Hathaway Brown's Logan Paul participated in the Queen of Diamonds Showcase North at Kent State recently.
The junior pitcher and outfielder is one of about 260 players chosen among more than 2,000 applicants for the showcase, which is the largest fastpitch softball event of its kind in the country.
Paul was one of about 500 pitchers to apply with only 48 being chosen.
Players have to apply and are selected base on many criteria including ability, potential, academics, coach’s request and referrals.
“I’m very, very excited,” Paul said. “My first experience was really positive. I had a great coach. I hope my new team is similar.”
Players are assigned to teams that play three games in front of scouts from all over the country. There are 24 teams total led by some of the top travel coaches in the area.
This is Paul’s second time being selected for an event of this kind as she already played in the Queen of Diamonds Showcase South in South Carolina.
“It was one of the most fun experiences,” Paul said. “I’m surrounded by everyone who wants the same thing I do.”
HB softball coach Bruno Biello said Paul's impressive showing at that event helped pave her way into January's showcase.
“She had a great weekend there and they were so thrilled and excited about how she performed,” Biello said. “That put her on the radar. To get asked to come back is really impressive.”
Paul plays travel ball for the 18U Roadrunner Elite out of Cambridge. She is looking to impress coaches and earn a scholarship. The two schools that Paul is most interested in, and have shown interest in her, are Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., and Elon University in Elon, N.C. Paul said more teams continue to show an interest in her.
“I’d love to play Division I and play somewhere in the south,” Paul said. “I’d love to have it (recruiting and college decision) done by the end of the summer. This is a very important summer.”
Biello was asked if Paul is a Division I talent.
“I think she is,” Biello said. “If she keeps progressing as much as she’s progressed, she can achieve that goal. Physically, she’s getting stronger. That’s her goal. She’s making huge strides.
She added that she’s been invited to camps for both teams in January as well.
But first, she’s going to the Queen of the Diamonds Showcase.
“The competition at Queen of the Diamond, for sure is one of the most competitive I’ve ever played in,” Paul said. “Everyone there is there for a reason. It’s really difficult competition.”
Paul, who throws in the low 60s, will bat at the event, along with pitching of course, but won’t play the outfield.
Biello talked about Paul’s ability in the middle of the diamond.
“Logan spots her pitchers very well,” Biello said. “She has the whole repertoire. She sets up batters very well. She gets ahead with the fastball, has a very good curve and a very good drop. She’s working on her rise and changeup and they’ve improved a lot. She’s not afraid to throw any pitch in any tight situation.
“It’s a pleasure to coach a player like that. She’s hardworking and so determined. She works extremely, extremely hard. It’s refreshing to see.”
Last year HB went 14-12 as Paul went 14-10 with a 1.50 ERA in 132 innings pitched with 192 strikeouts. She also hit .446 with three home runs, 23 RBIs and 27 runs. She earned a .529 on-base percentage and stole 25 bases.
“She’s the key piece to our team,” Biello said. “She’s the hardest worker. She’s constantly working at her game to improve on her God given talent.
“She’s a terrific role model for what expectations are. Other girls follow her lead.”
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