NICKLES CLINIC BRINGS NATIONAL SOFTBALL EXPERIENCE

By Robert Balajadia

Madilyn ‘Bubba’ Nickles, by way of UCLA and Team USA, was bridging the gap between Guam and USA softball as the softball super star hosted her first ever clinic on Guam Thursday afternoon. Thursday’s clinic was the first softball related event for Nickles during her short stay on Guam.

Due to inclement weather, the clinic was moved from Guerrero Field to the Agana Heights gym. The clinic still ran as scheduled from 1-5 pm.

“The biggest highlight was being able to see these girls in action. A lot of them are pretty talented and they have a lot of potential. I just wish it could’ve been longer and I wish I could do this more often because I could see how they could improve so easily,” said Nickles on her time with the ladies.

A crowd of over 20 softball athletes filled the clinic and they didn’t let the gym floor ruin their experience with the former Gatorade Softball Player of the Year.

“I’ve always had the saying from my coaches that ‘good talent is flexible’, so we I think we improvised very well with what we had,” said Nickles of the clinic.

Bubba’s main points in her teachings were ‘softball basics’ driven. Even something as basic as picking up a ball and throwing, Nickles glided through the motions with ease showing the clinic attendees what being a master of your softball craft looks like.

The sessions was dominated by fielding drills before the girls finally got to hitting towards the later part of the clinic. Nickles even shared a small session to help the block of pitchers in the camp, with former JFK Islander Pillar George and Cougar Ashley Mendiola soaking in some tips.

The response from Guam’s girls is what really drove Nickles to get through the four-hour clinic, as she still hasn’t fully adjusted from jet-lag.

“They are so coachable and I feel like they all took the information I gave so well. They were encouraging and they looked like they had a lot of fun. I think they learned a lot and had a bunch of fun at the same time,” said Bubba.

Nickles’ stay on Guam so far has been nothing but positive. The soon to be third year star at UCLA stated that coming back to Guam is something she would love to do.

The next event for Bubba is the All-Star Game which she is set to be featured in. With the weather being unkind to outdoor sports over the past week, Friday’s scheduled game for 7 pm may be moved to Sunday instead. The decision will be made early Friday morning, so stay tuned for updates!

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