Allison Podjaski

5-foot-6, 140 pounds. RHP/OF. Bats R. Excellent control (about 1 BB/game) and movement (1,300 to almost 1,400 spin rate) with about 4-5 strikeouts per game. 61.9 mph fastball (drops late, so hitters often hit top of the ball; 1,381 spin, 8.2-inch vertical break, 3.4-inch horizontal break). 60.1 mph 2-seam fastball (1,392 spin, 8.6 inch vertical break, 2.8-inch horizontal break). Disguises changeup well (49.1 mph; 1,083 spin; 3.8-inch vertical; 4.8 inch horizontal; drops late). 59.2 mph curveball (1,390 spin; 7.3-inch vertical; 0.3 horizontal). 59 mph dropball (1,321 spin; 7.4-inch vertical, 1.7-inch horizontal). Learning screwball (55.6 mph; 1,335 spin; 11.2-inch vertical, 1.3-inch horizontal). Throws curveball and dropball more often 2nd and 3rd time through the lineup after seeing fastball more first time through the lineup. Good pushoff with legs and consistent mechanics. Working to improve velocity and better consistency.   At the plate, hits No. 3-5 in lineup. Get on-base hitter with some pop with some home runs. Smooth and consistent swing with good timing and using hips/legs well (0.16 on contact, 19.7 mph hand speed, 60.1 mph bat speed). More of pull hitter. Working to improve recognizing pitches better. In the OF, has good speed (2.88 20-yard dash) and has accurate throws (57 mph OF, 60 mph run and gun, working on tracking better and better first step). Strong work ethic (self-motivated, lifts weights 2-4/week; sees personal trainer 1-2 times/week; also gets pitching lessons 2 times/month 2 hours away from home). Supportive teammate (helps others, pushes them and cheers them on even if not playing). — Jason Lauren, ScoutU Scout, 414-303-7607 (cell), Jason@ScoutU.com     I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of Allison’s softball experience for the last 4 years. I watched her play for Central Wisconsin Edge – Navy, her local team for Marathon City, and most recently the Legion Team for Whittlesey Lions. Allison’s athletic skills are very apparent in her metrics. She works hard to increase her speed and perfect her pitches. Allison runs the 20-yard dash in 2.88 and works with a pitching coach at least 2 times/month, and is willing to travel over 2 hours. She has a very strong work ethic, puts in time in the weight room and extra reps at a local indoor facility. Allison’s real skill set is shown in her ability in the circle. She has great control of the ball, throwing 6 different pitches, including a 62-mph fastball and 49-mph changeup.   While Allison’s primary position is pitcher, she does get the opportunity to play multiple positions on the field as well. Allison has not had much infield time to become a consistent fielder, but the potential is there with more repetition. She is also very fast, so continued work on her explosion off the base and when to capitalize on earning that next base will come with more confidence in her speed.   Allison is one individual that I could confidently say really puts in the extra work – this not only applies to softball but her academics. Allison is someone who strives for what she wants, putting in hours of work behind the scenes, not only during season but offseason as well. She is out there to compete, and to compete she knows that she needs to go the extra mile with pitching lessons, weight training and drills.   Her work ethic speaks for itself, while holding a 4.0 GPA in school, being a multi-sport athlete, she still finds the time to put in the work needed to get to the next level. Allison understands that she can always learn something from everyone, and therefore seeks multiple opportunities to learn from other players and coaches, making her a very coachable individual and a team player. She is consistently supporting her teammates and is usually the loudest in the dugout when not on the field. She understands her role on the team, on and off the field, which is incredibly hard to “teach” someone. Allison is athletic, charismatic, and supportive – it has been such a pleasure to be a part of her journey. — Coach Deanna Cole, CW Edge Navy 16U   Over the last two years, I’ve had the honor of being Allison’s coach for her club team, Madison Revolution Midwest. Throughout that time, Allison continues to impress me every time she is on the field, in the gym or with her teammates. Allison is a commanding presence on the field, and a calm leader. She excels as a pitcher, with great command of her pitches. Her fastball is consistently in the 61-62 range and continues to increase, while her movement pitches keep batters off-balance.   Allison is an all-around athlete. While she is an incredible pitcher, I also have the confidence to place her anywhere on the field. She regularly plays outfield, where she’s able to track down the ball with speed and accuracy. She also frequently makes incredible throws to prevent batters from advancing on a tag. I’m not afraid to put her in the infield, where she has played third, shortstop and first. She is quick to learn, extremely coachable, and able to adapt wherever she is needed.   Her work ethic is undeniable. Allison maintains a 4.0 GPA, participates in several extracurriculars, multiple sports, travels two hours each way for team practices, and still manages to put in extra work to improve her softball skill set. Her leadership is obvious on the team, and she is supportive, inspiring and a great example to her teammates who naturally look up to her. I am proud to be her coach and know that Allison will make an excellent addition to any college program. — Emi Janisch, Madison Revolution Midwest 16U Coach