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Here’s our TLI for Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022:
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT: SYDNEY BOULAPHINH
Stanford-committed SS/3B Sydney Boulaphinh, #9 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100, recently talked to Extra Inning Softball about Top Gun 18U National-Turner, hitting and strength/speed training, explosiveness, Alliance Nationals, Aces Fastpitch Club and Hannah Camenzind, Stanford, archaeology, Christian McCaffrey, Kanye West, “Victorious” and Pasta alla Vodka.
EXTRA ELITE SPOTLIGHT Q&A
High School: Rock Canyon High
Club Team: Top Gun 18U National-Turner
Honors: 1st Team All-Academic; 1st Team All-Conference; and #9 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100.
Travel Ball Highlights/Summer Stats: 262 PA, .495 AVG, 104 hits, 27 home runs and 91 RBIs.
High School Highlights/Stats: 83 PA, 13 home runs, 32 walks, 1.532 SLG and .574 AVG.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I recently joined (the) Top Gun 18U National team and I am excited for the upcoming season. I actually played against (the) Top Gun 18U team back in summer 2021 and they were tough and a good team. Coach Bob (Turner) reached out to me this summer. I talked to some players and I felt a good fit. From (the) coaches to (the) players to (the) entire organization, everyone is positive and very supportive of each other.
What are some of your training methods/training routines? I work on hitting with my dad at least four-five days a week and do strength/speed training with my trainer about three-four days a week.
What areas are you focusing on/trying to improve this fall? I want to get stronger, faster and have (a) more explosive bat.
Can you tell us about your experience at Alliance Nationals this summer? We played in Alliance Nationals in Indiana. This was my second year playing in Alliance Nationals and it’s become my favorite tournament because of the top caliber of teams and players participating. Alliance selected me to participate in 18U Home Run Derby and even though I didn’t win it, I learned a lot and had a great time meeting some amazing hitters.
Which player/team was your toughest opponent and why? From this past summer, I thought 18U Aces Fastpitch was the toughest opponent. They were all-around very strong offensively and defensively and Hannah Camenzind, who pitched against us that game, was one of the best pitchers I’ve faced. Her pitches were spot on and had a lot of movement and one of the best riseballs I’ve seen.
Can you talk about your decision to commit to Stanford? Besides (an) incredible softball program, Stanford really has everything – from world-class education to high-level athletics, coupled with the most beautiful campus, state-of-the-art academic and athletic facilities, campus culture and diversity are what really sold me.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I am really interested in archaeology and ancient civilizations. I find this area fascinating and mysterious because I want to know how people lived, what they did and how they interacted with each other and how they evolved over time in the last thousands of years.
Who is your sports hero and why? Christian McCaffrey. Christian and my brother went to (the) same high school (Valor Christian in CO), so I grew up going to Valor football games with my family. I consider him one of my sports heroes because of the way he carried himself on and off the field. Not only is he a phenomenal athlete, but he’s also considered to be one of the best and most humble teammates and persons to be around. Just like Christian, I always try to put my team before myself, motivate my teammates and celebrate the victories of those around me.
What’s the best hype song and why? “Can’t tell me nothing” by Kanye West. I think Kanye is a very good songwriter. His music and lyrics carry powerful message.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “Victorious.” It’s so lighthearted and I probably love it more because it’s age related and about performing arts kids and not sport related.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I am a very good cook and my specialty is Pasta alla Vodka, which I make from scratch.
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