Angelica Maples '16 Recruiting Profile

My name is Angelica Maples but everyone calls me GELI. I love music, my friends, the outdoors and time to myself to read.  I love to write fiction stories, draw, outdoor activities and especially play sports. My parents are divorced, between my two families I am the oldest of 6 kids and the first in my family to go to college.  My mother and father both went in the U.S. Navy after high school, and my Step-Father went into the U.S. Air Force after high school. I am truly blessed to be a role model for my younger siblings.  College is important to me, I am dedicated in my studies and they are a priority to me. Finding the right college that fits my career goal needs along with a sports program is key.

I learn best by explaining, details and specifics are key. I am always thinking, sometimes too much. So having a coach who keeps me informed on their intentions with me as a player is key. I always have my head in the game and am analyzing all aspects, so knowing what is expected for me from my coach helps me perform better. Open communication is key. I am a very dedicated and hard working player in all aspects of sports. I push myself 110% and always strive to give 110%.  Being part of a team is what I love, I love being their support and raising them up! When I know my team and coaches are behind me 100%, that is when I succeed the most!

I love everything about playing softball. There was a point in time where I didn't play softball for a Spring and Summer season, my parents felt I needed a break from it, and it ended up driving me crazy.  Softball is my passion and I believe now that I can't live without it. I love the sensation of feeling the reward of doing something for a team, of the pounding in my head when I sprint around the bases, the feel of the bat against the ball with a perfect hit, and every detail of playing the game. When I write these things I do not exaggerate.  I would like to go to the Olympics and play softball, hoping that someday it will return. So, every chance I get I am watching woman's fastpitch softball games on T.V..  

I strive to gain perfection, but perfection just keeps adding on these little things that make a big difference when I try to reach them. Nobody is perfect, but that doesn't mean that I can't try for it. I always get better and unless I give up I will keep advancing without even knowing it. I want to know when I advance to the next level, that I can be happy for what I accomplished and to always keep improving. ----- 

I had the great opportunity to play for USA Athletes International Softball Team in the 2014 Blacktown Softball Challenge in Sydney, Australia from June 14 - June 26, 2014.  Coach Dale Lehnhoff, Head Coach of the USAAI 18U team and Assistant Coach of Embry-Riddle University - Arizona watched me at the Triple Crown Reno/SparksTober Showcase in Nevada and provided me with the opportunity to play for him.  It was a great opportunity to represent my town and country. The experience was something I will always remember!

My current position of play is Outfield/Utility & 3rd Base since Summer of 2014.  Most of my experience in softball is as Shortstop, but over the past four years I have become knowledgeable and have excelled as a Catcher, Outfield, 2nd and 3rd bases as well.  So I am very excited to be listed as a Utility player since 2014, where I can display my versatility and help the team wherever needed.  I pride myself in being a strong hitter, I have lead my competitive team in home runs for two seasons (2012-2014), and in 2014 I was 2nd in the my high school season in home runs.