Mackenzie Herdt

5-foot-5, 147 pounds. RHP/SS/3B. R/R. True 2-way player — 64 mph fastball (4-seam), excellent spin (multiple pitches with nearly 1,600) and bats No. 3-5 in the lineup. Strikeout pitcher (1-2/inning). Best pitch is riseball (63 mph, 1,590 rpm, jumps 6-8 inches, rises late, strikeout pitch). No. 2 pitch is 2-seam fastball (63 mph, 1,447 rpm, shutters coming in so it’s hard to track, accurate, throws anywhere in zone). Changeup has good speed (49 mph), fools hitters, deceptive arm motion, keeps low in strike zone and can work inside/outside. Throws backdoor and regular curveball, both with very good velocity (63.2 mph) and movement (backdoor backs up hitters only to curve in for a strike; regular curveball gets chases on the outside with a 3.3-inch horizontal break).  Loose arm with good whip and drive. Working on even better arm rotation and velocity. At the plate, has powerful swing (61.1 mph bat speed, 68 mph exit) with pop (6 home runs in club). Sees the ball well, uses lower half well with a good hip turn, strong upper half and good extension. Working on not leaning too far back, staying level with hips. Will take the extra base and has strong wrap-around slide. Good speed (3.06 20-yard). At SS has strong arm (60.3 mph), makes accurate throws and has good reaction time. Solid range. Communicates well and is a captain on the field. Strong work ethic (practices with dad or on own 2-3 times/week, works out 3 times/week). Excellent student (3.5 GPA with several advanced/Honors/AP courses). — Jason Lauren, ScoutU Softball Scout, 414-303-7607 (cell), Jason@ScoutU.com   Mackenzie’s athletic skills are very apparent in her metrics and athletic achievements. She works hard to increase her speed and perfect her pitches. Mackenzie trains with a pitching coach at least twice a month and dedicates additional time to extra reps at a local indoor facility several times each week. Her true talent shines in the circle, where she consistently delivers impressive results. Her defensive skills are as strong as her pitching abilities, making her a versatile asset to any team.   Offensively, Mackenzie is a powerful hitter with a quick bat and a strong, controlled swing. When she connects with the ball, it often results in extra-base hits or home runs. While she occasionally pops her front hip – leading to dropped hands and a pop fly – she demonstrates impressive self-awareness and discipline by recognizing this and making adjustments. Her consistent work in the batting cage reflects her dedication to improvement.   Mackenzie is a driven and goal-oriented athlete who consistently puts in the work required to succeed. Her commitment extends beyond the regular season – she dedicates countless hours in the offseason to pitching lessons, weight training, and skill drills to elevate her performance.   Mackenzie demonstrates a strong commitment to growth, consistently seeking opportunities to learn from both teammates and coaches. Her openness to feedback makes her highly coachable and an invaluable team player. She actively supports her teammates and brings energy to the dugout, often serving as the team’s most vocal source of encouragement when she’s not on the field. Mackenzie has a clear understanding of her role both on and off the field – an attribute that is difficult to teach and speaks to her maturity and leadership. She is athletic, charismatic and genuinely supportive, and it has been a privilege to be part of her journey. — Deanna Cole, CW Edge Navy 18U Coach