For the second year in a row, 10 top batters from across the nation will enjoy a three-day experience of a lifetime as they'll participate in the Louisville Slugger Hit Club which had partnered with PGF and will take place in Huntington Beach, California.

FloSoftball is excited to be the media platform for all things Hit Club and we'll have more details in next few weeks including the announcement of the players who will get to benefit from on-field and off-the-field activities.

Last year's inaugural class included Shay Knighten of the National Champion Oklahoma Sooners and NCAA Div. I Freshman of the Year Amanda Lorenz with the Florida Gators.

Who will be next year's standout freshman player who could win All-American honors or even win a National Championship?

So far, here's who has been announced in the exclusive group of 10 in the Hit Club:

• Elissa Brown (Birmingham Thunderbolts)--University of Alabama
• Nicole "Sis" Bates (Firecrackers-Rico)--University of Washington
• Nicole Mendes  (Diamond Sports Hotshots)--University of Oklahoma
• Hannah Edwards (PA Chaos)--University of Pittsburgh
• Mackenzie Boesel (So Cal A's-Richardson)--University of South Carolina

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THE NEWEST HIT CLUB PLAYER IS…

Player:   KAYLA KONWENT

Hometown: Salem, Wisconsin  


Club Team: Illinois Gold Chill

College: University of Wisconsin

Position(s): C/3B/1B

Top Honors/Stats:  PGF All-American, ranked No. 19 in FloSports 2016 Hot 100, two-time FloSoftball High School All-American (2016, 2015), two-time Gatorade Player of the Year (2016, 2015), two-time Wisconsin Division I Player of the Year (2015, 2014),  four-time All-State, All-County and All-District (2013-2016), state home run record (21) set in 2015, member of 2013 and 2015 Division 1 State Champs, 2014 Division 1 runner ups, hit 50 home runs during high school career and walked 135 times.  

A CLOSER LOOK…

Best high school/club experience ever: 
I am fortunate to have many great experiences during my high school years.  A couple of the best experiences include when our high school team won state my freshman year and my hitting 21 home runs my junior year.  

Why did you choose the Badgers?  
I chose Wisconsin because I will receive an excellent education; my planned major is business and Wisconsin is known for having a top-notch business program.    I wanted to attend a school that competes at a high level and where I could make a positive impact.  Finally, it was important for me to be close to home.  I am fortunate to have found all of these at Wisconsin.  I am also proud to be playing for my home state!  

What key factors led into the decision? 
How close I am to my mom played a factor and Wisconsin had the major I was interested in.   Even though it is a large school, I still feel at home there.  

What's the funniest thing you've seen happen on a softball field? 
I wouldn't say it is something that I've seen, but I like to tell Laffy Taffy jokes to keep everyone loose on the field!

Best movie you've seen in the last year or two? 
McFarland USA.

What's playing in your earbuds right now? 
Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw.  It is my favorite song and my motto to live by.

Best advice to young players/recruits:  
Always work your hardest, whether it's with your team or when no one else is looking, but, most importantly, have fun!

Your philosophy or approach to life… 
Always be humble and work your hardest.

Fill in the blank: you won't ever catch me__________________________ 
… slacking.

What do you want to do after softball ends? 
I'm not sure yet.  I may want to play in one of the pro leagues or maybe compete in the Olympics (can always dream)!   I would like to work with the Special Olympics and pursue my business career.  

What is your approach to hitting?   
Relax, focus and have fun.  And practice, practice, practice!

What's something about you unique or unusual that most don't know? 
Probably that I can squat 375 pounds and dead lift 435 pounds.

Do you have any superstitions or rituals around softball? 
I put everything left on first (socks, pant leg, batting gloves, etc.).  If I have a game first thing in the morning, I sleep with my uniform top and sliding shorts on.

Other than family, who's a hero or someone you greatly look up to? 
Sierra Romero because she is an amazing hitter and she is a legend in the Big Ten.  I strive to be like that someday.

Finally, describe yourself in one word on the field… and off the field: 
Hardworking!