Gaby Mizelle, class of 2025 commits to the Hokies
In the latest Extra Innings Softball Top 100 rankings (released two days ago), she is tied as the #9 player in the country.
Extra Innings said this about her:
"The all-star shortshop for the Georgia Impact has earned a reputation as one of the best middle infielders competing in the 18U division—and rightfully so. This summer, Gaby helped her team to an 8th place finish at PGF Nationals and was selected to compete in the PGF Futures All-American Game among the best athletes in her class. Gaby’s elite speed and 74mph overhand arm velocity has earned the shortstop a near-perfect fielding percentage of .984. Additionally, she is a beast at the plate, with 12 home runs already under her belt this year. Batting for average and power successfully, Gaby hit .490 against the toughest competition. She shows excellence in the classroom as well, maintaining a 4.375 GPA while continuing to train at an elite level."
Welcome to the Hokie family, Gaby.
30 Replies
2y
She had 67 comments to her tweet about committing to VT. Many were simple “congratulations” or “welcome.” But she took the time to write a response to EVERY SINGLE ONE of them.
I love it!
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2y
Committing to VT was a popular decision!
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2y
Now that’s pretty cool for a high school junior to get noticed by a P5 Athletics Director.
** Edited by VTChip at 10/3/2023, 12:24:40 AM
(In response to this post by Hockeydad)
2y
Look who he follows 😂😂😂
I knew I was being watched! 😂😂🏊♀️
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2y
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2y
And it wasn’t that I was important 😂
(In response to this post by Atlee Hokie)
R
Razor4VT
2y
don't score..you can't lose.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
R
Razor4VT
2y
(In response to this post by laphroaig)
2y
(In response to this post by Razor4VT)
R
Razor4VT
2y
friend. Don't get me wrong, we can hit the ball for sure. But l like to choke the life out of you with Pitching and Defense. Have an asst coach under me that has a travel team that once told me "coach i'd rather lose 10-9 than win 3-2". I said there's your first problem fella because it's ALWAYS about winning.
(In response to this post by laphroaig)
2y
Good pitching and defense can out you in position to out-score your opponent but you must out-score them to win.
That's why they call it a SCOREboard.
You did the right thing putting that coach in his place.
(In response to this post by Razor4VT)
2y
Gaby attends Garner Magnet High in Raleigh and took official visits to Duke, NC State, and Washington.
She was selected to play for Team Dominican Republic 18U at the Triple Crown Challenge and was asked by the head of the Federation to join the Dominican Republic National team. She was also selected to play on the PGF Futures team in this year's All-Star game and although they lost to the class of 2024 2-1, she drove in the only run.
Last year, her travel coach said this about her "Gaby has all the tools to play at the next level. She is a consistent gap-to-gap hitter with home run potential in any at-bat...She is the only 2025 on our 2024 roster and provides a much-needed spark and brings tremendous value to our team and our ability to compete nationally.”
Two years ago, Extra Innings described her as having "good speed to stretch routine balls in the gaps to doubles and even triples. Gaby has the quick feet and arm strength defensively to get to most balls. “
Congratulations to Coach D'Amour for landing another Top 10 player.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2y
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2y
Both are outstanding ball players but both are being heavily recruited by other schools - just like Gaby was.
Hopefully they make the same decision that she did.
(In response to this post by Jbohokie63)
2y
Good glove and good arm
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2y
She's going to be fun to watch!
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2y
He mentions a smaller version of the jump.
The narrative is by Matt Antonelli, a former major league infielder, who played at Wake Forest in college.
(In response to this post by vthhhi)
I believe it is something Auburn popularized a few years ago.
It is supposed to establish a good base and get you pointed in the correct position as an infielder. Also makes you quicker to the ball
Here is a good video
** Edited by HokieAllMyLife at 9/29/2023, 2:49:16 PM
Link:
Defensive Hop
(In response to this post by vthhhi)
2y
Your first step is a true step towards the ball and not a recovery from leaning the wrong way.
(In response to this post by HokieAllMyLife)
2y
(In response to this post by HokieAllMyLife)
2y
Auburn started the trend because their entire infield did it on every pitch. But that was before they brought in the former JMU coach. Some players like it, others don't. But clearly it seems to be working for this young lady for sure.
** Edited by rberry7676 at 9/30/2023, 6:37:36 AM
(In response to this post by vthhhi)
2y
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2y
Impressive
(In response to this post by ColWilliamFleming)
