shoulder. Also, I am focusing a lot on my hitting and getting even stronger in my legs and core.
Can you tell us about your experience at Alliance Nationals this summer? It was a great experience, from waking up at 7 a.m., hitting with my team to bonding with them every hour of the day. I loved getting to learn from the seniors, who are now in college, and becoming a family.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? The toughest team we faced in my opinion was definitely (OC) Batbusters-Stith! They were a well-rounded team at all aspects of the game. We played them numerous times and it was a battle every single time.
Can you talk about why you committed to Auburn? Since the day I was born I was wrapped up in Auburn gear and have loved Auburn, Alabama ever since. I committed here not only because I love it or because my dad played football here, I committed here because every time I step on campus it just always feels like I am at home right where I am supposed to be.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? For the future, I would love to major in psychology and become either a children’s psychiatrist or become a psychiatric technician and work throughout a psych ward.
Who is your sports hero and why? Kobe Bryant, I love the way he thinks and how competitive he is on and off the court. Mentally, I want to be just like him from the way he works to the way he thinks throughout his everyday life.
What’s the best hype song and why? Any song that is by Lil Baby. He is my favorite artist and before every game I have to listen to one of his songs no matter what song it is. Lil Baby is my all-time hype man!
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? Definitely, “Grey’s Anatomy.” I am so obsessed with the way the body works and all the different things that come with the body, so “Grey’s Anatomy” is just my all-time favorite show to watch and learn everything from.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I am a really good baker! I make the best brookies (Brownies with cookie dough on top).
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