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Video: Florida Commit Sam Roe Learns She’s the Top-Ranked Player in the 2022 Extra Elite 100 (Again!)

Sam’s siblings, Sandra and Samuel, made a poster congratulating their sister on repeating as the top-ranked prospect in the 2022 Extra Elite 100.

Like most of her softball peers, sophomore catcher/infielder Sam Roe was stuck at home last Friday waiting patiently (or not) for the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic to be eased.

Sam was unsuspecting when she got “The Call” from me about being honored as the top player in the sophomore class.

However, it wasn’t the first time that the Florida-commit was informed by phone that she was ranked as the #1 player in the 2022 Extra Elite 100.

Last May, she was out to dinner with family, coaches and teammates when I let her know that she would be honored where others such as Jenny Lilley, Amanda Lorenz, Miranda Elish, Megan Faraiomo and Kelley Lynch have been.

Birmingham Thunderbolts players congratulate Sam Roe (middle) on her #1 ranking in the 2022 Extra Elite 100 from 2019: (l-r) Hannah Dorsett, Katie Flannery, Sam Roe, Emmah Rolfe and Alea Johnson.

Sam wasn’t alone, this time either, when I called in the middle of the day. Her mother Bobbi and pre-arranged the phone call where I’d simply ring mom and she’d hand the phone with me on speaker to Sam while several others would just happen on their devices, some recording on their iPhones while others watched on FaceTime.

In the house were seven people including Sam: her parents, Steven and Bobbi; her siblings Sandra and Samuel—who together made a cute poster congratulating her on the honor—along with Sandra’s fiancé Trevor and their baby Theodore.

Sandra was on FaceTime with Birmingham Thunderbolts club coaches Amanda and Jay Roberson and her grandparents Nonni and Poppi watched live too courtesy of Sam’s cousin, Ava.

Here’s how it went down with Sam getting the phone call from me (Brentt Eads) and at the end you family coming in and those on FaceTime congratulating her:

On Saturday, I got a nice text from Bobbi Roe who said that they happened to be on FaceTime with Sam’s grandparents and her sister Sandra thought quick enough to record a TV segment run by WEAR (ABC 3) in Pensacola, Florida honoring Sam on the big news (the person “squealing with excitement in the background,” according to Bobbi is her mother, Sam’s grandmother!):

Also this weekend, Seth Stringer  of the Crestview News Bulletin did a very nice article on Sam’s accomplishment titled Niceville’s Sam Roe named top player of 2022.

In the piece, the author writes:

“Roe’s natural position, despite playing shortstop for Niceville and taking some time at the corners for travel ball, is catcher.”

“’It’s my favorite position,’” she said. “’Being able to communicate with the pitchers and the team and making sure everyone is on the same page … I really enjoy defense. It’s one of my favorite parts of the game.’”

“Yet, given the defensive stresses of the position, catchers aren’t typically so sure-handed with the bat. That’s where Roe distances herself with a compact, powerful swing and effortless speed.”

You can read the complete article by clicking on the title or by clicking HERE.

 

*****

Finally, when things quieted down Friday after I spoke the first time with the standout sophomore, I asked her what it’s like being a repeat honoree in such an exclusive club…

What are your thoughts on being ranked again on top the 2022 Extra Elite 100
I am beyond blessed to be ranked #1 in the country. One of the best parts about the rankings is when I get to tell the younger players that I coach about this accomplishment. Their faces light up with excitement and it reminds me that I need to work extremely hard on and off the field for myself and my goals, but also that I need to work as hard as possible for them.

Sam holding three softball she hit for home runs in a game this year.

Do you get recognized at events after being chosen #1 last year?
Because of these rankings I’ve had amazing opportunities to meet new people. Sometimes during tournaments people will come up to me and congratulate me on being ranked #1. I absolutely love getting the chance to talk to parents and players around the ballpark.

Is there pressure in this?
During games there is always going to be a little bit of pressure. I’m fortunate to have a group of amazing teammates that have my back no matter the outcome. We keep each other humble, recognize each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and have a great time playing together. I’m so thankful for my Bolts team.

Do other teams play you differently?
Yes, there are teams during travel and school ball that will pitch around me because they have seen my ranking. My coaches remind me to stay patient in the batter’s box and that I control my at-bats.

Speaking of coaches… who has been instrumental in helping you get to this point?
I would like to add a big thank you to my Bolts Coaches Amanda Robberson, Jay Robberson, Ted Flannery and Josh Hillman, my high school coaches Danny Hensley and Meghan Darhower and my private Scott Hemond.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without y’all. I appreciate everything you guys have done for me!

Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball

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