2023 Seattle Tryout

Pacific Lutheran University was the site of this year’s Seattle Tryout and we hope it will become a permanent fixture for us. Head Softball coach, Traci Barrett, has built a Division 3 powerhouse. They were the NCAA D3 National Champions in 2012, and most years they go to the NCAA Regionals. We wish more players would seriously consider D3’s in the recruiting process. Whether it’s St. Olaf's, Illinois Wesleyan, Williams College, Emory, or Pacific Lutheran. These schools and others like them offer a great education and great financial aid packages to players who are looking to play highly competitive softball. We were excited to share that message with the players and families in attendance and show them what a great program PLU has to offer.

We had some really good performances on the day. The hitters were very solid and if we were just choosing hitters, there would be far more chosen. This is understandable given the weather challenges in this region. Getting into a cage and getting your cuts in isn’t as affected by rain or cold. It’s tougher to get your reps in on ground and fly balls. But I still harken back to seeing Mike Stith work out a group of players at the OC Batbuster facility years ago. One after another cycled thru time, after time, after time for a full hour fielding one rolled ball after another working on their footwork, their glove skills, and their throwing mechanics. All while throwing into a net that was set up across the facility. So it is possible to get those reps in if you get creative enough.

There are several players we want to mention. First and foremost was Ai Bandit Shelby Southard, a 2026 middle infielder. Shelby has an ultra-quick release coupled with great hands and feet. She can swing it too. Without question, Shelby is going to be an interesting player to follow in the years ahead. 2024 1B Ashlyn Cook, WA Ladyhawks, also put on a show swinging the bat. She has great hands and can hit it deep. Way deep. Plus, she holds her own at 1B defensively where she will only get better. We will be excited to see how her recruitment progresses this summer.

It is also notable that four 7th graders worked out with us. 2028s Karlee Coleman, Olivia Lopez, Mackenzie Lacquement, and Ali Evans.  All four did a really nice job of competing with the older players. And they have a chance to be solid college prospects if they keep working on their skill sets and athleticism.

Again, it was great to be at PLU in Tacoma, WA this past weekend. Thanks to coach Traci Barrett and her staff for all their help.

We want to thank all the players and parents who joined us for this tryout, it was a lot of fun. Please keep us updated on your tournament and game schedules and email them to info@ondecksoftball.net

Listed below are the players selected and the invitations they are guaranteed. It is important to know that players were considered for Jamborees and Elite Camps. The Rosetta Canyon Jamboree, Colorado Jamboree, and July Jamboree invitations have been sent. All invitations are sent via email to the address provided in registration, unless otherwise requested. Please add info@ondecksoftball.net to your contacts to ensure you get the invitation.

Rosetta Canyon

• Shelby Southard
• Ava Day

Colorado Jamboree

• Ashlyn Cook
• Shannon Tierney
• Lauren Hufford
• Heather Lloyd
• Elizabeth Peery

July Jamboree

• Karlee Coleman 
• Olivia Lopez 
• Makenzie Lacquement
• Ali Evans
• Ambur Livingston 
• Brooklyn Mills
• Addysen Case
• Keala Painter