We’re excited to launch a series of club team profiles as we transition into the summer and over the next few weeks will feature closer looks at elite teams, including those we’ll see at the So Cal Athletics Invitational from June 20-22.

Today, we start with the top 18U team over the last few years, the So Cal A’s led by Coach Bruce Richardson. 

All the A’s have done is win the PGF Premier National Championship the last four years… yea, that’s all.

 

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Club Team: SO CAL ATHLETICS (Calif.)
Head Coach: Bruce Richardson

 

LAST YEAR (2013)

2013 Record: 90 – 12
Key Accomplishments: PGF Champions (“four-peat”)

Top Players Returning:
— C Carlee Wallace (2014, Arizona State)
— P Selina Taamilo (2014, UCLA)
— IF Faith Canfield (2015, Michigan)
— OF Brooke Vines (2015, Tennessee)
— IF Brooke Marquez (2014, Northwestern)

Top Players Lost:
— P Delanie Gourley (2014, graduation)
— SS Mo Mercado (2014, graduation)
— CF Megan Geer (2014, graduation)
— 1B Kaylea Snaer (2014, graduation)

 

THIS YEAR (2014)

StudentSportsSoftball.com: What do you think are the strengths on this year’s team?
Bruce Richardson: We have a good combo of speed and power with a solid core of returning players who just believe in themselves and teammates.

SSS.com: What area(s) concern you or will you be working to improve on this team?
BR: We are always working to improve but I guess our main concern is get a couple of our pitchers back healthy.

SSS.com: Who are 1-2 newcomers you expect to have an impact?
BR: Outfielder Jenna Holcomb, a 2016 Tennessee commit and infielder Mackenzie Boesel, a 2016 South Carolina commit.

SSS.com: Name 1-3 players you think will really emerge and impress this year?
BR: Along with the players above, the following should have an immediate impact:
— 1B Taylor Rowland (2015, Tennessee)
— OF Kennedy Clark (2015, South Carolina)
— IF Nikki Fry (2015, Long Beach State)

SSS.com: What tournaments/events will you be playing this summer?
BR:  Our three main events will be the So Cal Athletics Invitational, Colorado and PGF Nationals.

SSS.com: How do you expect this team to play style-wise?
BR: We will have a combo of power and speed with very good base running Instincts.

 

SO CAL ATHLETICS INVITATIONAL

SSS.com: What is your primary goal in playing in this event?
BR: To play the best competition to prepare us for nationals.

SSS.com: What players/teams are you excited to see or play against?
BR: It is very exciting for us to see other top programs from around the country and not just So Cal teams we play all the time.

SSS.com: What will determine if this is a successful event for you?
BR: For us as host, we want to make sure everyone comes here and has a great time and get what they thought they were getting and as a team just to keep getting better and hopefully to heal some injuries.

 

MISC.

What keeps you coming back as a coach?
BR: The kids and the enjoyment I get from competing.

SSS.com: What would you say has been a highlight of your career?
BR: Winning five national championships (four PGF, 1 ASA) and also seeing so many players having their dreams of going to and playing softball in college come true.

SSS.com: What do you look for in a player you’re considering adding to your team?
BR: We look for players we believe have the right mental approach and are a good fit for what we do.

SSS.com: Finally, who have been some of your former players you’re most proud to say you coached (and why)?
BR: Not going to fall into this question! Let’s just say I believe I have met some of the finest young ladies in this country and its not just about softball.