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Here’s our TLI for Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: TARA VANDEWATER
Oklahoma State-committed C/MIF Tara Vandewater, #10 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Nebraska Gold 18U-Singleton, crossover-symmetry bands, being a good teammate, PGF Nationals, Jordy Bahl, business, Oklahoma State, Lauren Lindvall, Travis Scott, “Dahmer”
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Tara Vandewater
Hometown: Winterset, IA
Club Team: Nebraska Gold 18U-Singleton
Graduation Year: 2024
Height: 5-foot-4
Position: C/MIF
Nickname: “T” & “Too Turnt Terry”
Twitter: @taravandewater
Honors: Softball — #10 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100; Academic All-Conference (2021, 2022) volleyball — All-Conference Honors (2020, 2021).
Travel Ball Summer Stats: .429 AVG, 15 HRs and .978 fielding percentage.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I started playing with Nebraska Gold in 2019 after filling in for Craig Boyer. I immediately enjoyed the competitive environment of the team and wanted to be a part of it. For the last three years, I’ve been playing for Craig Boyer and Todd Mills. This upcoming season I will be coached by Beth Singleton on the 18U National Team. The organization is one big family. Everyone knows everyone, and the older kids are huge role models for the younger girls coming in. I even had the privilege of practicing with Jordy Bahl and Ruby Meylan during our combined 16/18U practices!
What are some of your training methods/training routine? I do Crossover Symmetry bands every day. My overhand velocity has reached 74 mph. Wednesday nights I attend defensive training with a couple of other local players. We concentrate on footwork and reps.
When it comes to base running, I owe all of my knowledge and aggressiveness to my brother. Watching him throughout high school, and now watching him in college (BenU Mesa) has taught me so much. I think all of the roughhousing in our basement over the years, and how it’s led to my toughness and success on the base path.
Hitting, for me, is a little different. I’ve been hitting with with instructor Mike Jensen for six years. Half of the session we hit, the other half we just talk. Most of the time I’ll hit late at night, as I’m a night owl. The session will end anywhere from 11 p.m. or 2 a.m. We laugh a lot and get serious too! He’s half instructor, half counselor, just depends on the day!
What areas are you focusing on/trying to improve this fall? I have only one tournament this fall, the Top Gun Invitational in Kansas City. My main focuses are to be a good teammate and have fun. As for the rest of the fall, I want to retain my routines and discipline, and develop new, rewarding habits.
Can you tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this summer? Right before playing in PGF, I was playing in Tel Aviv with the Israeli National Team for the Maccabiah Games. Once I landed in Los Angeles, I realized my bat bag didn’t make it to the States. That was the day before the tournament started. I was in a complete scramble. Thankfully, my brother was flying out to California a couple days after my mother and I, so he was able to grab my extra catcher’s glove. As for the rest of my gear, I either borrowed it from my teammates or had to buy it. Thankfully, with two days to spare in the tournament, my bag was returned to the States. For the rest of the tournament, it was really fun to play ball in such a cool environment, surrounded by the beach and so many other amazing sceneries.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? Jordy Bahl. By far. Being able to practice with her in the years leading up to her big debut at Oklahoma will be something I never forget. The many characteristics she possesses as an athlete are something I try to emulate every day.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I’m not too sure at this point, but I plan to major in business. Anything related to business and marketing are in consideration.
Can you talk about your decision to commit to Oklahoma State? It’s my home, plain and simple. It feels like my hometown, and I’m able to show my true personality. I’m very excited for the opportunities and culture that Oklahoma State offers.
Who is your sports hero and why? Lauren Lindvall (Oregon). She was my role model growing up, and the exact representation of what I wanted to be when I got older.
What’s the best hype song and why? “Wonderful” (by) Travis Scott. It fits every needed category in order to get hype.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? Right now I’m finishing up “Dahmer,” but I like to watch “Orange is the New Black” for a good laugh.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? Last year, I started taking photos for my High School’s basketball team. I’m continuing to take photos this year as well as incorporate the pics into graphic designs for the team.
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