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. 23, 2026:

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THE FINAL PITCH: AVERY HOWERTON

Texas Tech-bound OF/RHP Avery Howerton, #14 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, recently talked to Line Drive Media about Texas Glory, Alliance Nationals, Texas players, Aces Fastpitch and Allyssa Parker, Dyslexia, athletic family, Texas Tech, sports psychology, science, Adrian Beltre, “Of Mice and Men,” Gwen Stefani, “Abbott Elementary,” Madea movies and shooting.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Avery Howerton

Hometown: Whitesboro, TX

High School: Whitesboro High

Club Team: Texas Glory-Shelton 18U

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 5-10

Position/s: OF/RHP

Nickname: Most people call me “Aves.” I’ve had that nickname since I was little. I actually have a lot of nicknames, but the funniest is probably “Scuba Steve.” I got this nickname in 12U when we were playing in Destin because when we went to the beach, I tried to punch waves with my scuba mask on.

Social Media: @averyhowerton on Instagram and @AHowerton6 on Twitter

Honors: #14 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, top-10 percent of graduating class, National Honor Society/NFCA Scholar Athlete, three-time District 10AAA MVP, two-time District 10AAA Pitcher of the Year, state finalist (2025), state semifinalist (2024), three-time TGCA All-State, TGCA All-Star, three-time TSWA All-State, All-Tournament Pitcher, Alliance Stars of Tomorrow top-5 performer, U-14 National Selection Event top performer and USA Softball All-American.

High School Spring 2025 Stats: Pitching — 25-5, 179 IP, 241 Ks and 1.52 ERA; Hitting — .480 AVG, 12 HRs and 13 SBs.

Travel Ball Summer 2025 Stats: Pitching — 60 IP, 60 Ks and 2.27 ERA; Hitting — .446 AVG and 7 HRs.

Travel Ball Fall 2025 Stats: Pitching — 31 IP, 27 Ks and 2.32 ERA; Hitting — .456 AVG and 7 HRs.