RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
One of the great aspects of my job is getting to know players and their families, following their progress, achievements and high marks in their softball careers, sure, but also their successes in life in general.
I have a lot of such friends on Facebook and I saw today a post by Naomi Marquez as she highlighted what is a wonderful time of life for the signees in the Class of 2019 as they check into their new school at the college level.
I’ve followed Brooke Marquez, the talented infielder who was an All-American and Top 15 player in the 2019 Extra Elite 100, for the last five years and it’s been a thrill to get to know her and her family as she’s played for top organizations like the Corona Angels, Firecrackers and Beverly Bandits.
Brooke is a personable leader on the field and signed with Notre Dame last fall.
This week, with siblings in tow, she headed to South Bend to get ready for her new life playing with the Irish as she checks in Friday.
Her mom sent a great quote to me today which is how I’m sure most, if not all, families feel about their favorite softball player:
“We have been waiting so long and now even her siblings understand and see how her hard work has paid off! It’s priceless! “(We’re) so proud!”
On this Throwback Thursday, here’s the article we did with Brooke when she signed nine months ago…
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
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Signing Recap: Brooke Marquez… Why November 14 Will Always be a Doubly Special Day
originally published November 23, 2018
Brooke Marquez has been played for three of the top organizations in the club world–the Corona Angels, the Firecrackers and currently the Beverly Bandits, which she joined this fall and made an immediate impact, helping each team to major successes.
With the Angels, Brook was part of a PGF 14U National Championship, with the Firecrackers-Rico team she won titles at Colorado Sparkler and Canada Cup and this fall made an immediate impact with the Bandits and helped her new team win the PGF Shootout.
A 2nd Team Extra Inning Softball All-American this year and a Top 15 ranked player in the 2019 Extra Elite 100, Brooke is simply a winner and a spark on any team she plays. She hit .506 with one only strikeout in 92 plate appearances and only one error in 24 games playing the infield.
Said one top club coach: “Brooke will be a core player and get things done at Notre Dame.”
Irish Head Coach Deanna Gumpf about the So Cal senior: “Brooke will be a tremendous asset to Notre Dame softball. She is equipped with a fundamental skill set that is second to none. Brooke commands the field with confidence and tenacity, and with that confidence she has proven her ability to lead. She plays with positive energy that makes those around her better, and that positive energy will be indispensable for our team.”
Here’s more on her signing experience 10 days ago….
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Name: BROOKE MARQUEZ
Club Team: Beverly Bandits
High School (City/State): William S. Hart High School (Newhall, California)
Position(s): Shortstop
College: Notre Dame
1. Where did you sign your Letter of Intent last week?
I signed my letter of intent at my house in the morning before school!
2. How big of a occasion did it end up being for you and your family?
Signing was a big occasion because it was a day that my family and I had been waiting for for years!!
3. Did you do anything to celebrate the big day?
Yes, in the morning my whole family woke up to take pictures and watch me sign. Then, at school everyone signing was honored, so it was really nice to have most of my friends and family there! Then, later on my family and I all went out to a nice dinner!
4. What date did you actually commit and how long ago was it?
I verbally committed on November 14, 2015, which was exactly three years, to the day, before my signing day. November 14th will always be a special day to me.
5. What highlight stands out to you about the recruiting process?