From August 1-3, 2015, we were able to see 10 of the top hitters in softball on and off the field as part of the Louisville Slugger Hit Club.

The three-day event included activities like an on-field competition, trips to Disneyland and a Dodgers vs. Angels MLB game and hearing from softball dignitaries such as Sue Enquist, Jessica Mendoza plus Jen Schroeder, Katie Schroeder and Morgan Stuart of The Package Deal and renowned sports psychiatrist Ken Ravizza.

The 10 talented players, who graduated high school this summer and are heading off this month to major universities across the country, are all advanced hitters and over the next two weeks we’re going to profile one of these standouts each day (in random order).

We go back out of state to learn more about the 6^th of our 10 athlete profiles. Note how this player got the highest compliment possible from Jessica Mendoza after she hit with her…

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BIO:

Player: REAGAN DYKES
Hometown: Collins, Miss.
Club Team: Birmingham Thunderbolts
College: Alabama
Bio: 1st Team All-State, hit .656 as a senior in high school and behind the plate also threw out 10 runners, opened a lot of eyes and won her spot at the Hit Club when she was on fire this summer including 7 HRs at Boulder IDT

HIT CLUB:

Award: Best All-Around Swing
Roommate: Aubrey Leach (Tennessee)
Favorite event/activity of LS Hit Club & why: “Listening to Sue Enquist, because it was good for me to hear from a successful coach on what she looks for in a freshman and the advice she gave about college.”
One key takeaway you learned/will use: “Know yourself.’”
Funniest person of group: “Amanda Lorenz (Florida).”
Best memory of event: “The ice cream at Disneyland and the fireworks going off during a ride there!”
Hit Club scouting report: Reagan was one of—if not the most—well liked of the players at the Hit Club by her peers. She has a beautiful Southern accent and a dry sense of humor that kept everyone laughing, Just listen to what the others said of her: “She is hilarious and a great person,” said one. “So much fun to be around.” “Her accent is super cool but so is her personality,” said another. “I wish I had more time to get to know her!” “At total goofball,” a third wrote, “but killer on the softball field.” The best compliment given to Reagan came from Jessica Mendoza who told us, “Her swing was so great and she did everything well, there wasn’t anything I could say to help her.” A true slugger who, when she gets in a groove, can hit anything out of the park, Regan is a typical power-hitting catcher/corner infielder and should shine in Alabama’s big bat style of offense

SOFTBALL PERSPECTIVE:

Best high school/club experience:
“In Colorado we were down by a run with a runner on second in the last inning. I’m up and my nose starts bleeding! I called time out, stuck paper in my nose and went back up to the plate and hit a walk-off home run!”

Why did you choose Alabama?
“It has always been my dream to play there, the coaches and atmosphere are like no other.”

What factors led to your choice?
“I have been going to every single camp and I felt like I could be myself around the coaches.”

Advice to young players/recruits:
“Listen to your elders and give 100 percent of what you have.”

Best advice you’ve been given:
“Sue’s triangle of hard work, staying positive and being grateful.”

Thing looking forward to most in college:
“Creating friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Aspect of college that worries you/you’re nervous about:
“Making time for school, softball and a social life.”

What do you want to do after softball ends?
“I want to become a PA and work with young kids.”

What part of your game do you do best? And want to work on?
“I’m good at recognizing pitches and putting the ball into play. I want to improve on (hitting) the low outside pitching.”

Looking back on your softball career to this point, what stands out?
“All the work my parents put into my life so I could have the chance to go where I wanted.”

Finally, describe yourself in one word:
“Competitive.”