In today’s Player Profile we look at a Southern California sophomore who can play anywhere on the field and that versatility helped her get the offer she always wanted from her dream school…

Name: STEPHANIE SORIANO
Grad Year: 2016
Pos: P/IF/CF/ Utility
High School: Valley View (Moreno Valley, Calif.)
GPA: 3.67
Club: Power Surge 18 Gold
Honors: helped team finish 33rd at PGF 16U last year, played in Fireworks College Exposure All-Star Game                                        
College: UCLA

***

StudentSportsSoftball.com: You can play almost anywhere on the field, from pitcher to middle infield to outfield… where do you think you’ll be best suited to play in college? 
Stephanie Soriano: I look forward to continuing to play all positions as a utility player.

 

SSS.com: When did UCLA first discover you and start the recruiting process?
SS: UCLA’s interest in me started last year, which was my first year with Power Surge while playing up with the 18Gold team.

 

SSS.com: When did the Bruin coaches offer you and what did they say at the time they liked about your game? 
SS: The UCLA offer was made during an unofficial visit. The coaches stated they liked my versatility and offensive abilities.

 

SSS.com: When did you decide to commit and what were the deciding factors that helped you pick UCLA? 
SS: We made our decision to commit last month. The deciding factors for me were that I could get a great education while playing competitive ball. Location was a deciding factor for my mom and dad.

SSS.com: How did you tell the coaches, in person, on the phone, on an unofficial visit? 
SS: We told the coaches in person that we had decided to accept their offer.

SSS.com: Had you visited other schools to compare or was UCLA the dream school you’ve always wanted to go to? 
SS: Yes, we had visited a couple of campuses. However, attending and playing for UCLA has been a huge dream of mine since I can remember!

 

SSS.com: Your home is not far from Westwood… was distance a major factor in your decision or would you have seriously considered out of state schools? 
SS: UCLA is about an hour to two away, depending on traffic. Yes, I was considering a couple of schools out of state.

SSS.com:  What do you think (or have others said) are your strengths as a softball player? 
SS: I have been told that my versatility and speed are some strengths on the field.

 

SSS.com: What’s been the highlight of your softball career so far? 
SS: Getting invited, meeting the coaches, and receiving the offer from UCLA and, ultimately, being a being part of the Bruin Family.

 

Quick Hitters

 

What do you want to major in? 
Sports medicine.

Off the field, are you more the class clown, the brainiac, the creative type, the shy one of your group or something else? 
I think I am a little bit of each type.

What do you think is the major issue facing your generation today? 
Focus, discipline and determination.

Favorite food: 
I love all food… I love to eat!

Least favorite food:
Cake.

Favorite place in the world:  
Being on the softball diamond.

What type of bat do you use (and why do you like it)? 
The DiMarini CF6. I like the smoothness of a swing it provides.

Tell us what makes you most proud in your life? 
I am most proud of the closeness I have with my family. The way they love and support me through this  journey.

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know?
That I do not like cake-like desserts.

You’re from the Riverside-San Bernardino area… What’s one cool thing you like about being from there? 
My family is here!

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing with you, what would it be? 
My softball bag with food in it.

What’s a favorite phrase or motto you pattern your life after?  
Hakuna Matta, from the Lion King movie.