We had barely put her profile up this week as we were going through the 2017 Hot 100 list when the news came out that one of the top pitchers in the country had pulled the trigger and committed to UCLA.

That sophomore standout is Holly Azevedo who attends Pioneer High School in San Jose, Calif. and plays for the Sorcerer Gold travel team.

Holly had a huge year in 2014, going 19-3 in the circle with a 0.83 ERA and 198 K’s in 151 innings, leading her team to the Central Coast Section championship game.

Playing for Bill Schroll’s 14U team two years ago, she led the Sorcerers to a 3^rd place finish at PGF Nationals and is entering her second year playing for 18U Gold led by Pete Aguayo

“Holly’s abilities to move the ball and change speeds will tax any batter’s abilities,” says Coach Aguayo. “She is the ace of the Gold team and is already a veteran having faced the best hitters in the game.”

Here’s what she had to say about making her verbal to UCLA official this week…

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FullCountSoftball.com: When did UCLA first find about you?
Holly Azevedo: When I was playing with the Sorcerer 14U team.

FCS.com: When did you first realize the Bruins were following you?
HA: Honestly, they came all of the time to follow other commits and soon to be commits, so they got to see plenty of me just by default!

FCS.com: Where were you when the UCLA offer first came to your attention?
HA: In person, in Coach (Kelly) Inouye-Perez‘s office.

FCS.com: Was UCLA always the clear favorite or did you check out other schools?
HA: UCLA was always a favorite. There were many other great schools I was also interested in. I have spent well over a year trying to make my final decision and it has been one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I feel great that I made my decision and I know it is the right one.

FCS.com: Did you have an “aha” moment that it was definitely Westwood-bound for you!
HA: Not really, I just had clear moment when I knew where I wanted to be and that it was the right fit.

FCS.com: How many times have you been to the campus?
HA: Four times. Coach Perez, Coach (Lisa) Fernandez and Coach (Kirk) Walker have been so great to make their schedules work.

FCS.com: what’s it like getting to be recruiting by, and now getting to play for, one of the greats in softball history in Lisa Fernandez?
HA: Her history is epic—the feeling is so exciting! I looked at the new softball “alumni” famed history interactive display today and was humbled. Coach Fernandez is one of the all-time greats, she’s very, very special. She is so genuine, approachable and feisty! I love that! I look forward to her helping me become the very best athlete and pitcher I can be.

FCS.com: What was the moment like when you told UCLA you were making it official, that you were committing?
HA: My dad was being so eloquent and I just blurted out “I want to be a Bruin!” Then we all celebrated and hugged.

FCS.com: What were your emotions as you told them?
HA: Excited and ready to commit!

FCS.com: What were the deciding factors that made UCLA the school for you?
HA: Amazing education, amazing coaches, championship softball, beautiful campus and I could go on and on…

FCS.com: Finally, what advice would you give young players going through the recruiting process?
HA: Take your time and think it through–it is a life-long decision!