Emma VanDeventer

C/UT. 5-foot-2, 101 pounds. Bats L. Throws R. Contact hitter. Gets doubles and triples in gaps and down the line. Can also bunt and hard slap in 5-6 hole to get on with speed (3.1 20-yard dash). Fluid and smooth swing, stays through the ball, makes solid contact consistently. Working on chop slap and timing on hitting pitchers of varying speeds (does better vs. faster pitchers). High softball IQ. As a catcher, has 1.8-1.9 pop. Solid at framing (subtle, starts low and meets ball). Keeps ball in front (reads ball well out of pitcher’s hand and anticipates well). Pitchers WANT her to catch for them. Effective at calming pitcher down in tough situations and calls own pitches (remembers what pitches worked and didn’t work from last at-bats). Good accuracy on throws, working on arm strength.  Usually is catching, but can also play 3B/SS/2B/OF with her athleticism.  Strong work ethic (does cross fit, sees hitting coach and does work on own). Very coachable (listens well, asks for suggestions/tips). — Jason Lauren, ScoutU Softball Scout, 414-303-7607 (cell), Jason@ScoutU.com   Emma is an incredibly smart softball player with a high softball IQ and commands the field as a leader behind the plate. She is speedy, quick, and always looking to take extra bases and make strong defensive plays. She’s small in stature, but that has never stopped her from being a big presence on the field. She works incredibly hard to make sure she is strong, participating in multiple strength, speed and agility programs including CrossFit. Emma is a strong catcher with the ability to call the game herself in a way that sets up her pitchers for success. She’s also a great utility player, with the ability to play almost anywhere on the field, and I have confidence that no matter what position she is playing, she will make plays.   Emma has recently been putting in a lot of work to improve her batting average and quality at-bats as a lefty slapper. She’s working on adding additional tools to increase her options at the plate, and that work is already paying off. She’s also been working on improving her framing behind the plate, and the consistency of her throwdowns.   I can confidently say that Emma has an outstanding work ethic, while pursuing her CNA certificate on top of her regular academic workload, and still finding the time to put in extra work for softball wherever she can. She takes every opportunity she can to gain experience and learn from the people around her. She is a leader on the team and a great teammate. — Emi Janisch, Madison Revolution Midwest Coach   Emma VanDeventer is an exceptional athlete who’s on-field intelligence, versatility and work ethic consistently separate her from her peers. Emma is the definition of a complete softball player – one who impacts the game in multiple ways and elevates those around her.   Offensively, Emma is a true triple threat from the left side. She brings advanced vision, high softball IQ and natural finesse to every at-bat. What stands out most is her ability to read defenses and adjust pitch to pitch with confidence and purpose. Emma seamlessly utilizes a diverse offensive toolbox that includes effective chop and hard slaps, a quick and controlled full swing and a well-disguised bunt option that keeps defenses honest. She does not rely on a single approach; instead she makes intelligent decisions based on game situation, defensive alignment and pitch sequencing. That adaptability makes her a tough out for any opponent. The key areas for refinement in Emma’s offensive approach – particularly increased contact consistency – have already shown improvement due to her openness to coaching and disciplined preparation.   Defensively, Emma’s versatility is a tremendous asset. She looks comfortable and confident at multiple positions and brings a strong, accurate arm and excellent range to the middle infield, third base and even the outfield if called upon. Behind the plate, Emma excels as an agile and athletic catcher. She moves well, handles pitchers effectively and demonstrates strong situational awareness – traits that reflect both preparation and leadership.   Beyond the physical tools, Emma’s maturity truly sets her apart. She approaches the game with intention, accountability and a clear desire to improve. Her work ethic is consistent and visible in both practice and competition, and her coachability makes progress tangible from week to week. Emma actively seeks feedback, applies it quickly and takes pride in refining her game. She is the type of athlete every coach wants in their program: skilled, adaptable, dependable and driven. I am confident she will continue to develop and make a meaningful impact at the next level, both on and off the field. — Brittany Carl, Slapping Coach