Long Beach City College hosted our 2024 National Elite Camp, and we walked away from that event really excited for the future. First, LBCC is an amazing facility. Mike Rogers, who runs the USA Athletics, is the head softball coach at Long Beach. And I can say this without any hesitation. Anyone looking for a junior college situation should give Mike and his program a real look. We are big believers in the JUCO system. Joann and I were both products of California junior colleges back in the day. Heather played at Palomar College. She won a National Championship there and then matriculated to Mizzou. California Junior College Softball offers great experiences for players, and schools like Long Beach, Palomar, Mt. SAC, and NorCal’s West Valley are just a few of the many possibilities out there.We can only hope we will be able to continue to hold events at Long Beach with Mike and Rose Rogers. It’s a great venue for most everything we do.
As for the camp itself, the roster was loaded with future stars in the college game. Right out of the gate as the first hitter in the camp, Brooklyn Paratore (2026 1B/C) continued to prove she is one of the best hitters in the country. Coaches were raving about her and undoubtedly she will have her pick of schools when her time comes. The problem I have here is listing outstanding performances. There were too many. Sammi Boggs. McKena Harvey. Sam Alekman. Erin Ryan. Alexis Mujica. Tayor Faga. Julia Savage. Charlotte White. Emma Ford.The list just goes on and on. Suffice it to say that it was a powerful line-up of players who all will be playing at the highest levels of college softball in the years ahead.
I would like to single out four athletes and their ODM® numbers. Ivy Burnham and Zaliyah Jones have popped big number over the last 12-18 months. Their names are all over the ODM® leaderboard that college coaches use to track great athletes. Last November, Addison Lucht from the Chicago area set an Allister Index record, and like Ivy and Zaliyah is now on the lists of major programs across the country. Today, 2027 Unity OF Morgan Waln joined the ranks with combination of size, speed, quickness, and power. Running a 2.675 20 yard dash and a 4.944 shuttle. These four players are undoubtedly four of the top prep softball athletes in the country. And it’s proven with verified, objective data that has a history in the game.
Thanks to all the National Elite Camp players for their outstanding performances at Long Beach City College. Thanks again to Mike and Rose Rogers for hosting the event. Best wishes to all the athletes at the Alliance and PGF National Tournaments that are taking place now.
Please remember that the ODM numbers, while growing increasingly important, are only a snapshot of a player’s evaluation and potential. Use these numbers as a tool and work at developing your athleticism, but constantly work on improving and refining your softball skill set – both offensively and defensively.
If you have questions about the ODM numbers, email kj@odmtesting.com
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