Kylie Edwards Relies On The Details

Kylee Edwards , Indiana Magic Gold - Kleiner

by Ross Jacobs – Fastpitch Network

Kylee Edwards is a perfectionist. She also works extremely hard at softball and everything she does, so it should come as no surprise that she is among the top ranked players in the 2023 class. As the #7 ranked middle infielder and 48th ranked player overall for Fastpitch Network, Edwards is one of the best shortstops/middle infielders in the country.

The Indiana Magic Gold 16U team are off to a strong start having beaten several of the top teams in the country this season. Head Coach Stephanie Kleiner, who has coached for 15 years, this year merged her team with 5-6 players from another Indiana Magic team and thanks to players like Edwards, the results have been encouraging.

“The team has come together really well,” said Kleiner. “Kylee is a special player and she’s had no problems continuing relationships with the players she came over with, while also making new ones. She’s a team player who leads by example and gets very excited when her teammates make good plays.”

Kylee Edwards, Indiana Magic Gold 16U 2023
Kylee Edwards, Indiana Magic Gold 16U 2023
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Madison Edwards Meets Challenges With A Conquering Spirit

Madison Edwards at Bat

by Ross Jacobs – Fastpitch Network

Madison Edwards loves a good challenge. She also hates to lose …at anything.

Although she comes from a family of athletes, Edwards gets her competitive streak from her father, who wouldn’t take it easy on her growing up. She fondly recalls that moment when she broke through and beat him at ping pong when she was 12. “I’ll never forget that,” Edwards proudly states.

Her disdain for losing has driven Madison in everything she’s done. Edwards’ drive has also helped position her Team North Carolina 16U squad as a team to watch in 2021, and made her one of the best 2023 ballplayers.

Team NC Logo
Team NC Logo
MADISON EDWARDS
MADISON EDWARDS 2023
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Sophia Stein’s Bat a Sure Thing

Sophia Stein 2023 SS U16 SoCal Athletics Wellbaum

by Ross Jacobs – Fastpitch Network

Sophia Stein likes to be in control of the game…literally. As a five-year-old, she would stand on the pitching mound and chase balls when they were hit, grab them from the outfield, and run to first base to tag players out.

At sixteen, Stein plays shortstop for the So Cal Athletics Wellbaum/Briggs 16U , is a leader who still wants the ball in her hands, and she relishes the pressure of making the big play.

“I would say my effort on the field is one of the most evident things, because it’s the one thing I control,” said Stein. “I’ve been told effort is how people will remember you or don’t remember you, so I always try to give 100 percent. If there was a game on the line, I’d want to be at bat or making a play in the field.”

Sophia Stein 2023 So Cal Athletics Wellbaum/Briggs 16U
Sophia Stein 2023 So Cal Athletics Wellbaum/Briggs 16U
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Alyssa Hastings’ Fury With Bat And Base Running

Alyssa Hastings 2023 Fury Premier 2022 Moyer - High Fives

by Ross Jacobs – Fastpitch Network

Some leaders use their voice. Some lead by example. And, some lead using their actions. Very rarely do you find a leader who does all three, but Alyssa Hastings isn’t just any type of ballplayer.

Hastings, a sophomore sensation who plays shortstop for the Tennessee Fury [Premier 2022] U18 squad, is hard to miss. She’s typically the first player out on the infield grass, the first player at practice, and one of the last players to go home. Her work ethic and softball IQ, at just 16 years of age, is off-the-charts.

For all of her special softball gifts – the quick hands, smooth glove, the patient approach at the plate, incredible bat control – it is her team first approach that stands out above all else.

Alyssa Hastings 2023 Fury Premier 2022 Moyer Game Changer
Alyssa Hastings 2023 Fury Premier 2022 Moyer Game Changer
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McKaela Walker’s Allegiance and Loyalty are Highlighted by her Skill

McKaela Walker EC Bullets Mayfield 2023 Batting

by Ryan Greenwood – Fastpitch Network

Not many young players are wise beyond their age to show a sense of loyalty in the modern era of sports.  From the professional athlete to the youth player, migrating from team to team is not an uncommon occurrence.  That was not the choice or case for McKaela Walker.

“One strength that she developed at a very young age was loyalty,” said Todd Mayfield, head coach of the East Cobb Bullets – Mayfield team.  “She’s very loyal to her coaches, loyal to her teammates, and very loyal to the organization she plays for.”

McKaela Walker EC Bullets Mayfield 2023 Assessing
McKaela Walker EC Bullets Mayfield 2023 Assessing
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Goode Continues to Impress

Leighann Goode Texas Bombers Shortstop

by Kyle Parmley – Fastpitch Network

Leighann Goode Texas Bombers Shortstop
#43 Leighann Goode Texas Bombers Shortstop at the Plate

Some people make strong first impressions. Then there’s what Leighann Goode did the first time James Burgess saw her play.

A few years ago, Burgess recalls heading to the third base coaching box as a game was about to begin. The opposing shortstop caught his eye almost immediately.

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