The Athletics Mercado-Smith team has been together since the 2010 season, but the main core has been together since 2013. They have several big wins which include PGF National Championships at 12U and 14U in 2014 and 2016. Add to that a Colorado Sparkler title at 14U in 2015 and 2016. College coaches have noticed as 13 players have verbal commitments to top D1 schools across the country.
In 2016 they posted an 87-7-2 record; Notched a PGF National championship going a 7-0 while scoring 52 runs and only allowing only one.
This team has been fun to watch on the softball fields over the past three years. Their defense is one of the best in the country with a double play combination of Presleigh Pilon at second and Seneca Curo at shortstop. The range and speed these two is something to see. Paige Smith at third is a deadly weapon to have against any slapper trying to beat one out. At first is Raeleen Gutierrez who may have the best overall glove in the team. Good luck to anyone trying to get an infield hit against this squad.
The outfield consists of Jasmine Perezchica, Quincee Lilio and Kayla Edwards. All three make diving plays routinely. As a group, their and agility makes it tough on teams trying to take extra bases.
Catchers are the difference maker behind the plate, Athletics Mercado/Smith has two of the best catchers in the country calling pitches for that talented pitching staff with Kinzie Hansen and Alyssa Garcia.
In the circle, Shannyn Bustamante can spin the ball and has one of the best rise balls for her age. Lexi Sosa has been clocked at 67mph and is getting stronger the last two years making her one of the top pitchers in the country.
Athletics Mercado-Smith has the flexibility teams look for when setting a batting order. At the top, they start with slapping and speed behind Jasmine Perezchica and Quincee Lilio. When Paige Smith and Matalasi Faapito get into the batter’s box, it’s not if they’re going to hit a homerun; it’s how far they are going to hit the ball. Then they’re able to mix in the power of Alyssa Garcia, Lexi Sosa, Kayla Edwards, Raeleen Gutierrez, and Hannah Kumiyama. It is tough to get through their power. Then you add in straight hitting ability from Presleigh Pilon, Destinee Noury, and Seneca Curo. As teams have found out over the last three years, there is no easy out against Athletics Mercado/Smith.
Top Players
Kinzie Hansen (2019)– Catcher committed to Oklahoma. Kinzie was National freshman of the year in High School. You are not going to find a kid that works harder off the field than Kinzie and that’s why she was national freshman of the year.
Lexi Sosa (2019) – Pitcher committed to UCLA. Easily one of the best 2019 pitchers in the country. She helped Athletics Mercado/Smith dominate at the PGF National Championship. Clocked at 67 mph and also brings power to the plate.
Alyssa Garcia (2019) – Catcher/3B committed to UCLA. This is probably one of the best hitters in the country. Pure power and an amazing swing. An excellent catcher as well.
Paige Smith (2019) – 3B committed to Ole Miss. A very under-ranked player. Could have been the best 2019 hitter at 3B in the country. Defensively she shines, quick to the ball and a very clean off foot.
Presleigh Pilon (2020) – 2B/Shortstop committed to LSU. Could be the best 2B in the country for her class. Quick hands and great range. This kid doesn’t understand relaxing. Fun to watch play defense with her range and quick release.
Seneca Curo (2019) – Shortstop committed to UCLA. Yet another player on this team with speed, range, and a quick release. Seneca has a tendency to make the difficult plays look routine.
Raeleen Gutierrez (2019) -1B/Outfield committed to LSU. Raeleen shines on the defense side and can hit with power to all fields.
Jasmine Perezchica (2020) – Outfielder committed to Arizona. Easily the best outfielder in the country for her age. She has a high softball IQ to go with her exceptional speed.
Quincee Lilio (2021 ) – OF/2B committed to Oklahoma. Possesses good range and a strong arm. One of the best overall players currently at her age. Lilio is a slapper with power also.
Kayla Edwards (2019) – Outfielder committed to West Point– Kayla had many offers on the table.
Destinee Noury (2020) – Shortstop committed to Oklahoma. Destinee has an amazing arm for her age. She is another player with a great transfer and very strong arm.
Hannah Kumiyama (2019) – Pitcher/3B committed to South Carolina. A strong pitcher and only getting stronger. Hannah can also play third and has good power from the plate.
Shannyn Bustamante (2020) -Pitcher.Shannyn is the most underrated play on theAthletics Mercado/Smith roster because of her size. She is a key pitcher on this team. She leads Athletics Mercado/Smith team in strikeouts and throws in the 60’s. Known for a good rise ball.
Matalasi Faapito (2019) – Pitcher/DH- Matalasi is a strong kid that can hit a ball mile. She was one of the top pitchers until she was injured. She is slowly returning and within a few months, she will be one of the top pitchers on this team.
Paulina Johnson (2019 ) Pitcher- Paulina has good movement with a very nice drop ball and a great changeup.
