I had long heard talk of a phenomenal fielding shortstop from Arizona in the 2018 class, but when I saw the video (see below) of her in action I was amazed at how smooth and fluid she is with a quick release.

She is, simply, one of the best defensive players I’ve seen at any level in the club/high school space.

Her name is Grace Lyons and the freshman from O’Connor High School in Phoenix, Ariz. who plays for Jeff Hinkle’s Firecrackers-AZ club team has an unusual background: she was born in Germany as her father, John, has been an F-16 pilot in the Air Force for 20 years.

Grace, who is not too shabby offensively, either, as she’s hitting .468 through 21 games at the high school level, is committed to Oklahoma.

In this short Q&A you’ll learn more about her including how she got her start in another sport…

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FullCountSoftball.com: You have an interesting background that may explain why you’re such a smooth shortstop: you played baseball before softball. Tell us about your baseball history…
Grace Lyons: I started playing baseball in Arizona when I was four years old in tee-ball.  I loved the sport and continued to play baseball during our Air Force moves to Ohio, Virginia, and then back to Arizona. I had excellent coaches at all levels who focused more on fundamentals over wins and losses.  I also really liked the competitive atmosphere of the baseball world and enjoyed becoming a student of the game.

FCS.com: How do you think playing baseball prepared you for softball?
GL: I definitely think that it has given me an advantage in understanding the game and having the skills that come with it. I am very fortunate to have been coached by an ex-MLB shortstop, Damion Easley.  He helped me develop solid footwork and the mental side of the game. Because softball is a much faster game, I have had to use all of these skills during my transition to softball.

FCS.com: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make switching sports… was it hitting? Reaction time on defense? Something else?
GL: Definitely the offensive part for the game was a struggle: recognizing the movement of pitches and the speed from down low rather than up high, the distance of the pitcher, etc.

FCS.com: If you’re scouting yourself, what would you list as your top strengths and areas you want to work on?
GL: I feel that I can continue to work on my offensive game the most including my mental approach and swing. I need to be more aggressive at the plate and not worry about the mechanics when I’m up to bat. I think that my defense is very strong. I have a very strong arm, which helps me make difficult plays in the hole.

FCS.com: Tell us about the recruiting process with Oklahoma… how did they find you? When were you offered?
GL: Coming into an early recruiting sport, there was much conversation about players committing to colleges quickly.  My parents and I decided to take it very slowly so I could find my perfect match.   I enjoyed a full year of showcase tournaments with the Firecrackers and spent time visiting college campuses during my 8th grade school year.   I started narrowing my focus during the fall of my freshman year and after visiting University of Oklahoma for the third time, I knew it was the perfect match for me and my family.

FCS.com: There are some great schools in your backyard and throughout the West… what made you interested in looking East to Oklahoma vs. looking West (deciding factors)?
GL: Having been raised in an Air Force family, I am used to moving around the country and I was open to going to college outside of Arizona. The fact that Oklahoma was further away didn’t have an impact on my decision. The Norman, Okla. campus and Coach (Patty) Gasso‘s softball program was exactly what I was looking for!

FCS.com: What advice would you give a young girl coming up who may go through the recruiting process?
GL: I would encourage girls going through the recruiting process to enjoy every moment, take it slowly, and make sure they educate themselves on all the different types of colleges and open their minds to different parts of the country before making a decision. All schools have unique opportunities and you will be able to find one that is perfect for you!

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Video: Grace in action

Thanks to Eric Williams of Williams Sports Video for this video showing Grace in action from an Advanced Fastpitch Training camp from a year and a half ago…