2024 Midwest Elite Camp

We all had a great time in Chicago with our annual Midwest Elite Camp held at the Parkway Dome. This is without question one of the premier events on our calendar each and every year. We launched this event in 2012, and the list of great players is long. Headlining that list is Montana Fouts (Alabama All-American pitcher) who came to us as just a young, talented 8th grader. And while Alabama won that recruiting battle, this camp has been a bedrock for Big Ten, Missouri Valley, Summit League schools.

This year was no different, as we hosted a group of players headlined by a high level group of young pitchers. 2028 P/1B Megan Kuiper has to be near the top of any list of players in her class. Megan pitches for the Iowa Premier and is a high velocity pitcher with good control, a solid change of speeds, and really good command of her pitches. And since we’re talking young pitchers, we might as well mention 2031 right-hander Alexis Frakes. Alexis pitches right around 60 mph already. But what really stands out with this 6th grader, who plays for the Illinois Chill, is her command, change of speeds, location, and poise.

And speaking of the Chill, 2027 Catcher/3B Erin Ryan continues to develop as she forges her path to stardom. Erin has been attending OnDeck events for years, and every time we see her, she just seems to get better. Her phone will be ringing off the hook come September 1st, 2025. As will be the case for 2028 Chill teammate Taylor Purchas. This young lady is just a really good player who holds her own defensively in the OF, and offensively is just a hitting machine. She hits pitches in all parts of the zone, and is a tough out in any game she plays in. 

We also should mention an outstanding group of Indiana Magic players who represented their organization very well. 2027 infielders Harlow Estes & Ava Walker were both superb. Pitchers 2026 Shyanne Ross. 2027 Madi Yount and 2027 Mallorie Rose all showed the potential to play at the Division 1 level. And 2027 C/3B Peyton Lonardi was solid both offensively and defensively. Peyton will be recruited at a high level. Obviously the Magic are doing some really good.

I could go on and on with many other players as well. The two young ladies from Seattle showed very well – Payton Aanstadt & Reagan Evans. 2028 Lulu Johnston was amazing with both the glove and bat. 2026 Ashley Ellevog (C/SS); 2027s Kaylynn Burkel (SS), Harlow Engel (OF/1B), Reese Grudzielanek (SS), Emily Perone (2B/OF), and Cara Steele (OF/3B) all were really good, particularly with the bat. They all displayed solid mechanics that make one believe they will be able to consistently hit high level pitching.

Many thanks to all those who helped us put this together for the 12th time in the last 13 years (CoVid interrupted our run in 2020). We especially want to thank Bryan and the people associated with the city of Rosemont who are so supportive and responsive. We will look forward to continuing this great tradition for many years ahead.