Line Drive Softball likes to find out what the top club players are thinking about the latest issues, so we throw out a question to some of them from around the country. Here’s the latest question:

Which coach made the biggest impact on you?

Here’s how they answered:

*****

Kaylyn Arnold, 2026, C/1B, EC Bullets-Schnute/Bilz/Douglas County High, GA, uncommitted, #12 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100:

“Austin Cauley (former Firecrackers coach 10U), because he saw something special in me at the young age of 9 (years old) and has been my hitting coach ever since and I know for a fact without him I wouldn’t be where I am today without him being my biggest ‘hater.'”

Jayelle Austin, 2025, OF, Oklahoma Athletics-Madden/Owasso High, Oklahoma State, #5 in the 2025 Line Drive Hot 100:

“Frank (Knight of Oklahoma Athletics National 18U) is the coach that I started out with, so almost everything I have learned has come from him. He has always been a great coach and does a great job of developing his players.”

Aimee Batroff, 2028, 3B/UT, Athletics Gold Tamborra-Hamilton/Lassiter High, GA, uncommitted, #35 in the 2028 Line Drive Hot 100:

“Coach Pete (Hamilton) is a very loyal coach and he cares for us. He doesn’t just take players because they are just great players. He ensures that every girl that we take on embraces our team culture. He values the team chemistry above all else.”

Audrey Blair, 2025, MIF/UT, Top Gun National AR/Marshall High, AR, Central Arkansas:

“Marty Rhodes, Top Gun National 12U-18U. I have been blessed to have been coached by him throughout almost my whole travel ball career!”

Jordynn Booe, 2026, SS/CF, Texas Unity-Smith/Weiss High, TX, Texas, #17 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100:

“Definitely, my mother, Chrissy Booe. She coached me my whole childhood on Smoke and Lady Hustle up until I was 13 (years old). She made a huge impact on me by switching me to the left side when I was 10 (years old)! Her playing softball when she was younger and playing at San Francisco State for college gave me a great opportunity to learn great mechanics from a college level. I’m so grateful that I was given the opportunity to learn how to play the game from her. I wouldn’t give it up for anything!”

Leanna Bourdage, 2027, RHP/UT, Impact Gold 2K9 National/Gainesville High, FL, uncommitted, #22 in the 2027 Line Drive Hot 100:

“As an athlete, who has played for many coaches throughout my career thus far, every coach I have played for has made a significant impact on my career. The Impact Gold coaching staff has been superior to all. The whole Impact Gold coaching staff has made the most impact on me in softball and as a person. On IG2K9 (14u), Coach Jared Bryant, Coach Keri Lambeth and Coach Tamar Turner helped me advance my skills physically and mentally. They helped me find confidence in my skills while also making adjustments to make me a better player. On IG-Jazz 16U, Coach Kelly Bembry, Coach Carla Newsom and Coach Jazz Jackson-Vesely have been huge factors in helping me get recruited and being the best version of myself. This past fall season, I learned so much and can’t wait to play for the same staff this summer 2025 season!!”

Blakely Bowman, 2027, MIF/ATH, Team NC-Bowman/High Point Christian Academy, NC, uncommitted, #50 in the 2027 Line Drive Hot 100:

“Tough question because I choose to play for my dad (Brian Nowman). Although it has been tough at times, especially early in my career I wouldn’t change a thing having seen where he has taken our team. I don’t think I would be where I am today in my relationship with softball and him without Jordan Stevens and Todd Smith. I would think my teammates and anyone that has played for him (Brian Bowman) in the past or know him around the softball-baseball scene would say the same.”

Amariee “Shug” Bradford, 2027, MIF/P, Texas Bombers Gold-Serie/Melissa High, TX, uncommitted, #6 in the 2027 Line Drive Hot 100:

“Coach Dale (Serie) has made the biggest impact on me because he pushes me to be my best, holds me accountable and helps me overcome challenges both on and off the field. He has taught me discipline, teamwork and resilience while also believing in my potential. He inspires me, supports me and challenges me to grow as both a player and a person.”