Pictured: 2020 Hot 100 player Emari Frazier, who finalized her college decision this week.

It was a very big week of top schools and players finding each other via the verbal commit.  And for those prospects looking for a school to follow you, well… make sure you read our first recruiting item!

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MAJOR POWER 5 CONFERENCE PROGRAM LOOKING FOR PLAYERS

At a recent major event, a Power 5 Conference school approached FloSoftball and said they have some needs and have the money to provide scholarships.

Here's what this school is looking for by class:

• 2017: pitcher, shortstop
• 2018: pitcher, shortstop, speedy outfielder
• 2019: pitcher, shortstop, catcher, speedy outfielder
• 2020: all positions

If you are a player--or know one--who fits the above criteria and would like to be considered, email us your info (brentt.eads@flosports.tv), preferably with a video link such as a YouTube, and we'll pass on to this program!

TWO MORE 2020 HOT 100's OFF THE BOARD!

As we thought, the fall would be a busy time for elite freshman to commit and we have a pair of Hot 100's from the 2020 class who tell us about where they're going and why!



*** Camryn Wincher, the outstanding shortstop who was ranked No. 8 in the recently released 2020 Hot 100, committed to Texas last weekend.

The Longhorns were the strong leader from the start and on Sunday Camryn contacted FloSoftball writing: "I wanted to let you know that I committed yesterday to the University of Texas. Words cannot describe how excited I am to be a Longhorn. Since I was eight-years-old all I ever wanted to do was play for Texas!"

The outstanding athlete, who plays for the Stingers Gold team started by her father, Les, continued: "The look on my Dad's face meant even more to me when I told him. This was not only my accomplishment, but the Stingers and him too."

We asked her how Texas became her leader and here's what the Texas freshman told us:

"When I was nine-years-old I went to my first University of Texas softball game. After the game I met Nadia Taylor who played for UT and current Texas Charge professional player. She talked to me about hard work and what it would take to be a Longhorn; she asked if I could do those things. I said, 'Yes,' and then she said, 'Then there you go, you will be a longhorn!'"

"Throughout the five years I have had opportunities to train, talk, and work out with Nadia in every area--from hitting, to fielding, or just talking about going 'Beast Mode!'"

"My actual recruiting with Texas started when I was 12-years-old. I started attending camps after emailing the coaches at the age of 11 not ever knowing if they were getting my emails or not."

"At the age of 13 years old I got an invite to the University of Texas to attend its DIRT camp recruiting weekend. I sent e-mails every week for two years not knowing if my e-mails were being received or not."

"I would ask my Dad, 'What if they are not checking their emails?' 'Or it's the wrong address"' I remember him laughing and saying he knew a way to get everyone's attention. I was like, 'What that, tell me dad.'"

He told me something I'll never forget, he said, 'Let the softball field be your microphone. If you train hard and work hard what you do on the field, that will get everyone's attention.'"

"And that's what I did: 400 swings per day four days a week and three days of weight and agility training"

"This past summer either Coach (Connie) Clark or Coach (Jennifer) McFalls from Texas were there to see me in every big tourney we played in all summer. The relationship I have built with Coach Clark and Coach McFalls goes beyond softball, it's more family."

"This past weekend at DIRT camp on campus I was able to tell them both I was ready to be a Longhorn. I was so excited I was shaking! My dad was sitting on the side of me and as I gave my commitment I looked at him and he smiled and said, 'I'm so proud of you.'"

"To top it all off, the other recruits had already headed to the football stadium for the game so Coach Clark got a golf cart and drove my family and me through University of Texas on a golf cart to the game."

"Now how cool is that?"

*** Emari Frazier, a 2020 3B/SS from Tennessee who plays with the Birmingham Thunderbolts, committed to LSU last week. She was #27 on the Hot 100 list and recaps her recruiting journey for FloSoftball:

"The recruiting process for me started back in the summer of 2015 when I was first noticed by UCLA at the PGF Nationals as a rising 8th grader. I had led the home run board in my age division and I was in the top three in the whole tournament."

"Since then, I had been noticed by some big schools such as Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, LSU, and Texas."

"The process was a big whirlwind of emotions ranging from super excited to 'oh no, I need to make my decision now!' But overall it has been such a huge learning opportunity and I wouldn't trade it for anything."

"I, and all the others girls in this process, am blessed to be able to go and visit colleges at such a young age and I don't think we all truly appreciate it as much as we should. Sometimes we can make it seem as if this is just some big game of 'Let's see who commits first' when in reality this is a big deal as we are deciding what college we want to go to."

"When it came down to deciding what school I wanted to choose, I had to do a lot of hard thinking. My parents and I sat down and made a pros and cons list for my two top schools, LSU and UCLA."

"I thought about this for days going back to the list in my head. But at the end I decided on LSU because of the atmosphere, it's in the south and the people are like no other!"

2020 ANGEL GOING SEC

The great thing about compiling a Hot 100 list for young classes like 2020's and 2019's is it's not the ending of the process, it's just the beginning as we follow the athlete until she reaches college.  

We've had players jump from not even being in the Hot 100 in the initial list to entering the Top 5 in subsequent ones!

One player that will likely make the Hot 100 in the next update is 2020 infielder Caliyah Thompson of the Corona Angels 14U team coached by Marty Tyson. Both team and player looked strong at last weekend's PGF Shootout as the Angels made it to the 14U title game.

Caliyah looked great in Irvine too and had an exciting week off the field as she committed to Ralph and Karen Weekly and the Univ. of Tennessee.

Here she tells FloSoftball how she came to become a Vol…

"I am writing to let you know about the amazing experience I had while visiting the University of Tennessee."

"First of all, me and my parents flew into Nashville on a late Thursday night (Sept. 22, 2016) and drove the 2 1/2 hours to Knoxville arriving at the hotel around 11 pm. I was so excited I didn't sleep much at all!"

"The next morning we met the softball staff at the clubhouse and started the tour of the campus. I was totally blown away with all the resources and services that Tennessee provides to their student-athletes."

"Later that night, we attended a scrimmage softball game and I could totally see myself playing at Sherri Lee Parker Stadium. On Saturday we attended a great Tennessee football game against the Florida Gators and the Vols got the big win. It was fun being on the field around all the athletes during pre-game warm ups."

"On Sunday, all the recruits and a few committed players participated in a one-day camp which was absolutely fun and competitive. I got to meet several girls who were very friendly and all were highly skilled softball players."

"Since we were not leaving until Monday morning Coach Ralph and Coach Karen asked us to return to the clubhouse later that night for a meeting. As I was waiting for this meeting all sorts of ideas were going through my head: 'Did I do well enough at the camp?' 'I hope they see something in me.' 'This is my dream school, I hope and pray I get the chance to be a Lady Vol.'"

I kept thinking how nice and welcoming the coaching staff and players were, and how I would love to play softball for the Weeklys. Entering the conference room, I was nervous and excited at the same time. Coach Ralph and Coach Karen announced that they would love for me to become a Lady Vol."

"I was shocked!"

"At this moment I knew no other college visits were necessary, the University of Tennessee was where I wanted to continue my softball career and earn my college degree!"

"During the entire time I was visiting UT it felt like home. As my parents and I began to head home, I asked my Dad, "Did this really just happen?"

"I knew UT was where I wanted to be, but this is such a big decision in my life. After my family and I talked it over, I made the decision to commit to the University of Tennessee. I called Coach Ralph and Coach Karen and told them I was happy to accept their offer to become a Lady Vol."

"I would like to thank my Corona Angels coaches Marty Tyson and Dominique Tyson for always being honest about my performances, and making me the player I am today."

"I am very thankful for my parents for always supporting me through my good and bad games, waking up at 5 a.m. almost every weekend to take me to my practices or games. They have spent tons of money traveling throughout the country for me to continue to play softball."

"I greatly appreciate the opportunity I have been given and I will make the most of it.  Now the real work begins!"

"Go Lady Vols!"

AUBURN GETS MAJOR PICK-UP

One of the fastest-rising prospect in the 2019 class in outfielder Maddie Majors of the Birmingham Thunderbolts 01 (Dorsett) team and last week she gave a verbal commit to the Auburn Tigers.

She told us how the recruiting process and culminated with her great news last week:

"Being a part of a highly successful softball organization like the Birmingham Thunderbolts has provided me the tools needed to succeed not only on the field but off."

"Multiple weekly practices prepare me for any game time situations.  I want to thank my parents, coaches, and teammates for always being encouraging, supportive, and instructional by helping me achieve my goals."

"I went on my first SEC unofficial college visit in the fall of my 8th grade year.  It was a bit overwhelming but also encouraging knowing the coaches wanted me there."

"The summer of my eighth grade year I began to notice more and more coaches attending our games.  Conversations began to take place and I went on three more SEC unofficial visits in the fall of my ninth grade year."

"I continued to build relationships with the coaches in the off season.  This past summer started off big for me in the Scenic City Tournament, where I received the attention of more SEC programs."

"The success of our team continued to drive the interests of multiple programs throughout the summer tournaments--from Atlanta Legacy, Colorado Sparkler, Bolts 5 Star and then finishing off at the PGF Nationals in California where we placed 5th overall."

"I began having multiple conversations and developing more relationships with different college programs throughout the summer."

"Following the PGF Nationals tournament, I kept in contact with Coach Scott Woodard which led to my unofficial visit to Auburn.  It was at my unofficial visit to Auburn University on Saturday September 3rd 2016 that I knew where I belonged."

"My family and I toured the campus, ate at the Wellness Kitchen, and attended Tiger Walk.  I also enjoyed visiting with Coaches Clint Myers, Corey Myers, and Scott Woodard which helped me ultimately make my decision."

"We ended the day at the Auburn vs. Clemson game and I loved the atmosphere."

"A few weeks after the unofficial visit, I decided to give Auburn a call and verbally commit to play softball there.  My dream has always been to play in the SEC and compete for a championship."

"The Auburn coaching staff, with a focus on academics and developing a winning program, will help me achieve my goal while obtaining an outstanding college education.  I am glad to be able to attend Auburn in a few years to follow my mom's footsteps and become part of the Auburn Family!"

"War Eagle!"

GRAPETTE GOES BIG 12

Janessa Jasso, a 2019 righty pitcher from Dos Palos, California and member of the California Grapettes-Guevara 14U team, committed to Iowa State.

Jasso, who also who carries a 4.2 GPA in the classroom, lead her team this summer to a PGF Platinum National Title.  Grapettes went undefeated in the tournament outscoring their opponents 48 to11 with Janessa on the mound in all 10 games minus a few innings.  She gave up only five earned runs."

Coach Richard Guevara said, "I'm very proud of Jay in her decision to play for Coach Jamie Trachsel at Iowa State. They are both driven individuals who have big visions for the Cyclones softball program.  I'm confident it's a perfect fit and Janessa will continue to work hard to play a big role in Coach Trachsel's vision and plans."
 
"Coaching Janessa and watching her develop on the mound the last year and a half has been an absolute pleasure.  She's a great kid with one of the funniest personalities off the mound.  but come game time she's all business ready to challenge any team with confidence and composure on the mound."
 
"I'm glad she was able to age up a 2016 PGF Platinum National title holder with her teammates this summer."

Janessa commented on what she liked about the Big 12 school enough to commit:

"I chose Iowa State because it felt right," she began. "I loved Coach Trachsel's vision for the team and that's something I want to be a part of. As for my family, I would like to thank my mom and dad for always being supportive and giving me the opportunities to help me get to where I am today."

"I would also like to thank every single one of my coaches including my pitching coach Jimmy Dyson. Every coach has pushed me farther and farther to help me be the best I possibly could. I've been working really hard and I'll be prepared to play at the next level."

MISSOURI 2020 PROSPECT TO WATCH

Finally, we shine the spotlight on a talented freshman from Missouri who is starting to see her recruiting heat up.  Here's a prospect to watch who will likely emerge as one of the top players in the 2020 class from the middle area of the country.

Player: Lauren Howell
High School: Helias Catholic High School, Jeff City, MO
Club Team: Top Gun Academy-Sciara
Grad Year: 2020
Position: Pitcher
Scouting Report:

"Some good pitchers have great speed.  Some good pitchers have great spin.  Some good pitchers have great location.  To be considered an SEC prospect a pitcher must have them all.  Lauren has a verified fastest pitch of 65 mph, with spin rates topping out around 29-30 revs."

"Lauren's ability to challenge even the best hitters in the country comes from being able to spot her dropball, and climb the ladder with her riseball.  Don't let the tangibles fool you.  Lauren has the ability to outsmart a hitter.  Some of Lauren's most effective starts have been on days where she was a little fatigued, and her pace wasn't what she was used to."

"Lauren's ability to rely on her spin and location to set up hitters on those days have helped her mature into a well-rounded pitcher.  She began pitching and was dominant at an early age.  Unlike most dominant young pitchers, Lauren wasn't satisfied with being the best in town, or the best in the area.  Lauren's desire and dedication soon found her traveling to the bigger cities of Kansas City and St. Louis to compete in the best tournaments she could find on the best teams she could find at a fairly young age."

"Once she dominated the local talents of the bigger cities in Missouri, she set her sights on competing in national level tournaments.  Lauren and her father Jay understood that if she was going to cultivate her talent she would need the best instruction possible."

"Over the past several years Lauren has worked with Lindsey Heinlein, a local pitching instructor that pitched at Mizzou. Over the past 6-12 months, Lauren and Jay have made a commitment to supplement Lindsey's instruction with that of Randi Davis.  Randi is a former assistant coach at Arkansas, and is a pitching instructor to many girls at BCS Schools (Paige Parker was a student)."

"Both of these instructors have helped Lauren groom her mechanics as she has matured.  Lauren works tirelessly to continue to improve and seek the best instruction and competition available."