By a strange twist of fate, we profile a Georgia club team which has made waves at every level it’s played and then we profile an SEC-bound pitcher from Minnesota who happens to play for that very same organization.  We have big news in that a top 2014 pitcher will stay instate to play and we have 20 more verbals we list today!

 

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CLUB PROFILE: GEORGIA IMPACT – LEWIS 14U

One of the top club organizations in the country from top to bottom has to be the Georgia Impact Fastpitch Organization.

Last year (2013), five of the teams in the system finished fifth or higher in ASA and PGF Nationals and 10 of the 11 total squads qualified for one of those two championship tournaments.

Here’s a rundown of how each team fared:

10U      2003 team           ASA 33rd Place    Georgia Impact – Neal
10U      2002 team           ASA 3rd Place       Georgia Impact – Newland
12U      2001 team           ASA 65th Place    Georgia Impact – Martin
12U      2000 team           ASA 3rd Place       Georgia Impact – Lewis
14U      1999 team           ASA 5th Place       Georgia Impact – Jeffreys
14U      1998 team           ASA 33rd Place    Georgia Impact – Gibson
14U      1998 team          PGF 33^rd place     Georgia Impact – Daniels
16U      1997 team           PGF 5th Place       Georgia Impact – Bass
16U      1996 team           PGF 5th Place       Georgia Impact – Medlam
18U     Gold                       PGF 65th Place    Georgia Impact – Pauly

Today, we’re spotlighting the Georgia Impact-Lewis 14U team coached by Patrick Lewis which is coming off of a third place finish at 12U ASA Nationals in Chattanooga, Tenn. after tying for 9th at 12U ASA Nationals as a first year team the year before in Moline, Ill.

Lewis has been with the Impact for four years and prior to that had his own organization called the Diamondbacks.

“My Dad also coached softball for over 15 years and I helped him for several years before I started my own organization,” he explains.

One aspect of the Impact organization that makes it different than most is its structure:  set up as an association of coaches who play under the name “The Georgia Impact Fastpitch Organization,” each team is proprietary and runs itself.

“Our member teams do not pay participating fees or dues to an organization,” explains Lewis.   “As an association of coaches, each coach is bound by an organizational code of conduct and agrees to The Georgia Impact Mission statement:  “To develop, advance and promote young ladies in competitive softball through a Christian-based association.”

While each team may operate autonomously, allowing for flexibility and quick action, the Georgia Impact organization is the conduit for everything from media relations and vendor procurement to collegiate placement.

Will Tomasello started the Georgia Impact Fastpitch Organization in 2003 with just one 12U team but with a strong talent base in the Metro Atlanta area was able to quickly add teams at every age level

One of those was the Impact-Lewis team, which had its first success as a 10U team finishing tied for 17^th at the ASA Nationals in Johnson City, Tenn.

“Being part of that ASA Nationals event fueled the fire and we went to work to get ready for the jump to 12U,” says Coach Lewis.  “We knew that we wanted to compete at the highest level and decided to test the girls by playing the most aggressive schedule we could play against the best teams we could find.”

“Although we took some lumps along the way, this strategy really paid off and by the summer of 2012 these ladies felt like they could play with the older girls and compete.”

Lewis has been able to keep several players from that 10U program on his team and believes, “the low turnover of our roster in recent seasons has been a key to our success.”

According to Lewis, the moment that may have put this group of girls on the national map occurred in 2012.

“We dropped an early bracket game,” he remembers, “but rebounded to win eight consecutive games in the loser’s bracket with no breaks to play for the championship. The girls played from 7 a.m. until well after midnight in the Texas heat to finish second and that tournament really defined our season.”

“In my opinion the trip to Texas jump-started our 2012 season,” Lewis continues, “and put the team on the National map. We travelled 10 hours to Longview (Texas) to play some of the best competition in the state as well as the defending ASA 10U National Champion, Team Watley.”

“The girls were playing good ball, but we found ourselves in the loser’s bracket very early after dropping a close decision to a team from Florida. At that point we really saw the fight and spirit that these girls have. They regrouped and took each game one at a time to win the next eight games in a row (without a break) against strong teams from Texas and Kentucky.”

“It was hot, the girls were exhausted and sunburned and most, if not at all, had blisters on their feet from playing all day without a break. When a game ended they would look like they were done, but as soon as they took the field for another game they came together as a team and fought for each other. It was a special day and without a doubt one they will never forget.”

“There was a buzz in the park about this team from Georgia. The softball community back home was pulling hard for us and we used that to motivate the girls. They knew they were representing Georgia softball and they did their state very proud that day. We finished second, but went toe-to-toe with the best 2000 team from California and we knew from that point on these girls belonged.”

Later that summer of 2012, the Georgia Impact-Lewis team was the only 2000 team from Georgia to qualify for ASA Nationals and battled through the best of the Georgia ’99 and ‘00 teams to finish second at ASA State. They also won the USFA 12U State tournament that year and when they got to Moline, Ill. for Nationals, history repeated itself.

“We dropped the very first bracket game to fall into the loser’s bracket,” he reflects.  “Obviously the girls had been through this situation before and they showed their fight again to win five games in the loser’s bracket to finish tied for ninth in a field of 83 mostly older teams. Those two experiences of battling back after falling behind early really showed me that this group of girls has a tremendous amount of determination and will to win.”

Last year, the young team was no longer a secret and had a target on its back.

“The 2012-13 season was a different year for the girls as they were no longer the younger team in the underdog role,” begins their coach.  “They were the team everyone wanted to beat in Georgia and everybody came to the park looking to knock us off.”

“Early in the year we struggled a little bit in the new role, but by the end of the year the players were once again proving they were battle-tested and ready for a run at Nationals. We qualified and travelled to Oklahoma City for the Hall of Fame tournament where we took third and also spent time there picking up trash and helping clean up the devastation of Moore, Okla. shortly after the tornadoes. That was truly an eye opening experience for the team.”

The Georgia Impact-Lewis team would go on to win the Georgia ASA State tournament and then travelled to Chattanooga, Tenn. for ASA Nationals. They were invited to play a couple of games in the stadium at the University of Tennessee prior to Nationals and were one of the favorites going in.

“We finished third at 12U Nationals this past year,” the coach states, “and went 71-11-1, but for this group of ladies that really felt like a disappointment. That third place finish will make them hungry to get back to Nationals next year in California and compete against the best teams again.”

 

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Here’s a player-by-player look at the Georgia Impact-Lewis 14U team with comments by Head Coach Patrick Lewis:

— P/IF Madalyn Billings (2018, uncommitted)
“Madalyn pitches for us and plays a strong third base. She’s already throwing in the upper 50’s and is nearing 60 mph as an eighth grader.  Madalyn spins the ball very well too. At the plate she uses all parts of the field well and has good power. She plays an aggressive third base and has great field awareness.”

— P/IF Logan Caymol (2018, uncommitted)
“Logan pitches for us and plays first base. She has the perfect frame for a pitcher and the first thing you notice is she’s six feet tall and only 13! She moves the ball well to both sides of the plate and changes speed very well. She’s already a strong pitcher with a lot of upside left to go.”

— IF/OF Trinity Ingleston (2018, uncommitted)
“Trinity has played first base for us the last two years and can stretch and pick the ball with anybody. We’ve moved her to the outfield some this fall and she’s excelled there as well. The first thing you notice about Trinity is her arm. She has a rocket arm and hits for power and average in the middle of our lineup.”

— IF/OF Maddison Koepke (2019, uncommitted)
“Maddison is new to our team this year but we know how strong of a player she is. We’ve competed against Maddison for the last several seasons and we know the fiery competitor that she is. She wants to win and she’s a great fit for our team. Strong bat and great range… she plays middle infield for us and plays the game hard.”

— P/IF Kassidy Krupit (2018, uncommitted)
“Kassidy is a duel threat player who can throw a shutout in a championship game and/or hit the ball out of the ball park. Kassidy is already throwing 60 mph and can move the ball and change speeds very well. She’s a true big game pitcher and has already hit four long home runs this fall. In the field she’s a solid defender at either corner infield spot.”

— OF/IF Mallory Lewis (2018, uncommitted)
“Mallory is a student of the game and really understands what teams are trying to do. She has plus speed and is also a strong outfielder that handles the bat very well. Mallory can beat out an infield hit or drive one in the gap. She’s a kid we rarely have to position because she picks up on things so well and knows how to defend.”

— OF/IF Madelyn Libby (2018, uncommitted)
“Maddy can flat out go get the ball. She plays center field for us and can run down balls in either gap. She reads the ball very well off the bat and makes every fly ball a probable out.  Maddy hits for power as well and can change a ballgame with one swing of the bat.”

— OF/IF Arielle Oda (2018, uncommitted)
“Arielle is also new to our team, but she’s already contributing in a big way. She really adds a new dimension with her speed and slapping ability from the left side. She’s new to the left side of the plate, but she’s a natural. Arielle is also a strong defender with a plus arm and we can play her in the outfield or infield at any time.”

— C/IF Faith Shirley (2018, uncommitted)
“Faith has as good a swing as you will see in our age group. She hits for power and average and can use all parts of the field. Faith is a relentless worker and has made herself into a strong catcher and second baseman. She will do absolutely anything we ask her to do with a simple ‘yes sir’ response.”

— C/IF/OF Skylar Wallace (2018, uncommitted)
“Skylar is a very athletic player with speed to burn. We can put her anywhere on the field and know she gives us a great chance to win. She can play small ball, but she can go deep at any time and is a very dangerous base stealing threat. Skylar is a strong catcher, but with her size and speed we also like to use her in the middle infield and outfield.”

 

 

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RECRUIT PROFILE: GABBY SPRANG

Grad Year: 2017
Pos: Pitcher
High School: Rosemount (Minn.)
Club: Georgia Impact/Minnesota Renegades
Honors: Varsity high school letter 7^th and 8^th grade; All Section and H.M. All-Conference – 8^th Grade (2013)
College: Tennessee

 

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StudentSportsSoftball.com: Tell us how a Minnesota girl ends up playing for the Georgia Impact?
I definitely get some funny looks from people down in Georgia when they find out that I’m from Minnesota.  They also think I have an accent!  Anyway, as it turns out, Keith Pauly (who coaches the Georgia Impact 18 Gold team) is originally from Minnesota and he has most of his family still back in Minnesota.  In fact, his brother Ken Pauly coached my brother in high school hockey here in Minnesota.

Coach Pauly heard about me from his family in Minnesota and called to see if I would be willing to come down and play with the Impact sometime.  He got me connected with Coach (Will) Tomasello and Coach (Rick) Jeffreys of the ’99 Impact.  I first played for the Impact at the Atlanta Legacy Showcase in July.  It was a great experience and I absolutely loved playing with the Impact girls!  I also got a ton of great exposure playing with an organization like the Impact.  I’m so thankful that Coach Pauly, Coach Tomasello, and Coach Jeffreys gave me the opportunity to play in their organization.

 

SSS.com: Describe the chronology of events in how Tennessee found about you and recruited you until they offered you…
Coach Marty McDaniel from Tennessee first saw me play at the Atlanta Legacy Showcase in July.  I am so glad that I was able to play with the Georgia Impact that weekend as we had a lot of college coaches watching our games.  It sounded like Tennessee was really interested immediately after seeing me at the Legacy.  Coach McDaniel filmed some of my play and shortly after we heard that the Weeklys (Karen and Ralph) were very interested in me and wanted to get me to visit the UT campus.  The Weeklys also came to see me play in a couple of other showcase events during the fall.

I first visited UT in early October, and I absolutely loved it.  The coaching staff, the Lady Vol players and everyone at the university were so friendly and genuine.  Tennessee has a great family environment and I felt really comfortable.   It was also important that my school of choice had an academic program in the major which I plan to pursue.  I am interested in Broadcast Journalism and it is exciting that the SEC Network launches with ESPN next year and future UT student-athletes will have a great opportunity to get involved with various internships.   It was also impressive how supportive the community is with Lady Vols athletics.  I was offered that weekend, although I still had a few additional visits left to do.  The Weeklys were very patient and gave me as much time as needed to make my decision.

 

SSS.com: When did you decide to commit and what factors went into the decision?
My parents had me visit quite a few other schools as well, really just to learn about different places, meet the coaches, and have something to compare to.  I was also very fortunate to have quite a few offers to choose from.    My visit to Rocky Top was special and I couldn’t stop thinking about being a Lady Vol.  As I worked through all of the pros/cons of the various schools with my parents, everything definitely lined up for Tennessee.  The combination of academics, athletics, and people at UT were ideal for me. It was also always important to me that I go to a program that has great tradition and a good chance to get to a College World Series every year.  Tennessee had all of that for me.

 

SSS.com: Relate how you told the Vols coaching staff you’d be committing?
By mid-November, I really knew that Tennessee was the place for me, and I was ready to make my verbal commitment.  So my Mom and I went back down to Knoxville to spend another weekend with the Lady Vol coaches and take in some UT basketball on campus.  It was late one of the nights on this visit that I told the coaches that I really wanted to be a Lady Vol and win a national championship.  It was very exciting and a huge relief for me, an absolute dream come true.   It was really special to see the excitement of the coaches when I told them.

 

SSS.com: What did you know about the Weeklys and what do you think about them now?
I had always watched the Lady Vols on TV when I was growing up and I was fortunate to see them play live once at the College World Series as well, but I really didn’t know a ton about Karen and Ralph.  I knew they were very competitive and always had good teams.  Now that I have been able to get to know them, I can’t say enough good things.  They are funny, smart, hard working, and super organized.  The thing I really love about the Weeklys is that they create a very family-like environment and they really care about their players.

 

SSS.com: Did the distance factor in your decision at all?
The distance really wasn’t an issue for me.  I considered some schools that were even further from home than Tennessee.  I want to play with and against the top players in the country, so as a result I always knew that I would likely go away for college.  I love the quality of softball in the SEC, so heading south works for me.  I also like the idea of playing in some better weather than we have here in Minnesota!

 

SSS.com:  You’re a tall (6-foot) pitcher… does that mean you bring the heat? What are your top pitches?
I think my speed is good for my age (I have been clocked as high as 66 mph), but I am working to get it better.  It definitely helps to have the long arms and legs.  I also spend a ton of time working on my spins and pitch movement.   I’ve always had a very good drop ball, but I have also really improved my change-up and I now have some good movement in my curve and rise ball.  As a lefty, I can mix up a lot of different looking pitches to both sides of the plate.

 

SSS.com: What do you love best about softball?
I love the competition and challenge of winning each game.  I also love working together with my teammates towards a common goal, and all of the great relationships that have developed for me from softball.

 

Quick Hitters (short answers)

Do you see yourself being the next Monica Abbott?   
Monica is the best pitcher in the world, so it’s hard to say anyone will ever be the next Monica Abbott.  The records she set at UT are unbelievable.  I just want to do the very best I can and ultimately win a national championship at Tennessee.

Fill in the blank… When I’m in the circle… 
… I feel confident and strong.

Favorite thing to get away from it all:
Do yoga and hang out with my friends.

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know?
I’m actually kind of shy around new people.

What do you think is the best part about being from Minnesota?   
Very few softball players are recruited from Minnesota to the top college softball programs in the country, so I’m excited and very proud to represent my home state in the SEC.

With Thanksgiving upon us, what are you most thankful for?
I am so thankful for the incredible opportunity which I have been given at the University of Tennessee.

If you could take a dream vacation somewhere, where would it be? 
The island of Fiji.

Christmas is about a month away… what’s on your wish list? 
A nice camera and LuLuLemon yoga workout clothes.

What’s the gift or service you’ve given that you’re most proud of (Christmas or otherwise)? 
Helping to take care of my little sister, Sophie, who has Type I Diabetes.  She is such an inspiration for me.

 

 

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RECRUITING NEWS:

*** Big news out of Florida yesterday as one player we’ve come to really like, 2014 pitcher/shortstop Aleshia “Lele” Ocasio, committed to Florida.

Her father, Anthony, one of the coaches for LeLe’s club team, Wagner’s Gold-Dunn, told us:

“She had lots of interest but she wanted to be a Gator.  She said, ‘After visiting the campus and speaking with the coaches and players, I knew this was where I wanted to be.  No question about it.  I can’t wait to start my life as a Gator.’”

As we’ve written before, after seeing her Lele play this fall we felt she was one of the most underrated players in the 2014 class.

She was an All-State 1st team pick and the County Player of the Year in 2012 as she went 17-3 in the circle with a 0.45 ERA, 178 KS and only nine walks in 125 innings.

She was the main pitcher for the Wagner’s Gold-Dunn team and led them to a runner-up finish at the ASA 18 Gold Nationals in Clearwater, Fla. this summer.

Part of that was pitching four straight games to lead her team from the loser’s bracket in the Gold Qualifier and then she threw 56 innings at Gold Nationals to lose to Michigan-bound Megan Betsa 3-2 in the title game.

Aleshia also guested with Jersey Intensity at PGF and helped the team tie for ninth.   At the Sun Classic in Florida a month ago she played for both Wagner’s and Jersey Intensity.

Also in this very busy year she played on the 2013 Puerto Rican Jr. National Team and led the team in hitting at the Junior World Cup in Canada.

Lele had originally committed to Florida Gulf Coast but backed off that verbal a few weeks ago.

“We both really enjoyed speaking with Coach (Tim) Walton, Coach (Jennifer) Rocha and Coach Kenny (Gajewski),” explained her father.  “They really impressed us and the facilities, well hey, it’s Florida.  We feel she will reach her full potential both academically and athletically at Florida.”

Anthony says one benefit is Gainesville is only two and a half hours away.

“It’s a pretty, pleasant drive and I’ll be able to watch her quite a bit.  Not to mention they have GatorVision online. I’ll get to watch her pretty much any time they play.  It’s a great situation and we are all proud of her.  Coach Walton said all his players can go after the position they want.  He really lets the girls battle it out with some friendly competition.”

“When the season approaches, Coach Walton and his staff will evaluate and put the best nine out there that gives them the best chance to win.  Lele really bought into that.  Whether it’s in the circle, infield or outfield, it doesn’t matter to her.  She just wants to be on the field.”

 

*** More verbals:

— OF Jen Cader (2015, Kent State)… plays for TNT Gold
— OF Michaela Cochran (2016, Texas Tech)…plays for Texas Glory Adkins
— P/1B Sam Dellinger (2016, Creighton)… plays for KC Monarchs
— OF Tuesday Dermargosian (2016, Texas)… plays for Texas Glory Adkins
— C Shelbi Evans (2015, San Diego Christian College)… plays for Batbusters-Fox
— OF Yinka Fasehun (2014, Boston U.)… plays for New Jersey Cheetahs
— OF/UT Tara Grimsley (2014, Western Carolina)… plays for Lady Lightning Gold Team Miken
— P Lily Hayes (2015, Western Carolina)… plays for Georgia Fire
— C/3B Kayla Konwent (2016, Wisconsin)… plays for Illinois Chill Gold
— SS/3B Samy Lageyre (2015, Florida Atlantic)… plays for Miami Lady Canes
— OF Regan Nash (2015, Missouri)… plays for KC Monarchs
— IF Mackenzie Nutt (2017, Auburn)… plays for Birmingham Thunderbolts
— UT Katie Parker (2015, College of Charleston)… plays for Lady Lightning Gold
— OF Morganne Parker (2014, College of Charleston)… plays for Lady Lightning Gold Team Miken
— IF Rebecca Perrell (2014, East Carolina)… plays for Lady Lightning Gold Team Miken
— P Megan Richards (2016, Campbell)… plays for Lady Lightning Gold Team Miken
— C/OF Hannah Seaver (2015, Furman)… plays for Lady Lightning Gold Team Miken
— MIF/OF Ashley Smith (2015, Stetson)… plays for Gainesville Gold
— P/1B Alexa Snyder (2014, Eastern Florida State College)… plays for Lil Rebels
— C Rylie Spell (2015, Tulsa)… plays for Texas Aces Express Gold

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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.