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 Thursday, Oct. 2:

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THE FINAL PITCH: FAITH DERING

Uncommitted 2027 OF Faith DeRing recently talked to Line Drive Media about LLG Elite-Corn, PGF Nationals, Florida players, Hotshots National and Athletics Mercado, doubters, athletic family, future college, college camps, environmental science and engineering, biology, physics and chemistry, Amanda Lorenz, “US In The 20th Century,” “Twisters” and skiing.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Faith DeRing

Hometown: Odessa, FL

High School: Academy of the Holy Names, Tampa, FL

Club Team: LLG Elite-Corn 16U

Graduation Year: 2027

Height: 5-10

Position/s: CF/OF

Nickname: My dad was deployed to Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division (US Army). He served a second tour of duty in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. While he was fighting overseas, he’d write my mom letters and always sign them: “Keep the Faith.” They got married when he returned home and years later when I was born, my parents decided to name me, “Faith.” … So I don’t have a nickname, but I think that makes my name special.

Social Media: @Faith_DeRing14 on Twitter

Honors: Academy of the Holy Names Gold Glove Award (2024), Academy of the Holy Names Coach’s Award (2024), Academy of the Holy Names Clutch Performer Award (2025), back-to-back Florida 3A District champions (2024-25), PGF Nationals 5th-place finish (2025), President’s Honor Roll with distinction, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Beta Club & Key Club (community service clubs), Gold Star Club Vice President and Esse Quam Videri Award winner.

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: .311 AVG, .725 OPS and 1.000 fielding percentage.

High School Spring 2025 Stats: .413 AVG, 1.023 OPS, 22-game hit streak and led the team in hits, runs, triples & fielding percentage.

Travel Ball Summer 2025 Stats: .300 AVG, .962 fielding percentage (50 putouts/53 total chances) and 3 HRs.