2017 Hot 100 Profile: Lauren Rice
2017 Hot 100 Profile: Lauren Rice
We head to Illinois to learn more about one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the nation, 2017 Lauren Rice. She dishes the details on how she generates pi
We head to Illinois to learn more about one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the nation, 2017 Lauren Rice. She dishes the details on how she generates pitches over 70 mph and why she committed to a SEC school…
You can watch Lauren compete the TCS Sparkler in Colorado LIVE on FloSoftball
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Player: LAUREN RICE
Position: P/UT
Year: 2017
Home School: Morrison (Illinois)
Club: Firecrackers-Rico
GPA: 3.0
High School Accomplishments & Honors: All-state (two years); pitched a perfect game; three consecutive no-hitters.
College: Missouri
You’re going to play this summer with the Firecrackers in California… how will that work out with practices and big tournaments?
During the second week of June, I will travel to California to begin preparing with the Firecrackers-Rico coaching staff and players for the Zoom to June tournament. From that point, I will continue to practice and play with my team at select locations throughout the U.S. that will end with PGF Nationals in California.
Let’s talk about you on the field: you’ve hit over 70 mph on the radar gun. To what do you attribute your speed and power to get the ball coming in that hot?
My core strength plays a significant role in my pitching. I feel that I was blessed with strength and fast twitch muscles. My quick wrist snap increases spin speed which allows my ball to break hard and late. I have always thrown hard, but working hard has been the key to my speed.
What other pitches do you throw and what’s your “out” pitch if you have the count 3-and-2?
When I was younger, the pitches to have were all of them. I quickly got away from the screw ball, curve ball and fastball. As I began to age and started competing against better competition, I soon realized that a down-pitch, up-pitch and off-speed were key at the highest levels of hitting. I throw a hard-breaking drop, change-up, and a rise ball. If I have a 3-2 count, my out pitch is a drop inside. My inside drop is my best because it drops hard at their hands, which typically causes a ground-out or a strikeout. Once in awhile, I’ll throw a change-up with a full count when they least expect it!
You made an interesting decision regarding playing high school softball—tell us what you’re doing this spring.
So that I may be more prepared for the summer travel season, I elected this spring to not play Illinois high school softball. To maintain my edge in the spring, I play with other elite players throughout the Chicago area on the Beverly Bandits.
What has been your biggest accomplishment—or one you’re the most proud of—in softball?
I would say my biggest is fighting through every game with mental and physical toughness. I've been known to throw harder when there is a batter in the box when not. I’ve been asked so many times in my pitching career if I knew that I had pitched a no-hitter, etc. In most cases, I could not tell you what I accomplished from a statistical standpoint—I’m just competing, and that is what I am most proud of.
Missouri coaches saw you at a camp on campus when you were a freshman and hit 70 mph while there. It wasn’t long before you had your offer! What do you remember most about that exciting time?
What I remember most is the happiness I had and the true joy my parents had in their eyes. From all the tears, hard work, dedication; it all paid off knowing that my parents got me to this point and that God gave me the strength and an amazing opportunity.
You’re also an outstanding hitter. What's more exciting for you: pitching a no-hitter, or hitting a three-run homer?
I get the same excitement from hitting a three-run homer as I would a no hitter. I am hopeful that University of Missouri will allow me to hit and pitch.
Your dad, Larry, played fastpitch softball when he was younger—how have his background and experiences helped you develop into the player you are today?
Because my dad did play youth fastpitch as a young boy, I feel that those influences played a major role in his decision to introduce me to the sport at the age of seven.
When you walk onto the field, are there any superstitions or rituals you MUST fulfill to play your best?
I do not have any rituals or superstitions. When I walk out onto the field I am calm, positive and focused with a smile on my face.
As a pitcher, what are your thoughts on wearing masks for pitchers?
Every pitcher has had that one off day. It is very scary to think about a ball hitting someone in the face or head. I cannot say that I have personally had this happen, so I do not know what it would be like. Personally, I do not like masks. I used to wear one, but got away from it. I am a positive thinker, but know that accidents do happen. For now, I will do my best to spin the ball every pitch so that hitters have less of an opportunity to square the ball up.
Off the field, where would we find you if you have a weekend free?
If I had an off-weekend, you would find me shopping at the mall, getting my nails done, eating at a fancy restaurant, staying the night at a friend’s house or going to the movies.
List of favorites…
"Be a pitcher, not a thrower." One of the main goals as it pertains to pitching is accuracy and spin. Speed comes along after you spin the ball in my opinion.
If you went to the moon for six months, what’s the one thing you’d have to have (no cell phone: no reception!)
My makeup. I always wear makeup, even when I am playing softball. I would not say makeup defines my beauty, but it makes me feel great.
Finally, what does softball mean to you?
Softball to me is an escape, and every time I step on the field it feels as if I belong. In school, everyone is quick to judge or make you feel like you don’t belong. When it comes to the game of softball, you know you will always have love and support. Your team is your family. Everyone shares the same love for the game, so it makes it 10 times more fun. Not everyone is born with the same ability to play softball, but if you are, take it, and run with it. The game of softball will take you so far in life. It will not only make you the happiest, but make you a great person too. Most importantly, honor all those who played before you and always give back to the game!
You can watch Lauren compete the TCS Sparkler in Colorado LIVE on FloSoftball
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Player: LAUREN RICEPosition: P/UT
Year: 2017
Home School: Morrison (Illinois)
Club: Firecrackers-Rico
GPA: 3.0
High School Accomplishments & Honors: All-state (two years); pitched a perfect game; three consecutive no-hitters.
College: Missouri
You’re going to play this summer with the Firecrackers in California… how will that work out with practices and big tournaments?
During the second week of June, I will travel to California to begin preparing with the Firecrackers-Rico coaching staff and players for the Zoom to June tournament. From that point, I will continue to practice and play with my team at select locations throughout the U.S. that will end with PGF Nationals in California.
Let’s talk about you on the field: you’ve hit over 70 mph on the radar gun. To what do you attribute your speed and power to get the ball coming in that hot?
My core strength plays a significant role in my pitching. I feel that I was blessed with strength and fast twitch muscles. My quick wrist snap increases spin speed which allows my ball to break hard and late. I have always thrown hard, but working hard has been the key to my speed.
What other pitches do you throw and what’s your “out” pitch if you have the count 3-and-2?
When I was younger, the pitches to have were all of them. I quickly got away from the screw ball, curve ball and fastball. As I began to age and started competing against better competition, I soon realized that a down-pitch, up-pitch and off-speed were key at the highest levels of hitting. I throw a hard-breaking drop, change-up, and a rise ball. If I have a 3-2 count, my out pitch is a drop inside. My inside drop is my best because it drops hard at their hands, which typically causes a ground-out or a strikeout. Once in awhile, I’ll throw a change-up with a full count when they least expect it!
You made an interesting decision regarding playing high school softball—tell us what you’re doing this spring.
So that I may be more prepared for the summer travel season, I elected this spring to not play Illinois high school softball. To maintain my edge in the spring, I play with other elite players throughout the Chicago area on the Beverly Bandits.
What has been your biggest accomplishment—or one you’re the most proud of—in softball?
I would say my biggest is fighting through every game with mental and physical toughness. I've been known to throw harder when there is a batter in the box when not. I’ve been asked so many times in my pitching career if I knew that I had pitched a no-hitter, etc. In most cases, I could not tell you what I accomplished from a statistical standpoint—I’m just competing, and that is what I am most proud of.
Missouri coaches saw you at a camp on campus when you were a freshman and hit 70 mph while there. It wasn’t long before you had your offer! What do you remember most about that exciting time?
What I remember most is the happiness I had and the true joy my parents had in their eyes. From all the tears, hard work, dedication; it all paid off knowing that my parents got me to this point and that God gave me the strength and an amazing opportunity.
You’re also an outstanding hitter. What's more exciting for you: pitching a no-hitter, or hitting a three-run homer?I get the same excitement from hitting a three-run homer as I would a no hitter. I am hopeful that University of Missouri will allow me to hit and pitch.
Your dad, Larry, played fastpitch softball when he was younger—how have his background and experiences helped you develop into the player you are today?
Because my dad did play youth fastpitch as a young boy, I feel that those influences played a major role in his decision to introduce me to the sport at the age of seven.
When you walk onto the field, are there any superstitions or rituals you MUST fulfill to play your best?
I do not have any rituals or superstitions. When I walk out onto the field I am calm, positive and focused with a smile on my face.
As a pitcher, what are your thoughts on wearing masks for pitchers?
Every pitcher has had that one off day. It is very scary to think about a ball hitting someone in the face or head. I cannot say that I have personally had this happen, so I do not know what it would be like. Personally, I do not like masks. I used to wear one, but got away from it. I am a positive thinker, but know that accidents do happen. For now, I will do my best to spin the ball every pitch so that hitters have less of an opportunity to square the ball up.
Off the field, where would we find you if you have a weekend free?
If I had an off-weekend, you would find me shopping at the mall, getting my nails done, eating at a fancy restaurant, staying the night at a friend’s house or going to the movies.
List of favorites…
- Favorite movie: "Superbad"
- Favorite food: cheese ravioli
- Favorite ice cream topping: chocolate chips
- Favorite pro team: Chicago Bandits
"Be a pitcher, not a thrower." One of the main goals as it pertains to pitching is accuracy and spin. Speed comes along after you spin the ball in my opinion.
If you went to the moon for six months, what’s the one thing you’d have to have (no cell phone: no reception!)
My makeup. I always wear makeup, even when I am playing softball. I would not say makeup defines my beauty, but it makes me feel great.
Finally, what does softball mean to you?
Softball to me is an escape, and every time I step on the field it feels as if I belong. In school, everyone is quick to judge or make you feel like you don’t belong. When it comes to the game of softball, you know you will always have love and support. Your team is your family. Everyone shares the same love for the game, so it makes it 10 times more fun. Not everyone is born with the same ability to play softball, but if you are, take it, and run with it. The game of softball will take you so far in life. It will not only make you the happiest, but make you a great person too. Most importantly, honor all those who played before you and always give back to the game!