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 Monday, Feb. 2, 2026:

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THE FINAL PITCH: SHELBY SOUTHARD

Nebraska-bound MIF Shelby Southard recently talked to Line Drive Media about ai Bandits-Breer, Alliance Nationals, Washington players, Louisville Lady Sluggers-Huecker/Norwood, losing in the state semifinals, Nebraska, sports agent or coaching, yearbook, Kyle Seager, the Bible, Metallica, “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Hamilton” and backflips.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Shelby Southard

Hometown: Snohomish, WA

High School: Cedar Park Christian School

Club Team: ai Bandits-Breer 18U

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 5-7

Position/s: MIF

Nickname: I was given the nickname “Sheebee” by (of) my cousin, Noel. It just stuck within our family.

Social Media: @Shelby_S46 on Instagram and @shelbysouth46 on Twitter

Honors: Alliance National Player of the Month (September 2025), Washington 1A Player of the Year (2025), Emerald Sound Conference Player of the Year (2025), Washington 1st Team All-State (2024), Emerald Sound Conference Player of the Year (2024), Emerald Sound Conference 1st Team (2023), Northwest Fastpitch League Player of the Month (March 2023), Alliance Super Cup Defensive MVP (2023) and Alliance Nationals All-Tournament (2021).

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: .500 AVG, 36 ABs, 18 hits, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HRs and 9 RBIs.

High School Spring 2025 Stats: .726 AVG, 73 ABs, 53 hits, 16 doubles, 6 triples, 16 HRs and 56 RBIs.

Travel Ball Summer 2025 Stats: .420 AVG, 81 ABs, 34 hits, 11 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HRs and 26 RBIs.