2017 USA Elite Select 30 All-American CampAug 17, 2017 by Brittany Connors Connors
Rising Star: 2022 Clearwater Lady Bombers P/1B Jordan Sheets
Rising Star: 2022 Clearwater Lady Bombers P/1B Jordan Sheets
Profile of 2022 Clearwater Lady Bombers softball pitcher/first baseman Jordan Sheets.
Step up to the plate against Jordan Sheets and you're likely to get some insane movement coming your way. This 2022 grad from Florida tosses her fastball and changeup on both sides of the plate, confusing and striking out batters left and right.
"The strongest part of my game is pitching," Sheets said. "I am able to place my fast ball and changeup on both sides of the plate, for a strike more than 95 percent of the time. I also have a ninja-like glove on the mound and am able to make some great defensive plays protecting the middle."
Sheets and the Clearwater Lady Bombers placed 5th out of 62 teams this summer at the USA Elite Select World Fastpitch Championship in Kansas City. Throughout the summer, Sheets tossed 230 Ks out of 146 innings pitched and had a .975 fielding percentage (ninja status). Sheets also tossed a shutout against Beverly Bandits Premier 04, one of the best teams in the country.
"The highlight of my summer was when I got to hang out with my teammates in Kansas City," Sheets said. "I got to create new memories with my 10 sisters by heart."
Position(s): P/1B
Hometown: Port Richey, FL
Club Team: Clearwater Lady Bombers
High School: River Ridge
When did you start playing softball? How did it happen?
I started playing softball when I was 7 years old. Since my dad was a baseball player back in the day he would always take me out in the backyard and play catch with me. When he saw that I had the natural talent of catching and hitting the ball he got the idea of signing me up for Dixie Little League.
Do you come from a family with a background in sports? If so, what sports did they play?
Where I come from my family was all about sports. My dad played baseball and golf in high school while my mom did track and swimming in high school.
What was the highlight of your summer and why?
The highlight of my summer was when I got to hang out with my teammates in Kansas City for the World Series. As a result we placed 5th out of 62 teams, but most of all I got to create new memories with my 10 sisters by heart.
One of the best memories was when we beat the Oklahoma Angels and had to play an "if" game at the end of our bracket. We didn't end up beating them in the "if" game but my teammates really pulled through and battled to get us there.
Describe your recruiting experience. What schools have you visited? Has it been stressful, exciting, overwhelming, etc?
I haven't been to visit any schools yet. Still researching and exploring my options at this time.
What are the key things you're looking for in a school?
First I want to go to a school where I can get a great education, academics are most important to me. Additionally I am looking for a great coach and softball team who work together and create the support and bond like I have with my team mates today. Looking for a team/coach who will have my back just like I'll have theirs.
What was the most challenging moment/time in your softball career? Why? How did you overcome those challenges?
The most challenging moment/time in my softball career was when I switched from little league to travel ball. I didn't feel like I would be good enough to do travel ball and meeting new coaches and teammates was hard as well. I overcome these challenges by working hard, taking in what my coaches were telling me and just believing in myself that I could be as good as them and now I am.
Another challenge I overcame is, knowing that I am not perfect, and that my opponents will capitalize on my mistakes. Biggest part that I accomplished with this challenge is that I acknowledge and congratulate them on their performance. This helps me move forward and learn from my mistake.
Who has had the most impact on your softball career? Why?
There are a few very impactful people who have helped get me to where I am today. By far my dad has had the most impact on my softball career. He's the reason I started playing, he's always at every single tournament, he always gives me little pep talks before each game, and lastly he always pushes me to excel at what I'm good at. Coach AJ, (Anthony Johnson) who has spent countless hours working with me on my mechanics, always able to put things into perspective, and teach me how to be a better athlete both on and off the field. Coach Raven Johnson has guided me on what to expect in college and life as I continue on my softball journey. She also has an amazing way of making me smile when I need it! Coach Angie McEvoy. She has been a 2nd mom to me while I have been on my softball journey, always making sure I stay healthy and mentally tough. She always has mine and my teammate's best interest at heart and will do whatever it takes to make us successful. There are many others that are important to me and my softball career so many that I can't even list. I have a lot to be thankful for.
What's your favorite softball memory? Why?
My favorite softball memory was when my team played in the USSSA States tournament in 10u where we had to Battle our way back out of the losers bracket playing 6 games that day. We ended up playing the Gainesville gold, twice to beat them and take the championship. My team pulled out the win and it was the best feeling I've felt.
There's so many! J-dog, 7, Jordy,
Do you have any softball superstitions or rituals?
A ritual that is fairly new to me is acknowledging my field while I am on the mound with a certain motion to thank them for having my back. A circle motion with my arm to the field and we jump at the same time with our hands in the air. Long distance high five if you will.
Do you have any hidden talents outside of softball?
Not really, but I can make food disappear pretty quickly! HAHAHAHA!
Favorite quote or mantra you live by:
"The team with the best athletes doesn't usually win. It's the team with the athletes who play best together"
Best advice you've been given:
If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Best said to me by Coach AJ (Anthony Johnson)
Last song you listened to:
Attention by Charlie Puth
If you could spend the weekend with anyone doing anything anywhere in the world, what would you do?
A couple of things - I would hang out with my favorite band, 5 Seconds of Summer. I would tour with them for 2 days and let them teach me how to play their instruments. That would be the best weekend ever.
I also would like to spend the weekend with Kelly Barnhill #11 from the Florida Gators. She is my favorite pitcher and I would love to spend time with her to learn her tips, tricks and secrets.
Describe yourself in one word on the field… and off the field:
Determined
"The strongest part of my game is pitching," Sheets said. "I am able to place my fast ball and changeup on both sides of the plate, for a strike more than 95 percent of the time. I also have a ninja-like glove on the mound and am able to make some great defensive plays protecting the middle."
Sheets and the Clearwater Lady Bombers placed 5th out of 62 teams this summer at the USA Elite Select World Fastpitch Championship in Kansas City. Throughout the summer, Sheets tossed 230 Ks out of 146 innings pitched and had a .975 fielding percentage (ninja status). Sheets also tossed a shutout against Beverly Bandits Premier 04, one of the best teams in the country.
"The highlight of my summer was when I got to hang out with my teammates in Kansas City," Sheets said. "I got to create new memories with my 10 sisters by heart."
Jordan Sheets
Grad Year: 2022Position(s): P/1B
Hometown: Port Richey, FL
Club Team: Clearwater Lady Bombers
High School: River Ridge
When did you start playing softball? How did it happen?
I started playing softball when I was 7 years old. Since my dad was a baseball player back in the day he would always take me out in the backyard and play catch with me. When he saw that I had the natural talent of catching and hitting the ball he got the idea of signing me up for Dixie Little League.
Do you come from a family with a background in sports? If so, what sports did they play?
Where I come from my family was all about sports. My dad played baseball and golf in high school while my mom did track and swimming in high school.
What was the highlight of your summer and why?
The highlight of my summer was when I got to hang out with my teammates in Kansas City for the World Series. As a result we placed 5th out of 62 teams, but most of all I got to create new memories with my 10 sisters by heart.
One of the best memories was when we beat the Oklahoma Angels and had to play an "if" game at the end of our bracket. We didn't end up beating them in the "if" game but my teammates really pulled through and battled to get us there.
Describe your recruiting experience. What schools have you visited? Has it been stressful, exciting, overwhelming, etc?
I haven't been to visit any schools yet. Still researching and exploring my options at this time.
What are the key things you're looking for in a school?
First I want to go to a school where I can get a great education, academics are most important to me. Additionally I am looking for a great coach and softball team who work together and create the support and bond like I have with my team mates today. Looking for a team/coach who will have my back just like I'll have theirs.
What was the most challenging moment/time in your softball career? Why? How did you overcome those challenges?
The most challenging moment/time in my softball career was when I switched from little league to travel ball. I didn't feel like I would be good enough to do travel ball and meeting new coaches and teammates was hard as well. I overcome these challenges by working hard, taking in what my coaches were telling me and just believing in myself that I could be as good as them and now I am.
Another challenge I overcame is, knowing that I am not perfect, and that my opponents will capitalize on my mistakes. Biggest part that I accomplished with this challenge is that I acknowledge and congratulate them on their performance. This helps me move forward and learn from my mistake.
Who has had the most impact on your softball career? Why?
There are a few very impactful people who have helped get me to where I am today. By far my dad has had the most impact on my softball career. He's the reason I started playing, he's always at every single tournament, he always gives me little pep talks before each game, and lastly he always pushes me to excel at what I'm good at. Coach AJ, (Anthony Johnson) who has spent countless hours working with me on my mechanics, always able to put things into perspective, and teach me how to be a better athlete both on and off the field. Coach Raven Johnson has guided me on what to expect in college and life as I continue on my softball journey. She also has an amazing way of making me smile when I need it! Coach Angie McEvoy. She has been a 2nd mom to me while I have been on my softball journey, always making sure I stay healthy and mentally tough. She always has mine and my teammate's best interest at heart and will do whatever it takes to make us successful. There are many others that are important to me and my softball career so many that I can't even list. I have a lot to be thankful for.
What's your favorite softball memory? Why?
My favorite softball memory was when my team played in the USSSA States tournament in 10u where we had to Battle our way back out of the losers bracket playing 6 games that day. We ended up playing the Gainesville gold, twice to beat them and take the championship. My team pulled out the win and it was the best feeling I've felt.
Quickfire
Nickname(s):There's so many! J-dog, 7, Jordy,
Do you have any softball superstitions or rituals?
A ritual that is fairly new to me is acknowledging my field while I am on the mound with a certain motion to thank them for having my back. A circle motion with my arm to the field and we jump at the same time with our hands in the air. Long distance high five if you will.
Do you have any hidden talents outside of softball?
Not really, but I can make food disappear pretty quickly! HAHAHAHA!
Favorite quote or mantra you live by:
"The team with the best athletes doesn't usually win. It's the team with the athletes who play best together"
Best advice you've been given:
If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Best said to me by Coach AJ (Anthony Johnson)
Last song you listened to:
Attention by Charlie Puth
If you could spend the weekend with anyone doing anything anywhere in the world, what would you do?
A couple of things - I would hang out with my favorite band, 5 Seconds of Summer. I would tour with them for 2 days and let them teach me how to play their instruments. That would be the best weekend ever.
I also would like to spend the weekend with Kelly Barnhill #11 from the Florida Gators. She is my favorite pitcher and I would love to spend time with her to learn her tips, tricks and secrets.
Describe yourself in one word on the field… and off the field:
Determined