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 Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025:

*****

THE FINAL PITCH: AVA HODO

Arkansas-committed 2026 C/1B Ava Hodo, #2 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, recently talked to line Drive Media about Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier, winning the 18U PGF national championship, winning four straight state championships at Orange Beach High, Aces Fastpitch Club, losing family members, Arkansas, sports science, sports and recreation management, Paige Halstead, “Where the Crawdad’s Sing,” rap, “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Blind Side” and playing volleyball.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Ava Hodo

Hometown: Orange Beach, AL

High School: Orange Beach High

Club Team: Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 18U

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 5-8

Position/s: C/1B

Nickname: No Nickname, just Ava!

Social Media: @2026Ava on Twitter, @avareece15 on Instagram and @ava_hodo on TikTok

Honors: Four-time AL state champion, three-time PGF national champion, PGF 18U Premier national champion (2024), MaxPreps national champion (2024), 4A Alabama state champion (2024), #1 by Perfect Game Softball, #2 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, #1 Catcher in the Class of 2026 by Line Drive, PGF Futures All-American, MaxPreps 1st Team All-American, AHSAA 4A Player of the Year (2024), 1st Team AHSAA All-State and ASWA Super All-State.

High School Spring Stats: .486 AVG, .588 OBP, 1.578 OPS, .991 SLG, 11 doubles, 4 triples, 12 HRs, 63 RBIs, 30 BBs and 3 Ks.

Travel Ball Summer 2024 Stats: .363 OBP, .901 OPS, .538 SLG, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HRs, 22 RBIs and 11 BBs.

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: .452 OBP, 1.175 OPS, .722 SLG, 5 doubles, 2 HRs, 15 RBIs and 4 BBs.