We have an outstanding team of bloggers at Line Drive Softball including 2027 infielder/pitcher Rose Wendel who plays for the Keystone State Bombers 18U team from Manheim, Pa. and is a sophomore at Hempfield High in Salunga-Ladisville, Pa.

Rose is originally from California and has played for the Athletics – Mercado National Showcase 16U team out of San Diego, so the recent nightmarish fires in Southern California have impacted her too.

In today’s blog, Rose talks about her remembrances of a destructive fire in Southern California she witnessed in person—but it was not from this year, but from over a decade ago.

And she continues to shine on her college workout tour including a 2-for-2 performance.

Rose can be followed on X (Twitter) @RoseWendel2027

*****

First, I should say that I am very sorry to all the people in Los Angeles. I’ve lived through a fire in Carlsbad, Calif. when I was 4 ½ years old and I remember evacuating and later learned that two houses on my street were burned to the ground.

The firefighters back them were actually in my backyard and I remember seeing the helicopter – probably on TV.  My mom was interviewed as well.

We lost our trampoline, all the cushions on our outdoor furniture and a bunch of grass in our backyard, but our house was OK.

It’s awful. My uncle currently lives in Santa Monica, and he had to evacuate. I pray that everyone stays safe and I’m sorry for those that have lost everything.

*****

On to softball: it’s January… time for training and camps to get reps and exposure.

For me, it’s a busy time as I train with my travel team on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursday from 6:30 to 9 pm.

On Wednesday, right after school, I work out with my hitting coach and sometimes on Mondays or Fridays we’ll play indoor games with my high school team.

I have learned that training is key!

I personally do power train lifting and hitting every day and infield, outfield or pitching the other days.

I started off the first week in January at a showcase where there were five D1 coaches in attendance. By the grace of God and hard work I won the hitting contest in front of over 80 players and coaches.

It was awesome!!

The next day, I traveled to Georgetown University where there was a small camp in a small space with only about 20 girls total. The outside fields are nice and the school itself is gorgeous. We just did drills, but it was well run.

Unfortunately, two days later, the Georgetown head coach was let go.

After that, I attended University of Pennsylvania and to my surprise St. Joseph’s University was also there! The University of Penn has an amazing softball field and the backdrop is Philadelphia. It’s one of the most beautiful softball fields I’ve ever seen!

At the camp, there were about 70 girls. It was very well run with a lot of infield reps and hitting stations and really good mental awareness from the head coach at Penn… I learned a lot!

And, like I said, to my surprise St. Joe’s was there too!

The St. Joe’s head coach taught me a lot at the infield section and it’s nice because you never really know who you will meet or see at college camps!

Side note: a friend of mine is getting recruited by a D1 school and the coaches saw her at another camp so bring your “A” game no matter where you go!

At the end of the camp, we played live games, which is always my favorite part. I went two for two.

Here’s a clip of me hitting at Penn…

— Rose Wendel for Line Drive Softball