Dawson softball standout Gigi Solis commits to Southern Miss
PEARLAND, Texas (BVM) — Gigi Solis has been playing softball since she was a young child, and even though she has played a variety of other sports, she knew in her heart that softball was the sport for her.
“The moment I realized softball was my favorite was winning state with my local little league team in 6U,” Solis said. I can still remember the feeling I had when they handed us our medals.”
Now the Class of the 2023 standout is set to join the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles following her commitment last December.
Committed!!🖤💛🖤💛@TDD16U @SouthernMissSB pic.twitter.com/PVD7NAesXD
— Gigi (@gigisolisss) December 8, 2021
The 5-foot-7 pitcher, now in her junior year, is looking to top her impressive sophomore season at the varsity level. During the 2020-21 season, she had 117 strikeouts with an ERA 1.62 and had a batting average of .618. She also won the Lady Eagles Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
“The past three years at Dawson have been the best,” Solis said. “High school season is my absolute favorite. I’ve played with some great girls who have went off to play at the next level. Lifelong friendships that I will always cherish. My coaches trust me and it’s just a fun, hardworking community to be able to play in.”
Alongside the Dawson Eagles, Solis has also competed with the Texas Dirt Divas.
“The Divas live by hard work. Not just physically but mental,” Solis said. “They took me in a few years back when times were hard and they really picked me up and pushed me to be my best. We always played top competition which has made me a better player.”
Solis has been playing alongside some talented players and has been coached by some of the best. One of those coaches is Southern Miss alum and Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2012 inductee Courtney Blades-Rogers.
“Coach Court has been like a second mom to me,” Solis said. “I can go to her about more than just softball. She really pushes me to be my best physically and mentally. She was a pitcher herself so using her tools have helped me tons! Working with her for years now has made me become a great pitcher.”
So excited for you G…the Golden Eagles (and my alma mater) are getting a good one 💛🖤💛🖤 #SMTTT https://t.co/kpSKTKmHnA
— courtney blades-rogers (@courtneybladesr) December 8, 2021
Along with Coach Blades-Rogers, Solis’s family has made a big impact on the way she carries herself and it ultimately helped her land at Southern Miss.
“My family wanted what was best for me no matter how close or far, Solis said. “When I chose Southern Miss they fully supported me which I really appreciate.”
And from the start, that’s what Solis and her family did as they visited numerous colleges that were interested in her talents.
“I had visited many different campuses and had interest in different schools. Southern Miss. really stuck out to me not just because of it being Courtney’s college school but because they made me feel at home,” Solis said. “After touring the campus and city it’s hard to explain the feeling I got knowing that it was where I wanted to go.
Solis is set to join a program that has gone 66-61 overall in the past three seasons. The Golden Eagles softball team is led by head coach Brian Levin who was hired in 2019. He has turned around the program after the team finished with an overall record of 19-36 in 2018.
“Seeing how she [Courtney Blades-Rogers] took her team to the World Series at my future college Southern Miss really pushes me to follow her footsteps. I’m glad to have someone like her by my side through this ride.”
But before she sets foot in Hattiesburg, Solis has her sights set on her last two seasons as an Eagle and ending her career at Dawson on the highest note.
“Our goal is to get as far as we can in playoffs and win as many games as we can in district,” Solis said. “[But] my goal for the high school season is to get MVP and first team all-district [again].
