Call it the “Cali Coup”!

Cali Deal, who is beginning her junior year at Quitman High School, has pledged to play softball for Louisiana State University. Her declaration was made on Saturday, September 2nd. 

God is so GOOD!! I’m so excited and thankful to announce my commitment to Louisiana State University!!! This has been my dream for as long as I can remember and I can’t wait to represent my state in the purple and gold!! I can’t thank my coaches, teammates, family, and most importantly the Lord enough. Without them I would be nothing. I’ve prayed about this moment every day for years and I truly feel that LSU is the right place for me!! With that being said, GEAUX TIGERS!!! – Facebook post by Deal

By committing to LSU, Deal joins a program steeped in tradition. Since throwing the first pitch as a collegiate program in 1979, the Lady Tigers have compiled a 1,236-451 record, which equates to a sterling .733 winning percentage. Included are five SEC conference championships and 24 NCAA tournament appearances in the last 25 years. Nine times LSU has reached the Super Regional round and six times have qualified for the NCAA Women’s College World Series.

While the program’s success played a small role in Deal’s decision it was mainly the long tradition of having family members attend LSU that made the choice to commit at such an early age a “no-brainer.”

“It was an easy choice for me. There never has been any other school I wanted to play for,” said Deal in an exclusive interview with the Jackson Parish Journal.  “A lot of my family went to school there and I love the place and the people. I guess you could say I grew up bleeding purple and gold.”   

You can’t fault LSU head coach Beth Torina, now entering her 12th season at the helm, for wanting secure Deal’s services as soon as possible either. The combination of skill, work ethic and character like Deal possesses doesn’t come around very often. The term that is commonly used to describe such an athlete is “generational talent”.

Since beginning her varsity career in the 7th grade, “The Real” Deal has compiled a sparkling .504 batting average with 171 hits in 339 official at bats. That includes 22 home runs, 136 runs batted in and 95 runs scored. Impressive in it’s own right, but nothing compared to the sterling statistics the lanky lefthanded fireballer has achieved “in the circle” in three and half years of competition.

Already, Deal’s record as a pitcher is something that few have ever achieved. Heading into the 2024 spring campaign the win-loss record stands at 53-14, with 678 strikeouts in just 416 innings pitched. This includes the 21-2 record, 1.34 earned run average and 268 K’s in 151 innings she put up last year last year while leading Quitman to a Division V state runner-up finish. 

And to think she still has two more years to play.

Two years that according to Deal mean she is very much looking forward to.

“I love the fact that I still have two more years to play at Quitman and with my teammates,” said Deal. “We have accomplished a lot but we still have goals to achieve. We want that ring.” 

Her use of the word “we” says so much about Deal’s personality, which in itself is another one of her tremendous attributes. No matter how many personal accolades she has and will receive, in her mind it is always about the team.

“I wouldn’t be in the position I am were it not for the teammates I am so fortunate to get to play with,” said Deal. “We have been together since we little girls. We share little league state championships and have had to endure some heart breaking losses but it has always been as a family. We still all have the same dream of winning a state championship and if we can accomplish that I will be just a part of it.”

Deal was also “just a part” of her travel-ball, 14U Bombers team that won the national championship and the 16U team that came in third in the nation this past summer. A big part to say the least as she was the ace of the staff.

Deal attributes her “team first” attitude to her parents Syble and Brian Deal and grandparents Todd and Laura Culpepper.

“I was blessed to be raised by parents and relatives who taught me the “right” way to live and act,” said Deal.  “They have always been there for me to provide guidance.” 

Deal also was quick to point out that the support she has received from the community has been a great influence on her and something she will always remember.

“I have received so much love from our community,” said Deal. “I am so thankful for the words of encouragement they have given. It has truly been a blessing to grow up here and I want everyone to know that their support will be something I will always remember and cherish.”

Quitman High School head softball coach, Justin Dodson, may have said it best when asked to describe what it has been like to have a player like Deal on his team.

“Cali is one of the most hard working and determined young ladies I have ever been around. I am lucky to have the opportunity to coach her. The thing people always tell me when she pitches against them is she is always calm in the circle. She never gets too high or too low; she is composed. That is hard for most of the softball world to achieve and it’s even harder to teach/coach. She has sacrificed so much of her time to achieve this goal and deserves this opportunity in front of her. The best thing I can ever say about her is that she is a great player and I mean great, BUT she is an even better person!” She is smart, kind, and passionate. I am so proud of her!

We all are! Congratulations Cali!