Athlete of the Week: Mya Flindt's grand slam leads Lady Wildcats in dominating win over Rocklin High

The Whitney High softball team is currently first in the Sac-Joaquin Section MaxPreps rankings with a 7-1 record, following an 11-0 win over Rocklin High last Friday. The Lady Wildcats are also leading the Sierra Foothill League with a 5-1 record. A big piece to their success has been the bat of junior Mya Flindt, who is batting .429 with three home runs and 15 runs batted in. In their win over the Thunder on Friday, Flindt hit a grand slam over the left field fence in the first inning. Flindt committed to play Division I softball at the University of South Carolina in September. Gold Country Media asked Flindt some questions and her answers follow. What is the best part about playing softball at Whitney High? Flindt: "I think the best part about playing for Whitney High is being able to play with different people for four years. The friendships and the bonds you make is one of the best experiences. There are also so many opportunities to grow individually and as a team." How long have you been playing softball competitively and who/what is your biggest motivation? Flindt: "I have been playing softball for about 12 years. My parents and siblings are my biggest motivation because they continue to push me to do better and are my biggest supporters." Did any of your family members play sports and if so, who and at what levels? Flindt: "My mom played softball growing up and through high school and my dad played football during high school, as well." You are leading the team with 15 runs batted in. What has been working so well with your approach at the plate so far this season? Flindt: "So far this season, I have been taking the initiative to hit the first pitch I like during my at bat. I'm trying to be more selective and patient as most at this point work to try and throw around me." Going off of that, what are some of your biggest individual and team goals for your junior season? Flindt: "As for my individual goals for my junior season, I'm trying to be more aggressive on the field while catching and hitting and challenging myself with my weaknesses and becoming stronger all around. As for team goals, I would like us to all work hard together no matter the outcome each day so we can win the league and the section title." You have committed to playing at the University of South Carolina. Two-part question, how exciting is it to already be committed to a D-1 program and second, how did you get the opportunity? Flindt: "I am truly excited; it's almost surreal, to be honest. This opportunity came as kind of a surprise with South Carolina. They were one of my first schools. I started emailing at 12 years old before the recruiting rules changed. This last summer, my coach told me coach Josh Bloomer was sent out to watch me play in SoCal. Coach Bloomer had been given my name as a recommendation to watch me from another travel ball coach we've played against. During the first game he watched, I remembered that I struck out in my first at bat, then changed my approach at the plate and had two back-to-back home runs. It took off from there with head coach Bev Smith watching and coach Crash. They contacted me Sept. 1 and I took an unofficial visit shortly after. I knew after meeting the staff and current players, seeing the campus and feeling the vibe, it was a place I would call home and I didn't want to leave." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Flindt: "Yes, I played basketball for about three years and unfortunately, my knees made me choose between catching and basketball and I chose softball." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Flindt: "As much as I love watching sports, I can't say I have a favorite professional athlete but I do have somebody that I've looked up to for the last seven years and that's my catching instructor, Jenny Topping. Jenny is a past U.S.A. Olympian and ex collegiate player. She helped me get to where I am today not only physically as a catcher but mentally on and off the field. I wouldn't be where I'm at today without her." What has been your favorite class in school and why? Flindt: "I think my favorite is graphics. Being able to have competitions and being able to create different projects is a lot of fun. My graphics teacher at Whitney is truly one of the best teachers!" Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Flindt: "I personally do not have a favorite musical artist. My favorite genre is country and it ranges from Johnny Cash to Cody Johnson." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Flindt: "My favorite restaurant is Primos. I've been going there since I was a toddler with my family and it's truly one of the best places to go in Rocklin. My favorite food is shrimp fettuccine alfredo or a steak dinner." Outside of school and playing softball, what do you like to do in your free time? Flindt: "I like being able to hang out with my family and friends, hiking, paddle boarding, boating, watching sunsets, riding jet skis, etc." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Flindt: "I would like to pursue a career in criminal justice and I'm still undecided what I want to do with that major." If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Flindt: "Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. As my catching coach Jenny Topping would say, 'prove them wrong!' Push yourself to be better and always have fun with the game."