Extra Innings Softball Extra Elite 100 - Class of 2021
We would like to congratulate Erin Mendoza, Emma Sellers and Sophia Nugent on begin named to ExtraInnings Softball Extra Elite 100 list. Erin checks in at #73, Emma comes in at #25 and Sophia at #2.
#75 Erin Mendoza
Firecrackers – Brashear (Oregon State)
Erin is a speedy lefty slapper who can spray the field and has won multiple high school and club championships and awards. She playing for Los Alamitos (High), which was ranked in the Top 10 in the nation and looked to be a threat to win another CIF title before the season was curtailed due to COVID-19. At the club level, Erin has helped Sean Brashear’s Firecrackers teams finish in the Top 10 at prestigious events like PGF Nationals and Triple Crown Sports in Colorado.
#25 Emma Sellers
Firecrackers - Rico/Weil (South Carolina)
Emma joined the Firecrackers two years ago and has been on an upward trajectory ever since. She utilizes her speed, power and softball IQ to apply multiple sources of pressure on the field. Emma can also play three infield positions and not miss a beat. One the preps said, she plays for a familiar face and voice in Rob Weil, who coaches her club and Los Alamitos (California) High teams. Emma was off to a strong start in 2020 as she was hitting .370 with 10 hits in her first nine games before the season was halted due to COVID-19. “Emma has done amazing,” says Tony Rico, head of the Firecrackers program. “We are looking forward to her being able to contribute immediately at South Carolina, where she committed in November of 2019.”
#2 Sophia Nugent
Firecrackers - Rico/Weil (Oklahoma)
Sophia has convinced many scouts and coaches that she is an elite catcher who is advanced not just on the field physically but in the mental game. Firecrackers coach Tony Rico states: “Sophia went from a raw power hitter to one who is now working hard on the mental aspect of her game which include pitch selection, count management and understanding scouting reports. She’s drawn comparisons to another Firecracker who went on to have a record-setting career at Oklahoma, Lauren Chamberlain. Sophia can hit mammoth home run blasts–and a lot of them–but she also hits for a high average. Playing high school ball for her club coach as well, Rob Weil, at Los Alamitos (California) High, the senior led her team last year in home runs and RBIs while also shining behind the dish, committing just one error all year. Sophia committed to the Sooners in October of 2019 and Coach Rico adds, “She should have an exciting career ahead of her at OU.” Click HERE to read more about this power-hitting catcher and see recent video of her in action.