I often get asked, “how can I get my info to you?” Here’s how! Many players and their parents and coaches don’t know you can get onto the Full Count Softball radar by filling out a Recruit Submission Form which is under the “Recruiting” drop down menu at the top of the home page.  Or you can just click here.

Whether you’re a young player just starting out or one of the top players in your class, like today’s Recruit Spotlight, we’ll hang onto your info and get you in our system!  And BE SURE to provide your stats and recruiting info… as much as you have!

Now, onto a player that will be a strong candidate for the 2016’s Hot 100… and a good example of how to do the Recruit Submission Form the right way!

 

Name: SAMANTHA (“SAMI”) BILLEAUDEAU
High school: Sulphur (La.)
City: Sulphur
State: 
La.
Grad year: 2016
Club: Bullet Softball
Position(s): outfielder/first base
Height: 5-3
 
Stats: 2014 high school and club: hit .395 with .475 on-base percentage, .779 OPS and fielding percentage of 1.000%.
Honors: 

College: Arkansas
Why Arkansas? “I was immediately drawn to Coach (Mike) Larabee. His enthusiasm for the game matched my own. I could see his passion in want to be champions! I mean he really gets into it! And it helped that he was an outfield coach. It’s not often you get to see a coach who shows that much attention to the outfield. I don’t think people realize how key your outfield is to a winning program, but he got it! The program as a whole just motivated me, like every drill, every play was the World Series.”

What is your favorite bat: “Xeno. I like the grip, the way it feels in my hands and the way the ball comes off the bat.”
What bat does your team use? Xeno, Easton
What is your favorite brand of cleats? 
Mizzuno
What is the uniform brand you prefer? Under Armour

And as a bonus to Premium members, we’re running Sami’s full Player Profile posted almost two months ago where she talks about what she wants to do after softball ends and her favorite experience ever on the field…

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Player Profile: Sami Billeaudeau (7/9)

We head down to the Pelican State today to learn more about a talented 2016 lefty outfielder who’s an outstanding student who fell in love with her future SEC home the first time she set foot on campus…

 

Name: SAMI BILLEAUDEAU
Grad Year: 2016
Pos: outfield
High School: Sulphur (La.)
GPA: 4.0
Club: Bullets Softball (Lake Charles, La.)                                      
College: Arkansas

 

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StudentSportsSoftball.com: How did your spring go?
Sami Billeaudeau: My high school season went very well this year. We had a pretty young team with only three seniors, with only two of them starting. We split the District Champs title with last years’ State Champs and had a record of 21-4. We lost in the second round of playoffs to the No. 1 seed going into the State Tournament. Overall, we played together as a team and were able to compete next to some seasoned teams. I am looking forward to next year because we will be a force to be reckoned with.

SSS.com: You can play any of the outfield sports… which do you prefer?
SB: It is a close race between left and center. I like playing left because I have a better view of the batter and I am left-handed so I am able to shift a little towards the middle of the field and not worry so much about the line because of my glove side. But, then there is center, which I like playing because I can lead the outfield, am able to pick up batters’ tendencies and can shift the outfield accordingly.

SSS.com: How do you maintain the balance of school, sports and other areas like being with your family and also having a social life?
SB: I am able to balance athletics, academics, and other areas of my life because I am able to manage my time effectively and, let’s be real, my family is very supportive and keeps me on track. Grades are most important to me and during school on away games, you will always find me doing homework or studying. “Baby steps” is what my Dad always tells me. One thing at a time.

SSS.com: What would you like to do after you’re done playing softball?
SB: I am interested in becoming a doctor because my whole life I have wanted to help people, especially when they are most in need. I think I got that from my Granny. She has always opened up her heart and home for those in need. She has instilled in me to have compassion and consideration for the weak and sick. The area I am interested in is Anesthesia, whether it be in a hospital or in pain management.

SSS.com: Walk us through your recruiting process and commitment to the Univ. of Arkansas…
SB: The first time I saw (Head) Coach (Mike) Larabee was in Maumelle, Ark. at a showcase that my recruiter, Robby Wilson, with NSR (National Scouting Report) had recommended that I attend. I had homecoming on that Saturday night, left at 11:00 pm and my mom drove all night to get me there for Sunday morning. I was immediately drawn to coach Larabee. His enthusiasm for the game matched my own. I could see his passion for the game, I mean he really gets into it! And it helped that he was an outfield coach. It’s not often you get to see a coach who shows that much attention to the outfield. I don’t think people realize how key your outfield is to a winning program, but he got it! I spoke with him for a few minutes after the showcase and he invited me up to one of his camps.

SSS.com: When did the Hogs offer and when did you commit?
SB: I went to his camp this past December we talked a little more. He told me he had a spot for me and told me to go home and think about it. I talked to my recruiter, Robby, about it, and told him that’s where I wanted to be. I went again in January to the Arkansas winter camp and that is when I gave my verbal commitment. I knew before Coach Larabee ever offered me a spot that Arkansas was where I needed to be. The program as a whole just motivated me—it was like every drill, every play was the World Series.

SSS.com: What was it about Arkansas off the field you liked?
SB: I fell in love with U of A’s campus, I mean what’s not to love? It sits in a mountain, it’s beautiful, but their academics is what sold me. They have a high acceptance rate into Medical School.

SSS.com: Was there an “ah ha” moment that hit you confirming Arkansas as your future school?
SB: Oh absolutely, after the first camp I attended. Like I said it’s rare to find an enthusiastic outfield coach.

SSS.com: What was going through your mind when you were giving your commitment?
SB: I was super excited and nervous when I decided to give the verbal commitment. In fact, it was funny, because when we really seriously talked about my offer I had already made up my mind and had a Razorback jersey on underneath my jacket and when he made the real offer I just unzipped my jacket.

SSS.com: How far away is the campus from your home?
SB: The University of Arkansas is a 10-hour drive away from my hometown, but I don’t ever think that was a factor. I have been “independent since the day I was born” as my mom always tells me. And I know friends and family will continue to be very supportive of me.

SSS.com: What about your game would you say is your main strength?
SB: My high school coach has said that my knowledge of the game is one of my strengths.

SSS.com: Looking back on your career, what’s been your favorite softball moment?
SB: Wow, I think that my top memory is when I was 10 or so, we played in Gulfport, Miss. for the Nationals. That’s when I played first base. And we had practiced with a runner on second and ball hit to middle infield, making the throw to first and then me throwing to third to get the runner. Well, sure enough we are in championship game, in ITB and that same situation occurs with one out. Boom, we pull off the play getting the runner out at third and then we are the champions! It was the best feeling ever to have the whole infield execute a play together to get the win!

 

Quick Hitters (short answers)

 

The best thing about softball is:
…. Competition and the life-long friends you meet and have a bond with forever. Softball is like life: work ethic, teamwork, success and failure.

What do you thinks is the No. 1 issue in the world today?
Social Media because “we are a generation of connection rather than conversation.”

Favorite Food:
Grilled Fish.

Least favorite food:
Cauliflower.

Favorite place in the world:
Disney World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter .

Do you have any softball superstitions or rituals on the field?
I always wearing my Saint Christopher Medal and my cross. I also always touch the two sides and middle of my glove before each pitch.

What type of bat do you use?
Xeno.

Describe yourself in one word:
Competitive.

What’s an area you want to improve in?
Speed.

Who’s your hero or someone you look up to most?
My sister, Jeri… She had to work very hard to succeed in college, but never gave up and graduated this past December. She was an example of true dedication.