Club Report: Athletic-Mercado 2023 with Rick Hovermale
The Athletic-Mercado 2023, coached by Rick Hovermale is one of the top 2023 teams in the country. This team combines pitching, offense, and a strong defense to make them one of the best first year 12U teams in the country.
Since moving up to 12U in the fall, the team has earned its PGF Nationals berth by going undefeated in the Arizona Qualifier back in April. The core group of girls finished tied for 13th at last summer’s PGF Nationals in the 10U division. Coach Hovermale’s squad has had an impressive year playing a tough schedule. Team speed and outstanding defense are what separates this team from many others. If they continue to improve they will be a real threat this summer.
Coach Hovermale recently spoke with FPN’s Brandon Pannell. They chatted softball and coach Hovermale offered a breakdown of his roster.
Brandon Pannell: What other coaches have been influences in your life?
Rick Hovermale: We are surrounded by great coaches here. Dave Mercado and Brian Tidd have taught me a lot. Their attention to detail and the small things that most overlook in the game are second to none. Rob Baca, Mark Smith, and Brian Pilon have also been a huge part of the team’s growth and success.
Brandon Pannell: Describe the organization of a typical practice?
Rick Hovermale: Our academy has a “system” we run created by Dave and Brian. Our first hour is filled with stretching, throwing, and base running. The next two hours are filled with high-intensity 1st and 3rd’s, team defense, and rotations. The last hour we put them through high-pressure situations. We want practice to be faster and more stressful than the games so when the game starts they are able to think and perform in any situation.
Brandon Pannell: What Do you believe is the role of parents in your organization?
Rick Hovermale: Part time Taxi, full-time ATM Machine and I doubt my parents would argue that. But, honestly, I really do believe we have the best parents around. They have all bought into Dave Mercado and the Academy and they understand that we demand a lot from their kids and themselves.
Brandon Pannell: How do you score runs in softball? Offensive philosophy?
Rick Hovermale: Our offensive philosophy is simple, Hit Dingers! As far as scoring runs, we demand that our girls know the game they play and take advantage of what the defense gives you. If we need to move runners, we will bunt with any kid if the situation calls for it. Base running is a huge focus point for us as well. We like free bases, forcing the defense to make mistakes and taking advantage when we can.
Brandon Pannell: What do you think is the most important aspect of a championship team?
Rick Hovermale: Team Chemistry. This is established when there is trust between coaches and the players and everyone knows their role. Then you’re able to fire on all cylinders, and with these girls, it sure is fun to watch.
Brandon Pannell: What role do assistant coaches have on your team?
Rick Hovermale: Steve Potter is our head coach and is a huge part of the day-to-day planning for our team. He makes my job easy. We both write the lineup and defense on game days. We work well together. Coaches Matt and Peter are our utility guys. They run warm-ups and handle the defensive alignment in games and handle our offensive adjustments needed during games.
Here is an inside look at the team’s roster by coach Rick Hovermale:
Priscilla Llamas # 1 (P/1B)
Priscilla is a gifted athlete. She has a smooth LH delivery on the mound that jumps on hitters in the 55-58 MPH range. She is a lockdown defender at 1st base and can play anywhere in the OF. She has a cannon for an arm. At the plate, she is a middle of the order bat with home run power to all fields.
Dakota Potter #43 (CF)
Dakota has blazing fast speed that she uses well on defense. Her speed allows her to get to balls very few her age can. Her first step and read on balls are second to none. At the plate, she slaps from the left side and has a sneaky pop for a slapper.
Alexa Rosales # 33 (P/IF/OF)
Alexa is one of the most dominant players in the 05 age group. On the mound, Alexa is a power pitcher locating her pitches with precise accuracy throwing 56-59 MPH. She is a player that thrives in high-pressure situations. Alexa’s speed and power that allows her to hit anywhere in the lineup with homerun strength to all fields. Her exceptional defensive skills allow her to play multiple positions on the field.
Alyvia Hernandez #22 (P/OF)
Alyvia is a true team leader who has proven she is fully capable of taking the ball and pitching in big games. She has a great mix of power at 53-57mph, movement, and accuracy. Alyvia also has a lot of pop in her bat and translates her leadership skills to the outfield.
Abigail Cruz #14 (C)
Abigail is a great new addition to the Athletics Mercado 2023 team. She is a right-handed hitting catcher who is very hard working, very easy to coach, and has great work ethics. She has some pop in her bat and is one of the two catchers that command the amazing pitching staff this team has.
Laci Berecochea # 18 (OF/1B/P)
Laci is a versatile athlete playing outfield and 1st base. She is a consistent line drive hitter with power to all fields. Laci has an accurate throwing arm and makes good reads on the ball. She is a great teammate and a pleasure to coach.
Noelle Fernandez #12 (P/1B)
Noelle is a new addition to our team. She brings power to the plate with every swing. She works hard on and off the field. Noelle has a good glove at 1st base and commands her pitches well with a mix of movement and accuracy.
Karis Ford #8 (OF/3B)
Karis is a great outfielder with a very strong arm. Her intense bat speed and power is definitely at the top of the age group. She is very versatile and often plays corner when needed. She will definitely be one to watch.
Savannah Patino # 23 (SS/2B)
Savannah is a very smooth fielding middle infielder that has the range to field the tough plays and a strong, accurate arm to finish them. She can bat anywhere in the lineup and has speed on the bases. This kid has an obvious passion for the game accompanied by a great work ethic.
Alyssa Hovermale #9 (2B/3B)
Alyssa is a smooth-fielding infielder with an above average arm which allows her to play multiple positions in the infield. Alyssa is one of the hardest working girls on the team. She is a line drive hitter and hits the ball to all fields. Alyssa has a very high softball IQ and is a skilled player.
Mattison Severns #25 (2B/0F)
Mattison is an athletic all-around player. Mattison is a slapper with above average speed. She can steal a bag or take an extra base on a ball hit in the gap. She is an excellent middle infielder with speed to play center. At the plate, Mattison has a great small ball game but can hit the ball through the infield when needed.
Jasmyn Burns #2 (C/OF)
Jasmyn is a strong power hitting catcher. Behind the plate, she receives the ball well and controls the game. Jasmyn has a very quick release when throwing out runners. At the plate, she is a middle of the order hitter with home run power. Jasmyn is an athletic catcher that can also play the outfield.
