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 head to the Midwest today to spotlight the MVP of the Hit Club and we’ll explain how she got top honors below…

 ***

BIO:

Player: ALEX SOBCZAK
Hometown: Bloomfield, Mich.
Club Team: Michigan Finesse
College: Michigan
Bio: FloSoftball 1st Team All-American, honored as Michigan’s “Miss Softball,” had a .525 career batting average with 40 home runs, earned 18 intentional walks this year, at the USA Softball JO Cup had an on-base percentage of .500 in five games.

HIT CLUB:

Award: MVP

Roommate: Shay Knighten (Oklahoma)
Favorite event/activity of LS Hit Club & why: “Listening to Ken (Ravizza) was my favorite activity because I learned from someone who has worked with the greatest hitters on how to approach the bat every at-bat.”
One key takeaway you learned/will use: “Breath control leads to body control leads to bat control.’”
Funniest person of group: “Reagan Dykes (Alabama)
Best memory of event: “Having batting practice with not only one of the best softball players of all time (Jessica Mendoza), but also with nine of the biggest future players in the game.”

Hit Club scouting report: Alex wasn’t as well known as some of the other national standout players heading into the summer but her club coach, Donny Dreher, was her biggest advocate in advising the player personnel committee to watch her in action. The Michigan native shined in games at the Boulder IDT and the DeMarini Invitational Showcase including some games where she went 4-for-4. What become apparent about Alex is her studious approach at the plate as she analyzes the pitcher and then looks for her pitch to hit, usually successfully. At the Hit Club, the Wolverine signee won the Competition with the most points thanks to winning the bunt accuracy drill, tying for first in the home run derby and finishing third in the Zepp bat speed analysis (hers was 79 mph). A catcher/third baseman, what was surprising to many was that she came in third in the home-to-first with a 2.69 timing. Well liked by her fellow players, some of the descriptions of her were: “funny, outgoing and just a great person,” “really talented” along with “kind, funny and down to earth.” A leader with Derek Jeter-like charisma, she shines on and off the field and to demonstrate the type of person she is, on the last day every player was asked to pick two fellow Hit Clubbers and write what was impressive about each. Every player did what was asked, strong and positive feedback on their peers, but Alex went above what was asked and wrote glowing compliments about all nine of her fellow players. That approach, along with her abilities on the field, is what earned her MVP honors for the 2015 Louisville Slugger Hit Club.

SOFTBALL PERSPECTIVE:

Best high school/club experience: 

“Getting to pitch an inning… my ERA is 0.00!”

Why did you choose Michigan?
“Because the coaches—Hutch (Carol Hutchins), Bonny (Tholl) and Jen (Brundage)—are all tremendous coaches in my eyes and the best staff the game has to offer.”

What factors led to your choice?
“I chose Michigan because of the competitive academics and softball.”

Advice to young players/recruits:
“Let the game humble you because that’s when you will truly appreciate and love the sport for its ups and downs.”

Best advice you’ve been given:
“Confidence is fragile… one at-bat, series or even season does not define you.”

Thing looking forward to most in college:
“Meeting my second family and exploring my dreams.”

Aspect of college that worries you/you’re nervous about:
“Not being able to balance good grades and growing as a player.”

What do you want to do after softball ends?
“I want to receive a medical background and do mission work in South Africa.”

What part of your game do you do best? And want to work on?
“I would say I’m very good at predicting what a pitcher will throw me and calling pitches, but I need to work on the mental aspect of the game.”

Looking back on your softball career to this point, what stands out?
“The friends I’ve met and memories I’ve shared. These girls (my teammates) are the best role models I could ask for.”

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