Get on board with Line Drive Media’s regular feature, The Final Pitch!

We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.

To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at carlos.arias@linedrivemedia.com, DM at @los_stuff on Twitter or text (949) 606-3602.

Here’s our TFP for Friday, April 11, 2025:

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THE FINAL PITCH: ANYA SHAH

Uncommitted 2028 RHP/1B Anya Shah recently talked to Line Drive Media about Sorcerer Gold-Hamilton, PGF Nationals, California players, pitching mechanics, Lady Magic, work ethic, future college, college camps, medical field, science, Nijaree Canady and Montana Fouts, “Habits That Make A Champion,” Dr. Dre, “Stranger Things,” “Top Gun: Maverick” and coaching/volunteering.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Anya Shah

Hometown: Mountain View, CA

High School: Notre Dame High of San Jose

Club Team: Sorcerer Gold-Hamilton 14U

Nickname: “Anu” (by) family and family friends, (who) still use this name to this day ever since I was a kid.

Graduation Year: 2028

Height: 5-6

Position/s: RHP/1B

Social Media: @anya_shah_48 on Instagram, @anya_shah_48 on Twitter and Linktree.

Honors: All-Tournament at PGF Ultimate Challenge (2024), National Honors Runner-Up: High School Player of the Week (2025), Sports Illustrated Top Performer (2025) and First Honor Roll (2025).

Travel Ball Summer 2024 Stats: 129 IP, 102 Ks, 2.92 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 23-8.

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: 57 IP, 63 Ks, 1.96 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 7-3.

High School Spring 2025 Stats: 56.2 IP, 98 Ks, 1.73 ERA, 0.935 WHIP, 7-2.

Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I play travel ball for Sorcerer Gold 14U-Hamilton, a very competitive team known for its strong work ethic and dedication to the sport. Being a part of this organization has been a remarkable experience, not just because of the level of play, but also because of the friendships I’ve made along the way. My teammates have really become a second family for me. We’ve shared many unforgettable memories from team bonding events like Christmas parties and hanging out at the beach in Huntington with bonfires and games. What makes this team so special isn’t just our commitment on the field, but also the trust, confidence and connection we have off of it. The entire Sorcerer organization stresses on skill development and character and I’m immensely grateful to be a part of a team that pushes me as a player and as an overall individual.

Tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals? At PGF Nationals 2024 (14U Premier Division), as a first-year 14U team with Sorcerer Gold/Sorcerer Premier 2010, I pitched 20.1 innings across four games with a 1.37 ERA, seven strikeouts, 257 pitches and a 3-1 record — showcasing strong outings and generating a high number of flyball outs. One of our toughest games was against the Georgia Impact-O’Neal 2009 team where we gave up a four-run lead in the final inning and lost in tiebreakers; it was a tough loss, but it taught me how important momentum is in the game. Afterward, Coach Chad O’Neal (opposition coach) pulled me aside with some encouraging words and gave me a hug and although it was a difficult moment, it became one of my most valuable learning experiences.

At PGF Nationals 2023 (12U Premier Division), as a second-year 12U pitcher with Cal Nuggets 12U-Woods, one of my proudest accomplishments was helping our team become the last remaining Northern California team standing, finishing in the Top-16 in the Premier division. I started five of the eight games we played and came in as relief in one, totaling 29.1 innings pitched, 335 pitches, a 1.193 ERA and 22 strikeouts against some very strong competition in 12U Premier Division.

What makes players from the state of California special? I’ve watched some incredible players from other states too at tournaments like Colorado and PGF Nationals where teams from other states like Texas, Georgia and many other states do well. But I think California’s edge comes from the opportunity to play softball all year and it gives players more chances to practice, compete and improve, which is a key reason why the state has so much high-level talent and a lot of representation in different colleges.

What was your highlight of the fall? What have you been focusing on this offseason? This past fall of 2024, I focused on getting back to mechanics with my coach, Leann Emery. She helped me finetune my circle, which played a big role in helping me reach my personal best of 61 MPH. Right now, I am consistently throwing 58/59 (MPH), but my goal before the summer is to keep my fastball at 60 MPH or above. I am also working on increasing the speed on my spin pitches, especially with my riseball, which is a tough pitch to throw faster. To help with that I have added a twice-a-week strength training routine.

Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? The Lady Magic 2009 and 2010 teams have consistently been some of my toughest opponents over the past few years, constantly pushing and motivating me to elevate my game. Every time I’ve faced them, I worked very closely with my coach and my dad to prepare for each matchup, breaking down every hitter and figuring out pitches that would give me the best edge. Sometimes the plan worked perfectly. Other times I walked off the field, knowing I had more to learn. No matter the outcome, each game shaped and fueled my drive to become a stronger and smarter pitcher.

What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? I have seen hard work pay off from the early days of my swimming and softball. I am specifically working on the development of every pitch and improving to get a little bit better every time I play. Every time I give up a hit or a walk, I learn from that pitch sequence and strive to be better next time.

What are you looking for in a future college? I’m looking to play for a college where I can make a meaningful impact as a pitcher while being challenged academically. I want to grow as an athlete, contribute to a competitive program and build a strong foundation for success beyond the field with the support of a well-rounded academic and athletic environment.

What college camps have you attended and are you planning to attend and why? So far I have attended UC Berkeley’s camp twice, Harvard pitching camp and an elite college camp in Sacramento. I am planning to continue attending different college camps such as UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Davis, UC Riverside, Harvard, Yale, Brown, Princeton, Stanford and Washington. These colleges all have great softball programs and incredible academics, which is very important to me.

What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I’m interested in the medical field as I aspire to be a doctor. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor ever since I was a young kid. It would mean a lot to me to be able to help my community and work with others to advance medicine and save lives.

What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? My favorite subject in school is science, specifically biology because I find it interesting as it helps me understand how living things work in the world around me. I enjoy learning about different topics such as human anatomy, genetics and evolution.

Who is your sports hero and why? My sports hero is Nijaree Canady (a 1st Team All-American a Texas Tech). I love watching her pitch and the way she battles through any opponent, while keeping her composure on the mound. It was truly an honor to be able to take a pitching lesson with her and meet her; she is a stud in the softball community and a huge inspiration to me. Another one of my sports heroes is Montana Fouts (a former two-time 1st Team All-American at Alabama), because she is an amazing pitcher and I learn something new every time I watch her play.

What’s your favorite book to read and why? My favorite book to read is called “Habits That Make a Champion” (by Allistar McCaw), because it’s all about the mindset, discipline and daily habits that set elite level athletes apart. This book has influenced me the way I approach both softball and life in general, reminding me that success comes from the small choices we make every day. It’s a very encouraging book that keeps me motivated to work hard and stay focused on my goals.

What’s the best hype song and why? For me, the best hype song is “Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre because it has a catchy hook and a very iconic beat that’s hard to miss. Snoop Dog’s presence in the song also compliments the flow perfectly.

What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? My favorite TV show to binge is “Stranger Things” because of the vibe the show gives off as well as the mystery and supernatural elements that all add layers to create the tension of the story.

What’s your favorite movie and why? My favorite movie is “Top Gun: Maverick” because of the intense stunt scenes and adrenaline-pumping air combats. I also like the soundtrack of the entire movie as it captures the thrill factor.

Do you have a secret talent/skill? I enjoy giving back to the softball community and volunteering in other local communities. Right now, I’m an assistant coach for the 6U softball team with the Palo Alto Youth Softball (PAYS) where my 5-year-old sister plays. I really enjoy working with kids that age. I look forward to being with them for their practices and games. I’m also a good dodgeball player and a competitive swimmer.

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NEWS & NOTES

***PGF Super Select Northern Championship is April 11-13 in Township, MI. To follow the tournament online, CLICK HERE.

***Top Gun Elite 20 Spring Invitational is April 11-13 at Overland Park, KS. To follow the tournament online, CLICK HERE.

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SIGNING/COMMITMENT ALERTS

Molli Daley (2025, OF, Impulse-Nielson/Salpointe Catholic High, AZ, Arizona)

So excited!!! 💙❤️🐻⬇️ https://t.co/WTmuf9KLPi

— Molli Daley (@mollid23) November 18, 2024

Rylie Holder (2025, RHP/1B, Impact Gold-Jackson/East Bernard High, TX, Arizona)

Officially a wildcat!!!🐻⬇️ @ArizonaSoftball https://t.co/X17Ek8jnrp

— Rylie.Holder (@RylieHolder14) November 13, 2024

Kezia Lucas (2025, IF, LK Black Hawaii/Kamehameha Kapalama High, HI, Arizona)

𝑺𝑰𝑮𝑵𝑬𝑫 ✍️

Adding a Wildcat from Hawai’i! Excited to welcome Kezi to the Arizona family! pic.twitter.com/TpDBAu6xjz

— Arizona Softball (@ArizonaSoftball) November 14, 2024

Sina Talataina (2025, IF, Athletics Mercado/Cathedral Catholic High, CA, Arizona)

𝑺𝑰𝑮𝑵𝑬𝑫 ✍️

From California to Arizona, welcome to Wildcat Country, @sinaleisavea22! pic.twitter.com/DPGRD0MEbO

— Arizona Softball (@ArizonaSoftball) November 13, 2024

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HSOTD

Today’s Hype Song of the Day is …

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BTITW

Today’s Best Thing In The World is …

Warner Bros has released a new clip from the chicken jockey fight in the ‘MINECRAFT’ movie.

Read our review: https://t.co/uuggEo3VYC pic.twitter.com/41BcZGUtZ7

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 10, 2025

— Carlos Arias, Line Drive Media (Follow Carlos on Twitter @los_stuff)