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Here’s our TLI for Monday, Oct. 3, 2022:
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EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: LEILANI BUSTAMANTE
MIF Leilani Bustamante, #72 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Firecrackers Medina-Schneider 2023, glovework drills, Alliance Nationals, criminal justice, Kobe Bryant, Nipsey Hussle and “All American.”
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: Leilani Bustamante
Hometown: San Bernardino, CA
High School: Aquinas High
Club Team: Firecrackers Medina-Schneider 2023
Graduation Year: 2024
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: MIF
Nickname: Lani
Twitter: @LeilaniB_21
Honors: 3.85 GPA and Principal Honor Roll.
Travel Ball Highlights/Summer Stats: .450 AVG, led team in in batting average, hits and RBIs, and finished top 30 out of 150 at the Memorial Day Classic.
High School Highlights/Stats: .722 AVG, CIF All-State nominee, .556 AVG with 48 RBIs for her career, and ranked top 30 RBI leader in California.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I was with my team Athletics Mercado since 12U (with the) same coaches, however, my team recently ended due to loss of a lot of great players, therefore I got in touch with Coach (Daniel) Schneider and went for a workout with the team. Felt great to find a home where I can compete and continue my growth. Over the years the class of 2023 players on Firecrackers Medina have watched some of my games and both players and coaches were very supportive. I recently transitioned over (to) Firecrackers and have felt very welcome and love that the girls trust my athleticism to compete for the team.
What are some of your training methods/training routine? I work out with (my) high school team Monday-Thursday. Every week for the last five years, I have never missed a lesson with hitting instructor Jimmy Flores with FHOP batting lessons. On my free time, me and my dad enjoy getting extra reps in at our local park. We always focus on footwork drills and short hops. Love glovework drills.
Can you tell us about your experience at Alliance Nationals this summer? I had a great experience at Alliance (and) faced some really great pitching and found ways to drive the ball
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? It is hard to choose the toughest opponent. To be honest, all teams were great and gave us a good run.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I plan to pursue a career in the Criminal Justice field. (My) long-term goal is to become a child advocate lawyer. I have a big heart for kids in the justice system and want what is truly best for them.
Who is your sports hero and why? My sports super hero is Kobe Bryant because of the love and grind for the game. If he (had) a bad game, he would work 10 times harder so it wouldn’t happen again. He is my role model and I look up to his mentality, not just as a player, but as a father as well. He reminds me so much of my own father. #girldad
What’s the best hype song and why? “Grinding all my Life” by Nipsey Hussle because I have been grinding in the game since I was 5 years old and still going.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “All American.” I can replay that series over and over, really puts a meaning behind hard work, dedication, real teen life experiences and how to overcome challenges.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? No.
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