Last Tournament of 2011

This was a great tournament for Alicia. It started with the warm up game in which she was the winning pitcher against the Fury.

Her slapping and bunting was right on this tournament. There were several bunts that just stopped about half a foot from the plate and she was speeding off to first base. Then she had a beautiful hard slap to the outfield and a soft slap that hugged the first base line.

Her fielding was perfection. She caught all her catches and even called off the center fielder once. She had one catch in the outfield that she had to run a long way to get.

Base running, what can I say. Coach Donnie Hall from the Triad Power anounced to his team, " watch #3 the lead off batter, she is very fast," well Alicia's coach heard that and made her base bandit for that game. There was a pop fly to the second baseman, Alicia went back tagged second and stole to third but the third baseman was blocking her way to the base so Alicia went through her.

YAK video

Alicia can also be seen at about 3:01 mins into the video running from first base, wearing white underarmor and batting at 3:21 minutes in.

Winter Season 2011-2012

Even though many softball players are taking a break in their season, that is not true for Alicia. She has started her winter training this week at Proehlific Park in the PSP program. Rodney Beasley and Blaze Thompson are a great support to Alicia and will help her reach her goals. Alicia will be working on some strength training, nutrition and speed and agility. Alicia will also be working one on one, once to twice a week with her coach Monica Munsey Carpenter.

Alicia is getting ready for one last tournament this weekend. Then she has several college camps that she will be attending. The weekend of December 17th-18th she will be in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee for the Lady Vol's Softball Christmas Camp. Then right after Christmas she will be traveling to Boca Raton, FL for the Florida Atlantic University Owls Prosceptive Softball Camp. Alicia is hoping to make a good impression on these schools because she is interested in their academic and softball programs.

The New Year will bring another trip but we will tell you about that one later.

Alicia continues to see Dr.Jeremy Phillips, her chiropractor not because she has ever hurt herself but to help her prevent injuries. He is another great support to her as he encourages her in positive ways.

Alicia is very thankful and fortunate to have such a great supportive team of people that believe in her. Even some of you that check on her site regularly, give her support.

Alicia just recieved a very good book for any softball player to have called Winning State Softball, Execute Under Pressure.

Local Tip: If you ever need your glove sewn up or repaired, take it to the Greensboro Batting Center, they did a great job on Alicia's glove, it was done quickly and inexpensively.

Coastal Carolina University

Alicia arrived early to Coastal Carolina University so that she and her mother could take the time to explore the area and the campus. They were one of four families that took advantage of the generous offer of the assistant coach,Kate Refsnyder to take them on a tour of the campus and tell them all about the softball program and it's plans for the future.

Sunday morning Alicia went to the Defensive clinic and chose to work on her outfielding skills. The coach spoke to her several times the first saying, " Come on I know you have this drill down now so let's speed it up since I know you are fast." And then another time when she was thrown she asking if she played infield and which position.
In the afternoon she worked on hitting and had her hitting video taped. Alicia is still working at becoming a power hitter from the left hand side of the plate. Alicia did not think she did very well but Alicia is very hard on herself. Her mother said she had some good swings for not having completely perfected the left handed hitting yet.

Alicia will be starting PSP with Proehlific Park this week.

Honored

Alicia was honored this week to be personally invited to a Prospect Showcase camp for only 90 prospective softball players. This is just the next step in her softball career. Her coaches and Coach Michael Bastian will help her decide which are the best ones for her to attend.

Alicia has found a volunteering position at a local assisted living home and will be helping the elderly with bingo, arts and crafts, exercise and maybe some outside trips in the future. She is very excited about this opportunity.

Bringing home the hardware

For the second weekend in a row the YAK Fastpitch were in the championship round and brought home second place. This weekend it was a WFC Fall Showcase tournament that they took second place in. The team that beat them was an All Star team from Fayetteville, NC.

Alicia truely earned her new nick name "Wheels" when she read what the catcher would do after a ball got past her. Alicia was on second base and before her coach had time to signal her Alicia was blowing past her and scoring. Coach Monica said that was the best base running she has seen in a long time.
This tournament Alicia was aggressive at the plate as well as her base running.

Her Time is Coming

Being a long term fan of Alicia , I have been able to watch her grow in her sport. She has been determined, persistant and very patient. Mrs. Daly recently said " I believe God has put her in all the right places because I think her time is coming soon." She has many followers across the country and numerous colleges watching her.
Alicia is becoming more vocal in her game and speaking up for herself. This fan sees a growing maturity and interest in all aspects of the game. Alicia makes many sacrifices that most teenage girls would not make. These sacrifices are made to improve her game.
Along with Alicia's busy class load and intense softball training, she is seeking a volunteer position.

Fall softball and starting of training

The Yak Fastpitch was invited to the Queen Of Diamonds tournament this past weekend. This tournament had some of the best teams from different states in it. This was Alicia's first tournament with the Yak and first tournament since the Colorado Sparkler tournament. Alicia had some great catches at second base and right field. She has been working hard at transitioning to the left side of the plate. She is getting more confidence as a left handed slapper. Alicia even had a play where she slid into second base to try and break up a double play.

Coach Monica was not happy with the team's performance and will be working them hard at their next practice. Coach Monica is willing to help whenever you want extra help. She is meeting Alicia at the High Point Batting Center this week for some one on one coaching.

Alicia will also be playing in the Southeast Guilford Community Center High School League to prepare for the spring high school season.

The Yak's next tournament is the USSSA Junior Nationals. This tournament is a prequalifier for the USSSA World Series in Disney. The team is hoping and working hard to do well and prequalify.

Our next post will discuss some of Alicia's new training equipment.

Fall Season with New Team

Since Mrs. Daly has been ill, Alicia was forced to take a brief break in her playing schedule. The family took a vacation to the beach and as usual a fellow softball father noticed her pitching on the beach. He came over to tell her that she had great form.


Alicia tryed out for the 18U Charlotte Magic and Coach Stovall was very interested in her but felt she needed more time at 16U. He feels that Alicia will be a late bloomer like his daughter, Nicolle Stovall, (whom signed with Virginia Wesleyan College) was.


The Daly family decided on a new team, Yak Fastpitch. They are very excited about this team because of the coaches, whom are former D1 players themselves, the brother Yak baseball team and the fact they the team has been invited to specific tournaments. The Yak practices at the High Point Batting Center.

Alicia continues to take lessons from Coach Bastian. She is continuing to work on her pitching, rise ball, slapping and becoming a triple threat from the left hand side. Soon it will be time to go back to the PSP program at Proehlific Park.

Health Issues mean short break in play

On the way to the South Carolina camp on Monday, Mrs. Daly had shortness of breath and chest pain. They took her to the hospital. Alicia was not able to attend the USC camp and is taking the Florence tournament off to help care for her mother.

Hot Times Classic schedule

This is a busy week for the Daly family. Alicia will be attending the University of South Carolina's camp on Monday and Tuesday. Then the first games of the Hot Times Classic start on Thursday. Here is the schedule below:

Thursday July 14th, 2011 @ 11:50am TFS vs. KY Full Throttle, @ Field 2
Thursday July 14th, 2011 @4:50pm TFS vs. Carolina Travelers @ Field 2
Friday July 15th, 2011 @ 10:10am TFS vs. Alley Cats @ Field 3
Friday July 15th, 2011 @ 1:30pm TFS vs. NC Chaos @ Field 3
Saturday July 16th, 2011 @ 11:50am TFS vs. Yorktown Revolution @ Field 1
Sunday To be Determined

Bracket play starts on Saturday after 3pm and it is Single Elimination

Colorado Sparkler results and upcoming info.

Yesterday the Daly family got home from Denver, Colorado. Team TFS did very well in the tournament. They won all four pool games and were put in the 1st and 2nd seed bracket, the 16U Mt. Elbert bracket.
In bracket play, their first game was decided in an international tie-breaker and their second game was a loss.
Alicia was the speed for the team, being the base runner for the first two games. The rest of the games she played either left or right field. She had the opportunity to field one hit in the outfield and did so on a running catch. Her fielding average is now up to .900.
Alicia had a great deal of responsibility this tournament because her mother became sick and was in the hospital while out in Denver.

Alicia has three rec games this week and will be attending the University of South Carolina camp on July 11th and 12th.
She is excited to learn from USC Coach Beverly Smith.

Colorado Sparkler 16 Open schedule

This Saturday Alicia is headed to Denver Colorado for the Colorado Sparkler Tournament. She will also be attending a Pro Player clinic to learn more about Slapping.
This is her team schedule for the pool play:

Wednesday June 29, 2011 at 11:30am at Clement park 2 TFS vs. OK Reign
Wednesday June 29, 2011 at 1:15pm at Clement park 2 TFS vs. Mosqito squad
Thursday June 30, 2011 at 8:00am at Schaefer 4 TFS vs. Aquasox
Thursday June 30, 2011 at 9:45 at Schaefer 6 TFS vs. Bukoos

The bracket play will start on Friday. Below is how the brackets will be determined.

1st & 2nd place seeds after Pool Play go to the Mt. Elbert Bracket
3rd place seeds after Pool Play go to the Gray's Peak Bracket
4th place seeds after Pool Play go to the Long's Peak Bracket
5th place seeds after Pool Play go to the Pike's Peak Bracket
6th place seeds after Pool Play go to the Sunshine Peak Bracket

Great Lesson with Coach Bastian

Alicia met with Coach Bastian last night for a five hour lesson. They worked on sport psychology issues, pitching , slapping and base running. Alicia's time from home to first base is 2.8 secs and from home to home is 13.1 secs. Coach Bastian said the fastest time in the world is 2.6 secs from home to first.

Coach Bastian showed her the proper mechanics on how to slap from the left hand side.

He showed her how to hold a rise ball and when she threw it is would rise and curve, which is rare.

Tournament news

Alicia just returned from the Music City Hits tournament just outside of Nashville, TN. Her team had a frustrating time at this tournament. Alicia experienced some frustration as well with a batting slump. Her coach wants her to slap and Alicia is still working on her slapping skills. Hopefully the Slapping Clinic in Colorado will help with this. In her first tournament see was batting around 400.

Alicia has become very comfortable in the outfield. Her fielding percentage is .889 with one error. Most people would consider the error a hit. In her last game in TN she made a beautiful running caught on the right field line. Her speed helps her get the job done.
Alicia is called in to be the base bandit due to her speed. This photo shows her taking a lead off second base. Even the 18u team asked to be on stand by in the dug out due to her speed.
If you would like to follow her games live or just look at her stats you can go to Game Changer.
You must subscribe for $10 a year to see the games live or see the stats.
We will be posting the Colorado Sparkler game schedule soon.

Music City Hits tournament schedule

Here is the schedule so far for the Music City Hits Tournament in Nashville, TN starting on Thursday June 16th, 2011.

June 16th 9am TFS vs. TN Team Worth 95
June 16th 10:45am TFS vs. AL Crusaders
June 16th 4pm TFS vs. OH Cincy Storm
June 17th 9am TFS vs. KY Southern KY Crush
June 17th 12:30 TFS vs. KY Outrage 95

2011 Carolina Cardinals Early Bird Schedule

Team TFS will not be playing until Saturday June 11th of the 2011 Carolina Cardinals Early Bird tournament.
Here is the schedule of our playtime for the weekend of June 11th, 2011 to June 12th, 2011.

June 11th 9:00am @ Cherry Park Field 5 TFS 9 vs. Denver Dazzle( Johnson) 1
Won first game 9-1, Alicia was the base bandit.
June 11th 3:00pm @ Eagle Park Field 3 TFS vs. Gold Coast Hurricane
Lost 2nd game 14-0 , Alicia had a nice catch in Center Field
June 11th 6:00pm @ Cherry Park Filed 4 TFS vs. SC Bandits (Stancil)
Won 2-0 , game called in 2nd inning due to lightening, Alicia started at left field did not get up to bat.
June 12th 11:15am @ Cherry Park Field 3 TFS vs. Caro Wildcats(Allsbrook)
Nice running catch at center field by Alici. The Wildcats coach yelled to his team " watch out this one has wheels" when Alicia got up to bat.
June 12th 12:45pm @ Cherry Park Field 3 TFS vs. Catawba Vall Storm Blue TFS won 4-1, Elon scout watching one of our girls.

Mr. Daly overhead one of the University of Tennessee scouts saying the main thing they are looking for is speed.

Busy weekend

This has been a busy weekend for Alicia. It started out Friday night with a pitching lesson with Coach Bastian. She traveled to Creedmoor for a four hour lesson. During that lesson she works on not only pitching but balance and mental training for the game. Alicia is required to have a Coach B softball notebook, in which she writes down what she learned and needs to work on. You should see how many pages she filled after one session.

From Creedmoor they traveled three plus hours to Florence, SC for the Memorial Day Shoot Out. She got to bed after 2am in the morning but was still able to play well the next day.

Alicia found she was one of the few players with a red freshman wrist band in a sea of blue and purple wrist bands. Their first pool game was against the SC Bandits with Coach Stancil. TFS tied the game 1-1. Alicia played in left field. She went one for two with a beautiful bunt that the other team was not expecting.

TFS then played the Coastal Lightning and lost 7-6. Once again Alicia was in the left field. She again went 1 for 2 and came in to score. She hit a ball over the first baseman's head and into the shallow outfield. Alicia was taking more aggressive leads off the bases and had to dive back.

There last pool game was against the Wateree Wildcats which was tied 0-0 and called in the 5th inning due to lightening.

Sunday was Double elimination brackets with their first game against the Coastal Lightning. This time they lost 5-3. Alicia was the base bandit for this game.
The last game of the day was against the SC Bandits in which TFS lost 4-2. Alicia played left field and then center field but did not hit this game.

Alicia went 2-5 in this tournament so her batting average is around a 400.

Softball and more Softball

Softball has slowed up for about two weeks. The Lady Nighthawks are done with their high school season and the afternoons are a bit slower but not for long. Alicia is getting in a few hitting lessons with her hitting coach, working on her pitching and preparing for finals.

By next Thursday things will start picking up again.

Elite Pitching Lessons

Alicia is excited and fired up to be working with Michael Bastian. They had a four hour session yesterday. Some of the lesson was getting to know each other and working on developing a working athlete/coach relationship.

Exciting Times

Alicia is excited that she has been called up to varsity for what ever is left of their season and playoffs.
She is very excited that she has her first 2-3 hour pitching lesson with the former Chinese Olympic coach and founder of The Fastpitch School, Michael Bastain.
Alicia has started working out at the Rush again and will most likely work with a trainer over the summer, in between all her travel tournaments.
She has had a large amount of attention on her showcase profiles. She has over 10 colleges currently looking at her. In the past month she had over 1200+ looks at her showcase profile.

An out getting machine

Alicia did awesome yesterday against the Eastern Alamance JV softball team. In the first game she had one ball hit back at her and she made it look so easy. She reached out her glove and caught it. In the second game she played first base and short stop. She caught a foul ball that was over by the dugout. She made most of the outs for the game and now likes playing first base. She has her first pitching lesson with Michael Bastian on May 3rd.

Busy summer coming

Alicia is preparing for a busy showcase travel season. Her first two tournaments she will be playing 18u. She is excited about traveling to South Carolina, Nashville Tennessee and Colorado. In Colorado she will attend a clinic with the US softball players on slapping. During the week she will also be playing for the Greensboro Girls Fastpitch Softball league in their 15 and up division. The first week in May she starts working with Michael Bastain, former Chinese Softball Olympic coach. And last but not least she will be taking driver's education.

Home Run

This awesome picture was taken by one of Alicia's teammates. She hit a home run and a triple to right field. The third time up they were waiting for her and caught it.

Quote from her coach

Alicia's JV coach Mr. Gary Bricker had this to say about her:

She is indeed a wonderful & quiet force on this team! Her demeanor is all smiles and quiet determination until you put a ball or bat in her hand. Then watch the gentle tigress strike!!! I love it! Also when I advised her that she was sitting on Friday and not starting the game; she said "Ok coach" and her ever present and awesoem smile did not fade one iota from her face!

Scored the only run

Alicia scored the only run in a non-conference loss to a good team, Northwest High School JV softball team. She had a nice hit to the out field and stole a base each play to make her way home. She can not be stopped with her speed and ability to slide and pop back to her feet. This is her at third base with her coach Mr. Bricker.

Note: all games are updated on her softball information page.

JV shots

Alicia is the starting pitcher for her JV softball team. She is seeing a large amount of mound time. Look at the determination in her face. The Northern JV Team coached by Coach Gary Bricker came in third in the Southwest High School JV tournament this past weekend.

Pitching , Pitching and more Pitching

Alicia is the one and only pitcher for the Northern Guilford High School Junior Varsity softball Team. She was also told that she will most likely be the starting pitcher for her travel team, Team TFS.

Her softball Schedule is posted under the Softball Information Page at the top of the blog.

Alicia will be starting some Elite Pitching lessons with Coach Michael Bastian, former Chinese Olympic coach this summer.

Spring is Coming

Alicia has been continuing to work hard to prepare for softball season. She will try out for the Northern Guilford High School softball team. Recently she was invited to upper classmen workouts.

Her pitching coach Teri Fister, a former pitcher at Appalachian State University says that her knuckle ball is "sick". It floats and flutters so the batter doesn't know where it will go. She has never seen a knuckle ball like that. She said" with a fast ball, knuckle and change up she will dominate". Alicia even was showing her hitting coach Alex Emeterio how to throw a knuckle ball.

TFS has started it's spring workouts and plan to play in their first tournament in Cary the weekend of March 5th. Alicia will play 14u this spring but will most likely be moving up to 16u this summer.

More and more training

Alicia joined the Rush Fitness Center yesterday and had her first workout today. She continues to attend PSP workouts at Proehlific Park and is now adding cardio and weights at the Rush. It is currently 36 degrees outside and she will be outside pitching today. She also has a hitting lesson with Alex Emeterio on Sunday.

The Daly family is getting ready to keep Alicia's stats with TurboStats. Her high school and travel team can use it if they would like.

Alicia continues get alot of attention at Proehlific Park.

Wow!!

A Big 58mph on the radar glove!!! And still only 14, oh yes and a half.
More to come.

Alicia gets dirty

Alicia got some videos on diving back to bases from Softball Peak Performance website. So she decided on this muddy afternoon to go out and practice her diving back and diving for balls in the outfield. This is what she looked like when she came home.

She was also practicing her pitching and tried out a new toy that she got over the holidays. It is a Sports Sensor Glove radar. Alicia's top speed today was 55 mph.