Naperville girl falls short in Team USA bid

Brooke Meyer has fallen short in her attempt to become the youngest of 18 women from across the country to make the 2010 USA Baseball Women's National Team.

The Naperville girl, who has hit 73 mph with her fastball, was one of 32 women invited to trials held Monday through Thursday at USA Baseball's training complex in Cary, N.C.

She was cut late Thursday and will not be one of 18 who will compete in the women's baseball World Cup in Venezuela, from Aug. 12-22.

But after an encouraging week of constructive criticism and bonding with coaches and teammates, Meyer already is planning her return next year.

"We already talked about me coming back. I'm still young and have at least 10 to 15 years ahead of me," Meyer said Friday from the training facility. "There's quite a few people who are likely in their last year here, so my time will come."

Despite being sent home early, Meyer said she learned a great deal from the coaches and she intends to improve before next year's camp. She also believes she made an impression on the mound, giving up only one hit during exhibition play.

"My pitching was good but I learned a lot about the importance of being consistent in my swing when trying to hit to the opposite field and some other important things about my approach at the plate," she said.

In the immediate future, Meyer said she'll switch gears to prepare for the hockey season; she's Neuqua Valley High School's staring goalie. But come baseball season, she intends to check out some traveling teams that other girls at the trials play on.

"I'm gonna check that out and see where that goes because I definitely want to keep in touch with a lot of the girls I've met out here," she said. "They're all really nice and I hope to play with them again in the very near future."