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Here’s our TLI for Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: SYDNEY BARKER
Oklahoma-committed SS Sydney Barker, #8 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about LTG-Henderson, getting stronger physically and mentally, PGF Nationals, Beverly Bandits, Oklahoma, business manager, Sis Bates, Biggie Smalls, criminal documentaries and dancing.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Sydney Barker
Hometown: Rocklin, CA
High School: Rocklin High
Club Team: LTG-Henderson 18U
Graduation Year: 2024
Height: 5-foot-9
Position: SS
Nickname: Syd
Twitter: @SydBarker2024
Honors: 1st Team All-League; San Joaquin Section Player of the Year (2022); All-Section (2022); and Rocklin High Rookie of the Year (2021).
Travel Ball Highlights/Summer Stats: 99 at-bats, 34 runs, 36 hits, .364 AVG, 5 HRs, 14 RBIs and 4 SBs.
High School Stats: .390 AVG, 18 RBIs, 3 home runs, .971 fielding percentage, .478 OBP.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? LTG is based out of Elk Grove, California in NorCal. LTG is owned and organized by Joe Henderson. LTG stands for LOVE THE GAME. Which for me has always been a true statement. I can not imagine doing anything else. I originally joined the organization when I was only 8 years old. I played on a 10U team coming straight from Rocklin Recreation league and entering into my first travel team. I had played with another local team for a season, but found my way back to LTG at the age of 10 and never looked back. Coach Joe is a second dad to me. My teammates are more than teammates, they are my family. The players, Coaches and parents are all a very close-nit family. We have gone through a few ups and downs and gained and lost a few along the way, but I would never want to change anything about this LOVE that I have. Each player and parent has contributed to the success of this team. The parents would do anything for all of us. This upcoming spring season will be a tough one for me. With the exception of myself and two other players, the remainder of the team are 2023 graduates. It will be an emotional season for all of us, but we all know the amazing new adventures that are waiting. I look so forward to visiting and watching my teammates play at the collegiate level. We have all worked so hard for these outcomes. The sacrifices that we have all made are worth the outcome.
What are some of your training methods/training routine? I have never taken any defensive training in the past. My defensive training mostly always consisted of field work with my dad and consistency with my focus on range. Offensively, in addition to Coach Joe, I have a local hitting coach that has become an important part of my journey. Darin Delgado, who owns and runs ECA, has been there for me for many years. Recently, I have started a local strength and cardio trainer. I think our bodies as athletes have so much muscle memory after the repetitiveness of the game, that we forget that there are other areas that need to be supported. You always feel that your body will be fine and work on autopilot, then, one day, you feel something and realize that you need to support those autopilot muscles with other muscles or you end up hurt and torn. My focus has shifted in this area and I look forward to seeing some great outcomes of my body and muscle transformation.
What areas are you focusing on/trying to improve this fall? I don’t think I have ever felt that I have reached my athletic capacity. Every season I learn something that helps me to improve in all aspects defensively and offensively of the game. This fall season I am really focusing on becoming stronger just in general. I always feel that I have room for improvement, but this fall my offensive game is a huge focus for me. Offensively, both physical and mental aspects come into play as I feel they have to work together. If your mind isn’t in sync with your body, you cannot play to your full potential.
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this summer? In itself … one word, HOT! This last season of Nationals was anywhere from 105-113 every day. But the sun and heat didn’t stop our Team! Our team ended PGF placing third in the nation, setting a new LTG organization record. I could not be more proud and happy to have played with some of my best friends. The tournament itself was a great tournament and as usual a great experience. To be able to see so many different coaching styles and teams nationally all come to play together is an experience in itself.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? I think Beverly Bandits was our toughest game this year at PGF Nationals. They are a great team and I felt that they kept LTG on our toes. They had a great strategy to the game and I feel that they really tested our minds as well. We love playing teams that are such a great challenge as we can only learn and get better.
Can you talk about your decision to choose Oklahoma? Making my decision was pretty hard as I was choosing from some of the top D1 softball schools. When I took my visit to OU, everything just felt right, from being on the field to hanging out with the girls on the team and feeling the energy. They all were very welcoming. The competitiveness comes naturally to them and I felt that I fit right into the their environment. Coach Patty (Gasso) is a phenomenal softball coach and person. It was a natural feeling from the minute she, Coach (Jennifer) Rocha and Coach JT (Gasso) welcomed me. Playing for Patty Gasso will be such an honor and a dream of mine for a very long time. When I received the call from them, it was such an amazing feeling. After going to visit the school, I knew where I wanted to spend my collegiate years and develop into an amazing young lady! BOOMER SOONER!
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I would love to be a business manager that collabs with softball and sports brands. Brands that get softball and sport equipment to all the little girls out there and help them become the best at who they want to be.
Who is your sports hero and why? My parents have always pushed me to be better in every aspect. They have believed in me when I haven’t believed in myself. When I focus on a sports hero, I would have to say Sis Bates. She is my hero for so many reasons. Not only is she an absolute stud, but she is the most positive person I have ever met.
What’s the best hype song and why? My team is so big on MUSIC! We love playing pre-game tunes while warming up. I think my favorite music would have to be Old School Rap! LOTS OF BIGGIE!
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? I really love criminal documentaries and reality TV. I feel like the show is more interesting when its a true story. To see so many things happening in the world and helping me to become more aware that there is always so much going on besides just my world.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I love to dance. I think I have always been a pretty decent dancer. I can skateboard, wakeboard, ski and snowboard and picked them up fairly quickly.
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