Today we profile a SoCal team that’s a first for us (I think): the first 14U team we’ve profiled.  This team is led by a firefighter and former collegiate wrestler who also has a daughter in the Pac-12 so there’s a lot of interesting angles here!  Also, we profile a Miami standout who impressed over the weekend at the Sun Classic and profile an uncommitted 2015 that should be on many school’s radar…

 

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CLUB PROFILE: CORONA ANGELS ‘99

You probably don’t want to talk to Corona Angels ’99 Head Coach Mike Perez about softball being hard—you likely won’t get too much sympathy.

“I’m a firefighter,” he begins, “and I’ve run into burning buildings and pulled people out and also had buildings collapse on me.  Softball is easy and enjoyable!”

Perez has a fascinating backstory.

He grew up on the mean streets of East Los Angeles and saw and experienced things many only see in the movies or on TV.  To avoid the trap of gangs, he got into athletics early in his life and ultimately became a collegiate wrestler and participated on the Olympic and National teams at two very disparate weight classes: 142 pounds and 165.

Don’t think those glory years are way in the past, either: the coach still competes in wrestling and also judo and has won Gold medals each of the last 15 years in those sports competing in the Police and Fire Olympics.  He also was a silver medalist in both at the World Games in Barcelona, Spain.

So how does he tie in his prolific wrestling background to being a coach in softball? He says there are interesting similarities and contrasts.

“In my sport,” Perez begins, “you aren’t allowed to fail as a wrestler and still have the idea you were successful.  You either win or you lose.  In softball, you can fail six times out of 10 and still be one of the best ever.”

“For me, I never understood that!  It’s crazy so I tell my players that failure is a huge part of this sport.  I’ll tell the girls, ‘You failed in that aspect, but did you fail forward?  Did we execute our game plan and adhere to the principles we’re taught and learn from the mistake so we don’t repeat it?”

Perez is a cerebral coach and likes to use his own personal experiences in his teaching.

He reflects on a serious leg injury he had when he was 14 when an open would needed medical attention.

“The most painful part wasn’t the wound,” he explains, “but the healing process. The nurse would come in three times a day and rip the gauze out of the wound.  It was very painful but she’d say the healing would mostly come from inside the wound.”

“I always remembered that and today tell our girls that their growth must come from within.  It’s painful to hear you’re not as good as you thought sometimes and what I’m doing is I’m pulling out that gauze, but it’s healing so eventually in time you don’t see it, it’s not there.”

Having been an elite athlete himself, he knows the pressures and struggles that come from competition.

Perez has a ritual he repeats before every game that sums up his philosophy.

“ Before every game I read something to them which was told to me early in my athletic career so they get that mindset of what we want.”

The Man in the Arena

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

— President Theodore Roosevelt

Like many, if not most, who get into softball coaching, it was the “daughter in rec ball” routine that got Coach Smith hooked.

When his daughter, Mandie, was eight years old, someone took notice of her play in a tournament in Tulsa and asked her to be a pick-up player for the So Cal Cyclones which took ninth in Nationals that year.

“I was asked to help out and dumb enough to say OK,” the firefighter laughs.

While in Tulsa, Mandie was also asked to attend a tryout for the USA Athletics and she made the team.  It was there that Perez met Mark Campbell, who today is one of the key figures in the OC Batbuster organization.

“Mark had an older team and a 14U team and I helped coach the 10U team,” Perez recalls.  “ While Mark had his team competing in Owensboro, Ky. I had the 10s in Johnson City, Tenn. for ASA Nationals and we were runners-up and Mark’s team won it all.”

The team would change it’s name to Victory USA and Smith’s team ended up in the top 10 of Nationals as a first year 12U and as a second year 12U won the title playing in Roseville, Calif.

Mandie was one of the standouts on that squad which fielded some future stars including catcher/infielder Brittany Moeai, now at UCLA, Long Beach State pitcher Selene Pola, shortstop Mo Mercado at Arizona,  Arizona SS, Michigan shortstop Siera Romero and Maddy Jelenecki, a UCLA commit who’s now with the OC Batbusters-Haning.

The coach’s daughter would go on to play for Doug Myers’ Batbuster team that won the first PGF Nationals as well as the ASA Nationals in College Station, Texas four years ago.

Coach Perez was recruiting coordinator for that Meyers team and looks back fondly on the experience.

“We got a lot of kids to good schools,” he remembers.

Next would be an experience that would not only change Mandie’s life, it would also have a big impact on the young coach: she joined the Corona Angels in 2011 and played for Marty Tyson.

“Coaching with Marty was an experience,” Perez continues.  “I had always competed against him, but never understood what he does and why.  After being around him I see how he challenges player to compete.  He definitely challenges them both mentally and physically.”

Mandie already had her scholarship to Arizona, but what she learned from Tyson, her father believes, was being able to compete and maximizing opportunities on the field.

“I really bought into that as a coach. We have a very simple philosophy: we win reps in practice and we win pitches in games. If we win pitches in games then usually the scoreboard reflects on the scoreboard.”

Today, as coach of the Corona Angels 14U team which at the Sun Classic played up—and beat—18U level teams, Coach Perez says the Angels typify what he feels is important not just in softball, but in life in general.

“We emphasize in the Angels organization that we are truly a family.  For example, we’ll have a Christmas banquet and all the teams will be there, but also the alumni who come back and bring their spouses and families.  The former players will get up and tell what the Corona Angels and Marty did for them and how they were able to succeed there.  It’s amazing to see that.  These players, some of whom are doctors, lawyers and have kids of their own now appreciate and love what’s been done for them.

When they’re with him, Marty will chew them out and they’ll get mad at him, but he’ll say, ‘Get over it, because I’ll be at your wedding some day.  My job is to make you better.’”

It certainly worked for his daughter, Perez believes.  Though closer to 5-feet than the 5-foot-2 listed on the Wildcats’ official roster, Mandie thrived and excelled last season earning Pac-12 All-Freshman honors.

What makes the coach most proud, however, is after the season when Mandie told her father that she wanted to get better.

With his own 14U team, Coach Perez pushes his players in a similar way.

“We’re a 14U team and will play 14U at PGF Nationals,” he says, “but play at 16U and 18U in showcases.  We’re always looking for the best challenge to help our girls compete and become the best.  As a coach my job is to ID their weaknesses and encourage their strengths.  By playing competition that’s not better than we are, we’ll never see it. I want them challenged and want them to be the best.”

***

Here’s a player-by-player look at the Corona Angels ‘99 team with comments by Head Coach Mike Smith:

— OF Breanna Morales (2018, uncommitted)
“Breanna is one of two eighth graders on the team and worked really hard to make the team and understands that this year is the time for her to grow.  She’s very concentrated on learning from the older girls and has great attention to detail.”

— C/3B Emme Martinez (2017, uncommitted)
“Emme is a work horse.  She maximizes her talent and is tremendously gifted behind the plate and frames the ball extremely well. Emme will be a steal in the 2017 class for some college.”

— MIF/OF Kylie Velasco (2017, uncommitted)
“Kylie has unbelievable potential just because of her body type.  She has great range and instincts and doesn’t really know how good she will be.”

— P/OF Giana Lopez  (2017, uncommitted)
“Giana is actually a 1998 birthday in the ’17 class so she has to move up.  She’s being moved up to Kim Howard’s Gold team.  Gianna is a bulldog on the pitching mound.  She’s unbelievably mature for her age and is a great example to the girls of what hard work can get you.”

— OF Jaclyn Candelas (2017, uncommitted)
“Jaclyn is, in my opinion, one of the best 2017 outfielders because she has great instincts at reading the ball and has a tremendous arm.  She has excellent footspeed and once she puts swing together and develops consistency, she’ll be an elite player.”

— 2B/OF Alison Seng (2017, uncommitted)
“One word that describes Alison is dynamic.  She can bunt, slap and hit for power—a true triple threat.  She gets better every week in the middle infield and has improved her arm angles and throwing velocity tremendously.  She’s getting a lot of interest from Pac-12 and SEC schools.”

— MIF/1B Curryn Castaneda (2018, uncommitted)
“Curryn is another eighth grader, one of the two.  She passes the eye test and is tall, athletic and powerful.  If we can get her softball IQ to match up with her physical ability, she’s going to be unbelievable.  SEC schools are interested already.  A hard worker, she’s committed to the process of getting better.  Unfortunately, at the last showcase she broke her finger and will be out about six weeks.”

— C/3B/2B Raquel Jaime (2017, uncommitted)
“Raquel is a raw talent that gets better and better every week.  She’s a true utility player who has great instincts and a very strong arm.”

— OF Taylor Livingston (2017, uncommitted)
“Taylor is incredibly fast with an explosive short game.  She covers ground in the outfield and is a hard-nosed kid who’s not afraid to run through a brick wall to make the play.”

— OF Shelby Younkin (2017, uncommitted)
“Shelby is probably one of the best outfielders I’ve ever coached.  She’s extremely athletic and reads the ball tremendously well off the bat. She has a cannon for an arm and is already getting a lot of interest from a lot of top schools.”

— P/1B Analise De La Roca (2017, uncommitted)
“Analise is a tremendous leader.  Her loyalty and respect for the program is unbelievable.  Her physical talent as a pitcher and hitter are unbelievable.  She’s taking an unofficial visit to Cal, ASU and I expect her to be making a commitment very soon. She has great movement on her pitches and understands that spinning is the key to movement.”

— 3B/1B Carly Feckley (2017, uncommitted)
“ Carly is explosive and a great contact hitter who truly understands that the key to success is good old fashioned hard work.  Carly leads by her work ethic and is interest from a lot of high academic schools.

— P/1B Mariah Mazon (2017, uncommitted)
“Mariah comes to play with us from Fresno, she drives down every weekend five hours one way to practice and play with us.  She’s one of the leaders on the team and is obviously a power pitcher who thrives on challenging batters. Mariah is extremely athletic and very intelligent on the field and in the classroom.  She already has several offers and will be making a decision soon.”

— C Lynette Martinez (2017, uncommitted)
“Lynette is a new player to the team and is recovering from heart surgery and even when she wasn’t allowed to play or practice she came to every practice showing me she has an unbelievable commitment to the game and our team.  Last week was her first week playing for us and she did very well.  She’s a very vocal leader from behind the plate and runs the game well.”

— MIF Justene Molina (2017, uncommitted)
“ Justene probably has some of the best hands I’ve ever seen in the middle infield.  She has great instincts at reading the ball and understands arm angles in her throws.   She’s an explosive hitter and is the silent but deadly type of player.  Justene has taken an unofficial visit to Cal and will be visiting UCLA and ASU in the next few weeks.”

— 3B/1B Cami Sellers (2017, uncommitted)
“Cami has the best hand-eye coordination I have ever seen meaning she gets the barrel to the ball and is explosive.  She’s one of the best pure hitters I’ve ever seen too.  She has worked hard on becoming a complete player and is receiving a tremendous amount of interest from Pac-12 and SEC schools.  She’s just coming back from a torn meniscus which she played with at PGF and led the team in home runs and batting average.”

— OF Ryleigh Bermea (2017, uncommitted)
“Ryleigh is a tremendous player in the outfield.  She tracks the ball well and has a strong arm.  Ryleigh is very blue collar in her work ethic.  She’s someone who is getting better and better every day and has received interest from several West Coast schools.

— C/2B/1B Allani Escobar (2017, uncommitted)
“Allani is a newer player to the team who came from a very successful program and her reason for being her is, in her own words, ‘I want to be challenged.’ Allani is physically athletic, power and a very dynamic player.  She’s going to be a very successful player at the next level.  She’s received interest from several top programs.”

 

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RECRUITING PROFILE: KYLAN BECKER

Club Team: Miami Stingrays
High School: – Coral Reef (Miami, Fla.)
Position: OF
Grad Year: 2015
College: Florida International Univ. (FIU)

Here’s how I came across Kylan Becker: I was at the Sun Classic and struck up a conversation with her father who said he liked this site and that Kylen had committed the week before to Florida International.  I jokingly scolded him for not letting me know sooner and said I’d love to do a profile on her.

A few minutes later I was taking a photo of Kylan and suddenly the sound of ball on bat told me the hit was home run material.  The shot here is Kylan chasing after the ball and she gave it her all, even running over the fence but in vain.  Still, I loved her hustle and effort.

To say she had a magical 2013 year would be an understatement.  She led her team, Coral Reef High, to the 8A State Championshp and was the Player of the Year.

What’s interesting too is Gator Rebhan was the club coach of her team, the Miami Stingrays, up until recently and he’s now an assistant at… Florida International, where Kylan will go and be all of 10 minutes from home!

Talk about having it “made in the shade!”

 

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StudentSportsSoftball.com: It’s interesting that you’re going to FIU and your former club coach is now an assistant there… describe how that feels.
Kylan Becker: I was already excited about going to FIU and playing for Coach Schumann.  Finding out that Gator was going to be my assistant coach is a win/win for me.  I love playing for Gator because he knows how to get the best out of his players and make them better.  It’s comforting knowing what to expect at FIU.

 

SSS.com: Talk about Florida International and how they found you, was it because you’re in their backyard?
KB: I am in FIU’s backyard.  Coach Schumann wanted to see the local talent in South Florida and heard all about the Miami Stingrays.  I attended several camps and they have seen me a lot.

 

SSS.com: How did they offer you and how long did it take for you to commit?
KB: I was at FIU for my unofficial in mid September.  After we met with the different departments and toured the school, Coach Schumann asked me back into his office and made me an offer before we went to the football game. I took a couple other scheduled unofficial visits and made my decision. A month later, I called Coach Schumann and made an appointment to see him and committed to FIU in person.  I was very nervous but after I committed I felt great.  The other coaches came into the office to congratulate me and welcomed me.

SSS.com: What was it about the program that made you pull the trigger?
KB: I really believe in the direction Coach Schumann has for the FIU program.  He has high expectations and I know something special is happening there.  I want to be part of it.

 

SSS.com: Is it good or bad you’re going to be so close to home (joking)?
KB: It’s good to stay close to home because I have my family and friends here.  I know they are going to pack the stands to support FIU softball.  It is always good to know you have people in the stands there for you. Besides, you can’t beat Miami weather.

 

SSS.com: I saw you run over the outfield net chasing a ball… you look like the type that will run over a wall or go all out to get to the ball! Describe your playing style and/or what your defensive philosophy is…
KB: I am a very aggressive player and I go all out for my team every time. We trust each other to sacrifice for the team. Going through the fence or diving for a ball is just what you do for your team. My philosophy is to be your best and leave it all on the field. I believe in the saying: “Go big or go home.”

 

SSS.com: What’s been the highlight of your playing career so far?
KB: I have quite a few… here’s a list of some:

• 2013 8A State of Florida High School Champions
• 2013 All Dade Player of the Year  with .680 batting average, 41 stolen bases, zero strike outs
• 2013 All Florida First Team
• 4^th Place in 2012 ASA 16U Nationals
• 7^th Place in 2013 ASA 18 Gold Nationals
• Committing to FIU

Quick Hitters

Favorite place to get away from everything:  batting cages
Favorite dessert: my grandmother’s flan (Spanish custard dessert)
Dream vacation: the beach somewhere, like in Hawaii
What will you study in college? Exercise Science then Physical Therapy
Biggest turnoff in a person: Fake people
What makes you happiest? good friends and family
If you could travel back in time and meet any person, who would it be? my father’s mother, Grandma Betty
In one word, describe yourself as a softball player: dedicated

 

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RECRUITING NEWS:

*** On Halloween Day we reported the verbal of Kendal Judge, a 2016 pitcher who plays for her father, Bill Judge, the Head Coach of the Mizuno Hawks (Ill.), as well as another 2016 commit on the Hawks, catcher Jessica Cothern, who is headed to DePaul.

We asked Coach Judge to give us an evaluation of both of his players… here’s his report:

—  Kendal Judge was identified by Derek and Joanne Allister at the 14U Nationals in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Kendal was invited to the premier recruiting venue in the country, the 2012 OnDeck National Elite Futures Camp in Southern California.

She had interest from Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Northwestern, DePaul, Cal, and others before she decided to verbally commit to the University of Minnesota where she just fell in love with the coaching staff and campus.

Kendal has pitched in many big games against the best competition in the country and what makes Kendal special is her spin and movement.

After the Allister camp last fall, she pitched for the SoCal Athletics and ended up pitching for them again at Premier Nationals last summer.

She plays for the Mizuno Hawks out of Illinois and her pitching coach is Nancy Evans who still owns the record for best winning percentage in college softball at 124-8 for Arizona where she won three National Titles as a player and three as the pitching coach.

— Jessica Cothern is another Elite Future Camper who was identified by the Allisters.

She hits with tremendous power and throws runners out at a regular clip. She is considered one the best catchers in the country and is going to DePaul University.

They are very lucky to have her!

Jessica and Kendal have been battery mates since they were eight years old, not a bad combination to have for all these years together!

 

*** 2016 Catcher Teagan Cowles of the NW Batbusters has committed to Stanford.

 

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UNCOMMITTED 2015 PROSPECT TO WATCH: ASHLEY FLETCHER

Grad Year: 2015
Pos: 1B
Club Team: Tulsa Elite
Video: http://youtu.be/9PInXu5MwlA
Coach’s Comment: “Probably the most under-the-radar kid we have and a big-time bat, she hits three-hole with a lot of HR power, but she missed the entire summer after a bone injury in hand, being recruited by a few DI schools who were able to see her before the injury and this fall, but she is back in the three-hole and crushing the ball again.  Ashley has hit several HRs this fall for Tulsa Elite ’96 Gold, a team that finished 13th in the Nation at the USA/ASA 16A Nationals in 2013.”
—Jeff Filalai, Tulsa Elite
Events: Will attend the OnDeck East Coast National Camp this Thur-Friday.
Evaluation: “One of the top pure hitters we’ve ever seen at a Scout Showcase. Major upside with the bat and already performing at a high level.” – Scout-Softball.com
Contact info: Jeff Filali at: tulsaelitegold@yahoo.com

 

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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.