Paige Lathrop

CF/2B/1B. 5-foot-8, 145 pounds. Bats L. Throws R. Very good athlete (also plays varsity basketball). Excellent speed (2.88 home to first ON CONTACT). Versatile slapper (soft & power slaps, swings away). Outstanding and versatile at bunting to get on base (strong to 3B side; gets to end of bat so it dies more) or move runners over. Excellent top-of-the-lineup hitter who knows how to get on base at a high rate (.576 OBP in 144 club ABs). Hits outside pitches to left side. Bounces soft slaps high (working on getting them higher more consistently). Looks at defense before determining where will slap to (3B, over pitcher’s head or 1B). Utilizes hard slap when infield comes in. In outfield, has great range with speed. Reads balls well off the bat. 64 mph OF and IF arm. Working on getting groundballs in quicker. Quick release and athletic actions when playing infield. 61 mph IF arm. Strong work ethic. Hits on a tee in her basement and at ballpark across the street from her home. Does core/agility/strength training and ladder and speed drills. Brings positive energy to teammates. Cheers on the bench. Excellent student (4.0 GPA, 28 ACT).

— Jason Lauren, ScoutU Scout, 414-303-7607, Jason@ScoutU.com

Paige Lathrop brings a toolbox of talent and skills both on and off the field. On the field, offensively, Paige provides a unique blend of speed and finesse as a slap hitter, as well as power (home run) to the gaps as a hitter.  As a slapper, Paige excels in all three phases of her slap game, including bunting, soft slapping and hard slapping. Her speed puts pressure on defenses from the moment the ball is put in play. Once on the bases, Paige uses her speed to her advantage in stealing bases and taking an extra 60 any chance she sees. Paige’s offensive toolbox allows her to be used at the top of the lineup as a table setter or in the middle of the lineup as an RBI producer. Defensively, Paige primarily plays center fielder where she leads by example and uses her speed and her ability to read a ball off a bat to her advantage to track down fly balls. Paige possesses an arm to make all throws from any outfield position. Paige also has the ability to play first base and second base when needed. Paige will continue to be tasked with becoming more of a vocal leader in the field to continue to cement her team leadership position. Paige’s biggest improvement area in softball (offensively and defensively) is to completely believe in her skill set and herself and not over think the play or the at-bat.  This will continue to develop with every practice and every game. Off the field, Paige is an excellent student and all-around great person.  Paige does a great job of managing her time and commitments.  Paige earned two varsity letters (basketball and softball) her freshman year and will do the same her sophomore year while earning academic honors every semester.

— Troy Fields, Queen of Diamonds coach

Paige Lathrop is an amazing recruit for your collegiate softball team.  Not only does Paige find a personal passion for softball, her work ethic and effort are second to none.  I have known Paige for 1 year, and from the moment I met her, I knew her positive attitude surpassed the greater majority of teenagers I have met.

STRENGTHS: Paige possesses many strengths, which she uses to achieve success in many areas.  She is focused, unwavering and has high expectations for herself.  She sets her goals high in school and particularly in her passion for softball. She has played many positions since age 10 and is currently a varsity player as a sophomore. Paige is considered a multi-tasker.  It was because of her willingness to always help that I was able to see her passion for life and particularly her passion for softball.  Paige strives to pull everyone around her up to the level at which she places herself and will not settle for second place.  As a high school teacher, I believe she exemplifies that occasional student that helps those around her achieve in the classroom and comes prepared ready for a challenge as well.

ATHLETIC IMPROVEMENTS: Paige is one of the quickest players on our current team but could improve her flexibility overall.  With her strong work ethic, she could work on her overall strength through conditioning and flexibility drills during the off-season and during the season.  Improving communication skills and mental toughness is important for all high school athletes. At the beginning of the season, Paige was quiet and reserved.  By the Regional/State Tournament she was an asset to her teammates with motivation and performance.

What most impresses me about Paige in the classroom is her willingness to take challenges presented without complaint. This is a quality trait of coachability. To say it would be beneficial to have Paige as part of your program is an incredible understatement.  Paige would be a vital contribution to any community and I highly recommend her to your institution.

— Deb Robinson, South Milwaukee High School varsity coach