Julia Jimenez is a talented 2019 shortstop/third basemen with the Firecrackers-Brashear team and calls Etiwanda, Calif. home.

Last month committed to Michigan and FloSoftball caught up with the freshman this week to learn more about her recruiting journey and why she’ll be a Big Ten girl in four years…

***

Walk us through how Michigan coaches found you, how you learned they were interested and offered...
I think Michigan first saw me play last year at the 2014 PGF tournaments in Irvine, ca. They also came out to watch me at a couple smaller tournaments and a Firecracker organizational workout and a showcase tournament. Michigan coaches told my coaches that they really liked me and wanted me to call them. I talked to Coach Hutch (Carol Hutchins) several times on the phone and she invited me out to visit the University of Michigan. It was their top prospect camp along with a tour of the school. What a great weekend that was! After the camp is when my parents and I sat in Coach Hutch's office and she offered me. She said that I was a special kid and that I was going to do big things.

When did you visit UM campus and what did you think of your trip...
I went on an unofficial visit this past January. It was freezing cold when we were there but it did not bother me. I fell in love with the campus, it is so beautiful, and the coaching staff is amazing! While I was there, something came over me and I really felt like Michigan could be my home.

You'll be playing for a legendary coach in Carol Hutchins.... How much did her being the head coach weigh in your decision?
Coach Hutch being the coach had a huge impact on my decision. She is an amazing coach with a huge heart. She is also very passionate about what she does. She's a tough coach who always expects 100 percent from her players and pushes them to get better. Coach Jen Brundage and Coach Bonnie Tholl are both awesome coaches as well. they have also been at Michigan for several years. I also like the "Team" motto.

What other schools showed interest in you?
Texas A&M, Louisville, Stanford, Georgia, UCLA, Arizona State, Florida, Baylor, Oklahoma and LSU.

Is it weird knowing you already have your college selected and you haven't played a game of high school ball yet?
Yes it's pretty crazy knowing that I verbally committed to a huge university at 14 years old. All of my hard work and dedication to this sport is paying off. I give a ton of credit to my past and present travel ball coaches for pushing me to be the best I can be.

What did the coaches say they liked about your game enough to offer?
Coach Hutch said that she loved my confidence and leadership skills and how I carry myself on the field. They also liked my fielding and that I hit for power.

Let's go off the field.... What's the best life advice, you have ever been given?
Hmm, I would say my best life advice was from Coach Joe Sosa, he told me, " never be afraid to fail, failure only makes you stronger."

What's been your favorite place to vacation or visit?
Considering all my family vacations have been softball or baseball related I would have to say that Colorado has been my favorite place so far, but I am very excited to hear we are going to New York this summer. All of my mom’s family is there that I am excited to meet.

Are you a dog or cat person?
I am definitely a dog person. I have three dogs.

Who is someone you really admire, or you consider your hero.
I would have to say that my Nana is my hero, she is a fighter for sure, she has MS and has battled breast cancer. She is our family’s rock and is always there for us. She is so strong and always has a smile on her face.

What do you want to be doing once your softball career ends?
Being that I just started high school, I'm not 100 percent sure of what I want to do once my playing career ends. I have been thinking about going into Kinesiology, but I also would love to coach for the University of Michigan.

Describe yourself on and off the field in one word?
On the field: Passionate; off the field: Loving.