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, Dec. 5, 2024:

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THE FINAL PITCH: ELLA KATE “EK” SMITH

Oklahoma-committed 2026 RHP/1B Ella Kate “EK” Smith, #2 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, recently talked to Line Drive Media about Impact Gold-Jackson, Alliance Nationals, winning the 18U title at the recent TFL Fall Championship, Texas Glory, figuring out the future, Shane Smith, Oklahoma, softball camps, physical therapy, science, Caitlin Clark, “Out of My Mind,” Pitbull, “Grey’s Anatomy,” “10 Things I Hate About You” and cooking and baking.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Ella Kate (EK) Smith

Hometown: Katy, TX

High School: Katy High

Club Team: Impact Gold-Jackson 18U

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 5-10

Position/s: RHP/1B

Nickname: My nickname is “EK,” which just came around when I was younger because Ella Kate can be a mouthful. It actually started though as “EKG” and then over the years it shortened to “EK.”

Social Media: @eksoftball2026 on Twitter and @ella.kate.67 on Instagram

Honors: #2 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, #2 by Perfect Game, #4 by Extra Inning, #12 by Softball America, TGCA All-State, TXSWA All-State, 19-6A 1st Team All-District, 19-6A Academic All-District, 1st Team All-Greater Houston, Alliance All-Tournament, Line Drive Media All-Summer and All-Tournament at Clearwater Fall Classic by Line Drive.

High School Spring Stats: Hitting — 94 AB, .479 AVG, 1.606 OPS, 12 HRs and 49 RBIs; Pitching — 62 IP, 105 Ks, .121 BAA and 0.594 WHIP.

Travel Ball Summer 2024 Stats: Hitting — 113 AB, .434 AVG, 1.274 OPS, 8 HRs and 48 RBIs; Pitching — 116 IP, 136 Ks, 2.28 ERA, 1.157 WHIP and .204 BAA.

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: Hitting — 65 AB, .462 AVG, 1.303 OPS, 4 HRs and 26 RBIs; Pitching — 47 IP, 64 Ks, 1.762 ERA, 1.196 WHIP and .175 BAA.