Today we head back to Big Ten country to profile a new, but talented team in Iowa and profile a player from the South who has some stats you won’t believe.  Also, we get an injury update from the player herself and hear from a recruit who’s headed East in part because she wants to be connected to Washington D.C…

 

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CLUB PROFILE: IOWA PREMIER GOLD

As we’ve detailed in earlier articles on Iowa club teams and players, it’s a difficult state to get exposure only because the high school softball season runs late into the summer and keeps many players from playing a lot of club ball.

Still, there is definitely talent in the Hawkeye State and with the emergence of a fast-rising program like Iowa Premier Gold, it only makes it that much easier for players to get noticed.

The team is about as new as you’ll find a club team—it just started last month (November, 2013).

Greg Dickel was the co-owner and director of I-CLUB Softball based in Des Moines and says, “A decision was made to sever my ownership in I-CLUB after our fall season was completed and Iowa Premier Fastpitch was created immediately after my separation.”

The new club organization will encompass five travel ball teams covering the ages of 12U to 18U and, according to Dickel, will draw players from “all four corners of the state and in between.  Only 35 percent of our players are based in the Des Moines area, the remaining makeup of our players come from all over the state with one player driving in from South Dakota.”

The club owner and coach explains the purpose of the team is focused on the middle name of the organization: “Premier.”

“The goal is to be the best  competitive fastpitch softball club in the state,” Dickel continues.  “Our main focus is creating opportunities for our players to be showcased to college coaches.  Our other primary focus is to produce and display championship caliber teams at each of our age divisions.”

He says that skill development will concentrate on make good players great ones.

“We will concentrate on taking above average players to a level where they are evaluated as ‘very good’ to ‘elite level’ athletes.”

Dickel knows it’s difficult in Iowa to get the attention that programs in higher population areas get, but he hopes to build high-caliber teams that can compete with anyone, anywhere.

“Iowa girls fastpitch players are not short on talent,” he believes, “just short on opportunities.  This situation is fueled by the state playing its high school softball season during the summer months of May thru mid July which causes these players to miss out on many high level events held during the summer throughout the country.”

“Our goal is to bring all of the top players together on the same teams and, with the high level coaches we have here, do something special for Iowa girls softball—mainly at a national level event at summer’s end, then at an intense pace through the fall months of late August through mid-November at the top college showcase events throughout the country during that time.”

As a brand new team just weeks old, there’s obviously not a history of event victories or tournament wins, but the heritage of the programs Dickel has been with is impressive.

His I-CLUB Black Team was the defending USSSA State Champion at 18U-A for Iowa in 2012-13 and was also the 2012 ASA/USA Midwest Championship winner.

Dickel also led the Iowa Rebels Black team to the 2011 USSSA 15U National Championship and a third place finish at Nationals at the 14U level in 2012.

“Many of those players on those teams have followed me and my coaches to our new endeavor with Iowa Premier Fastpitch,” he states.

Dickel has been coaching competitive girls softball for the past decade including the formation of the Iowa Rebels Softball Club in 2009.  It ran until 2011 and each team in the club won a USSSA State Championship each year and also had three top four finishes at Nationals including the 2011 15U National Title.

“A decision was made for me to merge the Iowa Rebels with I-CLUB Softball in late 2011,” the Iowa coach continues.  “This was done with the intent to build both clubs into one super club, which we believed would benefit the players in increasing their college exposure.  It was very successful from 2011 to October of 2013 and I, and my former partner, simply decided after this fall to go in different directions with different visions.

If that wasn’t enough on his plate, Dickel is also the current State Director for Premier Girls Fastpitch for both Iowa and Nebraska, sits on the National Recruiting Committee for the NFCA as a travel ball rep and has been a guest author for the NFCA’s Fastpitch Delivery Publication.

“We have assisted over 60 players in their quest to obtain college scholarship opportunities the past four years,” he says.

With all the past successes and promise of the future, Dickel says there’s another aspect he’s proud of relating to the Iowa Premier program.

“Our Club, with all of its focus on the higher level of this industry, is a non-profit organization, which is something you don’t see often anymore in this business.”

“For us, it’s about the players and their success—plain and simple.”

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Here’s a player-by-player look at the Iowa Premier Gold team with comments by Coach Greg Dickel.

— P/OF Bailey Lange (2015, uncommitted)
“Bailey is ranked by many as one of best two or three pitchers in South Dakota. She plays with our program in the spring and fall and will play with her local South Dakota Fusion Team in the summer. A left-handed pitcher, she can really move the ball and has excellent command of her pitches. A great athlete, she starts in the outfield for us when not pitching.”

— 1B/P Donirae Mayhew (2016, uncommitted)
“Donirae is an imposing figure at the plate and is a dangerous power hitter.  She leads by example with her play and is a very consistent hitter. Donirae is part of the 2016 class for us that is being heavily recruited by college coaches from around the country.”

— 3B/P Mallory Kilian (2015, Northern Iowa)
“Mallory is one of the best female multi-sport athletes in Iowa. She’s a tall, imposing figure on the mound and brings a competitive, aggressive approach to the game. Mallory has been with the program for three years and is an impact player every time she takes the field.”

— C/1B Kendyl Lindaman 2016, uncommitted)
“Kendyl is one of the top catching prospects in the nation for the Class of 2016. Nearly every Big Ten School has recruited her. She is an imposing, physical specimen and was the Class 5A Player of the Year in Iowa as a freshman. Kendyl tied the national high school home run record for a season with 24 in 2013. She has played for this program since age 12 and in 2011, as a 12 year old, she didn’t  strikeout as a leadoff hitter for her team in 124 games played at the 14U-A Division. Kendyl was also a member of the team that won the USSSA 15U National Championship that season. She may go down as the best player to ever play for this program and is certainly one of the best to ever play from the state of Iowa.”

— P Rachel Smith (2015, uncommitted)
“Rachel is considered one of the top pitchers in Iowa as she has recorded over 300 strikeouts in each of the past two seasons at the high school level. She has been with our program for since age 11 and is one of the best competitors I’ve coached.”

— P/1B Jaclyn Spencer (2016, Northern Iowa)
“Jaclyn just recently verbally committed to play for Northern Iowa and is considered one of the best left handed bats in Iowa. She’s a versatile athlete who plays multiple sports in high school for Waterloo West and is part of an exceptional 2016 class for Iowa Premier Gold. Jaclyn is also the younger sister of Jayden Spencer at Alabama.”

— 3B/OF Alyssa Wiebel (2016, uncommitted)
“Alyssa is a superb athlete who’s probably the most recruited 2016 player in the state behind Kendyl Lindaman.  She was ranked as the 33rd best overall prospect in the United States for 2016 by Scout Softball and she and Lindaman were the only Midwest invitees to the University of Arizona’s Elite Prospect Camp where she hit four home runs in the scrimmages. Alyssa is also a highly rated basketball player and Rivals.com ranked her as the top off guard in Iowa for the Class of 2016. She has chosen, however, to play softball in college.”

— C/3B Alexis Kelsey (2015, uncommitted)
“Alexis is probably the top hitter in Iowa for the 2015 class.  She hit 10 home runs in high school in 2013 and added an additional nine in the fall during the showcase season. Alexis is one of the most instinctive players I’ve ever coached. She loves to play the game and is outstanding defensively as well. I’d say she is one of the most driven players we’ve had in this program. Alexis will play for Nebraska Gold 18’s this summer, which one of the top-rated travel teams in the Midwest.”

— OF Gabby Scherle (2015, uncommitted)
“Gabby is one of the fastest left-handed slappers in Iowa as she runs a legit 2.65 out of the box. She has perfected her slapping ability with a lot of hard work in practice and private instruction and her trade-mark is the one-handed drag bunt. Gabby is also a vocal team leader on the field.”

— 2B/3B Sam Nicholson (2014, Northern Iowa)
“Sam has been an Iowa Premier Gold member since age 12. She is one of the top rated players in Iowa as a power-hitting middle infielder. She has hit over 30 home runs in her travel ball career and is a three-time All State selection for Winterset, Ia.  Sam is outstanding defensively as well and is the complete package in a player. She was also a Scout Softball National All- American Selection in 2012.”

— SS/3B Emily Wilson (2015, uncommitted)
“Emily is a superb athlete who plays the game at a high level in all facets. She always has a great attitude and was named the Captain of the All-Tournament Team at the 2013 Iowa High School State Championships where she led her Bondurant-Farrar High School team to a state title. Showcasing her strength, Emily has won the Female Arm Wrestling Championships at the Iowa State Fair the past three years. She has played for this program since age 13.”

— 2B Paige Dickel (2014, Central College)
“Paige is considered by many as one of the best defensive infielders in Iowa. She was as a Triple Crown National All-Star selection at 2B in 2011-12. A National Honors Student, she was also a National High School Academic Achievement Award winner.”

— OF Abbie Decker (2015, uncommitted)
“Abbie is a great athlete who can play many positions well. She was all-conference this past year in Iowa.”

 

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RECRUIT PROFILE: DARBY BISHOP

Grad Year: 2015
Pos: pitcher/third base
High School: Newton County (Decatur, Miss.)
Club: OC Batbusters-Castanedo (Miss.)
Stats: 2013: 23-0 as a pitcher hit .515; started varsity as a seventh grader, in four years has never struck out
Honors: All-State (three years), Class 4A Player of the Year, Clarion Ledger All-State

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StudentSportsSoftball.com: The stat about never striking out is very interesting, how many at bats would you estimate that is?
Darby Bishop: In four years of varsity, it’s been 355 at bats.

StudentSportsSoftball.com: It’s interesting that you started varsity in seventh grade and were going against girls up to five years older than you… what was that like, intimidating?
DB: I didn’t feel intimidated at all because of my travel ball background.  I wanted to prove that I could play with the juniors and seniors.

SSS.com: The stat that’s amazing is you haven’t struck out in four years of high school ball… What’s your approach, are you an early ball hitter?  What is your plan when you have two strikes in the count?
DB: I attack the ball early and use my hands later in the count.  I let the ball travel and pick up the spin.  I try to take the ball the other way with two strikes.

SSS.com: Where are you in the recruiting process, are you close to committing or still weighing options?
DB: I am close to committing but at this point I want to weigh all my options.

SSS.com: Being on a travel team that plays outside the state, how would you compare softball in Mississippi to elsewhere in the country?
DB: We are closing the gap rapidly.  We have more and more teams that are playing in other states and the big exposure tournaments.  It is a respect thing.  We can compete with the best teams; we just have to get over the hump mentally.

SSS.com: Do you see yourself as being a pitcher only in college, pitching and playing another position (to hit), or being perhaps at third only?
DB: I will play whatever position which will help my college team to be successful.

SSS.com:  What do you think (or have others said) are your strengths as a softball player?
DB: My quick hands and my ability to hit the ball to the opposite field.  I lead my team by example by putting in hard work on and off the field on a daily basis.

SSS.com: What’s been a top memory or two for you in your softball career?
DB: Winning two state championships so far in high school and having an undefeated pitching record my sophomore year.

 

Quick Hitters

 

What do you want to do as an occupation?
Elementary Education Teacher.

Fill in the blank… you know I’m serious when…..
I get quiet and stop talking.

What makes you most proud to say you’re from Mississippi? 
The food, no doubt!

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know? 
I talk in my sleep.

What is the best thing about softball, in your opinion?
The competition, meeting new people and getting to travel. 

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?
I ran off the field thinking it was three outs and it was only two outs and I slipped and fell. 

The Holidays are fast approaching, are you hopping you’ll find under the Christmas tree this year? 
Seat covers for my Jeep.

Favorite movie: 
Courageous.

Least favorite thing in people: 
When they talk about people behind their back.

 

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RECRUITING PROFILES:

Name: MARINA VITALICH
High school: Mary Star of the Sea
City: San Pedro
State: 
Calif.
Grad year: 2015
Club: Firecrackers-Clarke Gold
Position(s):  P/1B
College: George Mason
Honors: 1^st team All-State (Medium/Small Schools) by CalHiSports; All-CIF Southern Section (2013, 2013). In 2013, led Mary Star to its first-ever CIF final game and a fifth place finish in the state by CalHiSports.com. She has pitched in the ASA, Triple Crown Sports and PGF Nationals.
Why George Mason? “I wanted to attend a high academic school outside of California. George Mason is a pipeline to Washington DC and high paying careers. Their campus and business program are solid. Coach (Joe) Verbanic began recruiting me in 2012 while I was pitching in Texas. He and I developed a strong rapport and when I visited the school, I knew it was the right fit.”

 

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PLAYER UPDATE:  KWYNN WARNER

Last week we did a player profile on Kwynne Warner from Norco, Calif., who’s a 2015 2B/OF for the OC Batbusters-Haning team and the only one on the prestigious squad to not be committed.

Kwynne, who carries a 3.8 GPA, has been out of action with an injury she suffered in her very first game of her sophomore season last spring and writes to update us on her progress…

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“My rehab is coming along really well, I see my physical therapist three times a week, plus I have “homework” to do on my “off” days.  Since my injury, I have continued softball activities throughout.  I was throwing and doing hitting drills from a bucket for five months.  I have been playing regular catch for a few months now and was just cleared to hit off a tee about three weeks ago.”

“I attend every team function (games, practices, etc.) and I really have a different outlook on things now!  I still have two great offers, but am going to wait until this summer to make my decision.  There are a lot of schools out there that are waiting to watch me play once I return.”

“Here is some information that I have shared with college coaches:”

“As you may know, I had an ACL injury in my first high school game of the season this year (2013) (Norco High School – CIF Division 1 Finalist this year).  I had knee surgery this May, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache who is named a “Super Surgeon” and one of the Top Sports Medicine Specialists in the country by Baseball Prospectus.  He is also the head team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers.”

“Dr. ElAttrache has also performed ACL surgery on Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and more recently, surgeries on Zack Greinke (Los Angeles Dodgers), Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), and Roy Halladay (Philadelphia Phillies) to name a few.”

“I have been hitting physical therapy very hard, also with some of the very best, Dr. Joan Boesel who is a PT to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Kate Grace out of San Diego.”

“Two days before Christmas, I will be seeing Dr. Chris Powers who is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on knee injuries; in particular the ACL. Dr. Powers will be focusing on my “musculoskeletal biomechanics” to ensure that my legs return better than they were before my injury.”

“As you can imagine, I am very eager to get back on the playing field.  My full return is scheduled for some time between January and February of 2014.”

“Thank you so much.”

Respectfully,

Kwynn Warner #22

 

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RECRUITING NEWS

*** Kevin Shelton, head of the Texas Glory organization, writes to say:

“Brittany Jackson has committed to Kansas. Brit is a super speedy outfielder and a freshman (2017) at Mansfield Lake Ridge High School. Shhe’ll join a talented group of Glory alum after graduation. She plays on our 16U Glory (Ed Naudin) squad.”

 

*** More verbals:

— C Lynnsie Elam (2017, Oklahoma)… plays for the Oklahoma Twisters
— P Abby Evans (2015, Florida State)… plays for the Atlanta Vipers-Berry/Jennings
— OF Karli Hamilton (2015, Texas Tech)… plays for the Aces Express
— 1B Kylee Love (2016, Georgia State)… plays for the Georgia Outlaws
— OF/UT Kayla Baker (2014, Western Kentucky)… plays for the Nashville Cruisers

 

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Players, parents and coaches:  want to know the best way to get us info on your favorite player?  Fill out our Recruit Form link and complete.  It comes directly to me (Brentt) and you very likely could see the info used somewhere on our site!

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If you’d like to submit information, forward to brentt@studentsports.com.  Also, follow us on twitter at @SS_Softball.