This week, Line Drive received an impressive email from softball mom Jaime Falvey from New Jersey, who raved about an event her Class of 2028 daughter Madeline attended last month.

She wrote: 

“My daughter was fortunate to earn a scholarship through an essay she wrote to attend the Pitching Angel Experience (PAE) this past December 2025. PAE is a national event held annually and founded by ESPN announcer and former Texas A&M pitcher Amanda Scarborough.”

“The event is thoughtfully organized to support young pitchers from across the country—not only in developing their physical skills, but also in strengthening their mental game and personal confidence.”

“PAE empowers participants not just as pitchers, but as young women. It is a powerful experience that has grown into something of a movement within the softball community.”

“Amanda spearheads this event herself, with support from several Division I collegiate pitchers, ESPN announcers, and other prominent softball organizations and agencies nationwide.”

“The impact of her work is significant, and the opportunity to attend is incredibly meaningful for aspiring pitchers. Her dedication to mentoring, inspiring, and building resilient young athletes is truly remarkable and deserving of broader recognition.”

The Pitching Angel Experience (PAE) started in 2022 and has become one of the top events of its kind in just its fourth year in existence.

Scarborough explains how the idea first came to her to create this pitcher-specific event.

“I was inspired by my friend Jen Schroeder’s catching retreats and wanted to create something for pitchers that was more than just drills and mechanics,” she says.

“It’s what gets focused on 90 percentage of the time at clinics, lessons, practice, but being a pitcher is so much more than that—especially when it comes to mindset and feeling like the doubt you’ve faced or adversity you’ve come up against is going to defeat you.”

“I want pitchers to know they’re not alone in what they’re feeling through all of the difficult challenges and pressure specific to pitchers that they face and I want them to fall in love with pitching again.”

“I want their spark to be reignited.”

Scarborough stresses that her main priority is to have the younger pitchers continue to love what they do and find value in it.

“My goal with PAE and Pitching Angel in general is to keep as many pitchers pitching as possible and not quit. I know the strength pitching itself creates for me in my life and I want as many young girls as possible to experience and feel the impact sticking with pitching can make in their own lives and careers.”

How will she remember the 2025 Pitching Angel Experience?

“Three of the highlights for me I’ll remember,” Scarorough relates, “were:”

“One, a film watching station with Alana Vawter breaking down WCWS footage of her own games while playing at Stanford and being pitching-mates with Nija Canady.”

“Two, the interview station led by Tori Vidales to prepare these athletes and stressing the importance of being prepared for media attention (especially as a pitcher who got interviewed the most!).”

“Three, a defense station with Morgan Stuart to bring attention to how they can serve as a fifth defender on the infield and ultimately feel safer defending from their position.”

*****

And what did one of the attendees treasure about her memorable experience?

Here’s what Madeline, who attends Immaculata High in Somerville, New Jersey, wrote about her experience which she says has changed her life on and off the field:

Attending PAE (Pitching Angel Experience) was a turning point for me—not just as a pitcher, but as a person.

I went into the experience thinking growth was mostly about mechanics, velocity, and performance; however, PAE helped me realize that, while those things matter, real growth also comes from mindset, confidence, leadership, and believing in yourself—especially when things don’t go the way you plan.

That message really hit home for me because this past year tested me in ways I didn’t expect.

As a freshman pitcher on the varsity team at Immaculata High School in Somerville, New Jersey, I learned quickly that competing at that level requires more than talent.

Our season was challenging, and there were moments when I had to come in from behind, battle through pressure, and keep fighting to help my team finish with a winning record.

It wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience, responsibility, and what it means to show up for your teammates even when things feel heavy.

At the same time, I pitch for my club team, NJ Unity Torres 2028, where I regularly compete against some of the best teams and hitters in the country. Every weekend is a test—not just of my arm, but of my confidence and mental toughness.

Balancing high-level competition in both high school and travel ball has pushed me to grow faster than I ever imagined, and it’s made me realize how important mindset truly is.

From the moment I arrived at PAE, I felt surrounded by people who understood that pressure.

Amanda Scarborough, the founder of PAE, creates an environment where pitchers feel seen and supported. She often says that “limitations live only in your mind,” and being at PAE helped me understand what that really means.

Watching her lead reminded me that belief is powerful—and that confidence is something you build every day through discipline and consistency.

One of the most meaningful parts of PAE was being surrounded by young pitchers from across the country. As a pitcher and as a young woman, it was empowering to train alongside girls who understood the sacrifices, the expectations, and the grind that comes with chasing big goals.

There was no comparison—only encouragement. That sense of community reminded me that we don’t grow alone, and that supporting one another makes us all stronger.

PAE also connected me with incredible mentors.

Hailey Meinen helped break down the recruiting process and showed us what college coaches are truly looking for—not just talent, but character, work ethic, and consistency.

Danielle Lawrie’s message about the importance of the mental game stayed with me. She reminded us that confidence and resilience matter just as much as physical ability, especially when things get tough.

The mental side of pitching is something I work on every day. I wake up early to train, spend time in the gym, and stay committed to my routines. I also play basketball, which helps me stay competitive and athletic, and I work hard in the classroom, maintaining a high GPA.

Balancing school, multiple sports, training, and family life isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned how important it is to prioritize my time and stay disciplined. PAE reinforced that success isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about staying consistent and committed.

Through tools like S2 testing, PAE helped me better understand how my mindset affects my performance, especially under pressure. It showed me that confidence is something you train just like your arm.

The advanced throwing and pitcher-specific resources gave me tools I know I’ll use for years, but just as important were the lessons about belief and self-trust.

As part of PAE, we had the opportunity to participate in a professional photo shoot. Seeing the photos afterwards gave me more confidence in myself as a pitcher. It also showed me that being a great athlete isn’t just about what you do on the field—it’s about how you carry yourself and take pride in everything you do.

More than anything, PAE reminded me why I work so hard: I want to play college softball, and I know that goal requires sacrifice, focus, and resilience.

The experience helped me see that setbacks don’t define you—how you respond to them does.

As Coach Amanda says:  “Pitchers are just one pitch away from pushing fear aside and stepping into greatness,” and that mindset is something I will carry with me every time I step into the circle.

PAE didn’t just help me grow as an athlete—it helped me grow as a young woman.  I left feeling stronger, more confident, and more motivated than ever.

I’m incredibly grateful to Amanda Scarborough for creating this experience, to Hailey Meinen for her guidance, to Danielle Lawrie for her inspiration, and to the college pitchers who took the time to mentor us.

After PAE, I feel ready to keep pushing forward—to fly high on the mound and beyond—bringing everything I’ve learned into every game, every challenge, and every opportunity ahead.