I had a good talk with Mike Candrea today.

I took a chance and asked him about Cienega senior Ashlee Brawley and her future at Arizona. He could not comment on Brawley because she has not signed but has given a verbal commitment.

I know Brawley and I can tell you she is a great kid and she comes from a good family. She and Miraya Montiel of Salpointe are the two top short stops in southern Arizona.

I will go over the rest of my conversation come softball time.

Brawley’s story was picked up by former Citizen writer Anthony Gimino and Arizona Daily Star sports writer Javier Morales at their Arizona site:  http://WILDABOUTAZCATS.COM/

Candrea has a Coaching Clinic coming up in early October that cannot be missed.

I’ve had the privilege to coach under and learn from some of the best athletic minds in my career (Dave Herr-Cardillo, Tony Rascon, Lance and Kelly Fowler and I have just begun to pick Mark Trujillo’s mind) but the classes I took from Bruce Larsen and Candrea when I was an undergrad were probably the best experiences anyone could hope for.

Coaching Clinic from October 2 to 4.

Clinic Guest Speakers will include Olympic Medal winners and Head Coaches. The clinic will include a hosted Reception at Arizona on Friday evening after the Opening session beginning with Check In at 5:00 and Session from 6-9:30. Saturday will have classroom style session from 9-5, with an hour lunch break. There will be an exhibition double header on Sunday afternoon to meet and watch the U of A team after being on the field to take part in warm-up drills with the team starting at 9:00 a.m.

Candrea will also be putting on a “Holiday Camp” for players December 19-20.

The Holiday Camp will offer expert instruction in hitting, infield play, outfield play, pitching, catching, sliding, slapping and other skills of fastpitch softball. This is an opportunity and experience for softball players grades 4 thru 12. There will be Multi-level Ability / Age / Position grouping. This is a Saturday & Sunday Camp. Check In starts 8:00 Saturday with Instruction beginning at 10:00 – 5:00 with hour lunch break 1 – 2 (Lunch is not included.) Check in starts at 9:00 Sunday with Instruction beginning at 10:00 – 5:00 with an hour lunch break. Campers get a tee shirt and Nike prizes. Players should bring their cleats, water and lunch. Parents and coaches are welcome to watch from stands. No recording devices allowed. There will be an autograph/photo opportunity on Sunday. Instruction is from U of A Softball Coaching Staff, U of A Softball Team, as well as college and high school.

Please go to http://www.candrea.com for more information.

NOTE: My child will attend the camp but will not be given any discount or special incentives from this story. The Tucson Citizen does not endorse this clinic or others. This is presented as an opinion only.

From a report and press release.