1. Why did you decide to sign with Southern Wesleyan University?
It’s so family-like! Everyone there is so welcoming, from the teachers to the students!
2.Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
I can’t wait! I’ve always wanted to be a collegiate athlete and I’m finally getting the opportunity to play for not just a great school, but for great people. I don’t think I could have chosen a better school for my sport and education.
3.What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
Get started early. Annoy the college coaches with emails and the earlier you start the better. Most importantly, pick somewhere you can be successful, not as just as an athlete, but as a student as well.
4.Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
Get started early. Annoy the college coaches with emails and the earlier you start the better. Most importantly, pick somewhere you can be successful, not as just as an athlete, but as a student as well.
5.What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?
To be apart of the family and the rebuilding of a great program and build myself, not just as an athlete, but as a better Christian and show people my faith.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
Sport: Softball Position: Pitcher Height: 5’11” Class: 2011 School: University City High School San Diego, CA
The Centurion pitcher, junior Amanda Hansen, led her team to their second straight CIF San Diego Section Division III Title this past month. Hansen pitched a two hit shutout against Santana High School narrowly beating them 1-0 to take the championship game. Hansen was also named to the first team for the All San Diego Section team for softball and was named Pitcher of the Year for the Western League. To view Amanda’s complete SportsForce profile click here – http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/amanda-hansen-softball-2011
Scouting report courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com
High School Softball Pitching Distance to Increase to 43 Feet in 2010-11
The 2010-11 Softball season will be marked by new rule revisions, among these, one that will have the most impact on high school varsity softball will be the increase in pitching distance from 40 to 43 feet. Although the new pitching distance will be mandatory with the 2010-11 school year, state high school associations may adopt the 43 feet distance in 2009-10 if desired. After 10 years of debate and experimentation in two state associations, rule 1-1-2b was finally revised by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee and subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. The rule revision is said to create a better balance between offense and defense because more balls will be batted into play. “When more balls are batted into play, the defense is more involved in the game, thus enhancing skill development,” said Mary Struckhoff, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee. The rule is also said to create a smoother transition for high school players with hopes to play in college. This change eliminates one of the few major rule differences between high school and collegiate sports.
High School Softball Rule Revisions
There have been four high school softball rule revisions made for the upcoming season including the pitching distance increase from 40 to 43 feet. The second rule revision concerns bat specifications, which is primarily an editorial change from the existing rule in order to give manufacturers, coaches, players and umpires more guidance on what is and is not permissible. The third rule revision deals with hair devices worn by players. It provides an exception to the original rule that permits “hard, unadorned devices, such as bobby pins, barrettes and clips, no longer than 2 inches, to be worn to control a player’s hair.” Lastly the final rule revision concerns how a winning pitcher is determined and was changed in order to better reflect the culture of the sport. The altered rule changes the required number of innings pitched for a starting pitcher to be credited with a win to “half of the total number of innings played in the game.” The new language gives the starting pitcher the ability to earn a win even if she leaves the pitching position for another defensive position and returns to the pitching position later in the game.
With summer tournaments, showcases and camps happening nearly everyday of the week in California, SportsForce has been all over the place getting footage and meeting with coaches, athletes, parents and teams.
19th Annual Alex Spanos All-Star Football Classic
SportsForce was meeting with coaches and filming at the 19th Annual Alex Spanos All-Star Football Classic where some of San Diego’s best graduating senior football players are showcased before heading off to play college football. Many of the players at the showcase have signed with college programs including SportsForce alum, La Jolla’s Robbie Beathard who will be playing at the University of San Diego. Jerik Davis of Mira Mesa who will be playing at New Mexico State and Robbie Rouse of Madison High School who is signed with Fresno State.
San Diego High School Baseball Showcase
The San Diego Showcase sponsored by the San Diego County Baseball Coaches Association was held July 12 at Poway High School. The event showcased top baseball players from around the county who are entering their senior year. Over 20 college coaches (including USD, Long Beach State, Univ. of Oklahoma, LMU and more) and MLB scouts were at the event while SportsForce filmed the entire pro-style workout and games.
Champions Cup Softball 16U Tournament
SportsForce was able to see top softball players at the Champions Cup Softball 16U Tournament in Irvine, CA this weekend as well. Over 50 college coaches attended the event, which was the first of a two-weekend tournament. The 18U Tournament will be held next weekend.
Top Soccer Tournament – Albion Cup
SportsForce is partnered with the Albion Cup for this weekend’s National Soccer Showcase. The tournament offers college exposure showcasing the top teams in the country. The Showcase is open for teams to play in either the Top Showcase Group or the Cup Group and is for Boys and Girls U8-U19. www.albioncup.org
The Showcase is an amazing opportunity for the athletes and teams that attend and Puma is helping to make one level even more competitive. Puma is putting on a special Puma V Elite Bracket for U14 and U15 teams, including special invitations sent out to Puma clubs from around the country. Noah Gins, Technical Director/ Director of Coaching for the Albion Peninsula Soccer league commented on the company’s involvement. “They’ve brought all the bells and whistles for this including banners, retail stores and tents, and a lounge for kids to hang out in. We had (former women’s national team player) Leslie Osborne here last year,” he said. “We’re at a point now where we want the best teams in the country and that’s what we’re after.” Follow up with us next week for a full recap of the Albion Cup National Soccer Showcase.
New Additions
SportsForce has added a new member to our Street Team, Katherine Salter. Katherine was a former high school volleyball player that was recruited by smaller schools to play college volleyball. Katherine is assisting with our grassroots efforts for Girls and Boys Volleyball.
District Champs
SportsForce partner Dan Plashke’s son Jackie and his little league team won their district this past weekend. The team is now the 9-10 year old District 31 Champions are moving on hoping to win the divisional title this coming weekend. We wish them the best of luck!
The SportsForce team also met with our web development group, Barefoot Solutions (www.barefootsolutions.com) to discuss the homestretch towards launching the new site. We have a lot of video and content to add to the site as well as some changes to make to ensure the best experience when we launch (hopefully) in early August.
