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 Instagram or text (949) 606-3602.

Here’s our TFP for Tuesday, July 21, 2026:

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THE FINAL PITCH: NIA MELENDEZ

Georgia Tech-committed 2027 1B/3B Nia Melendez, #6 in the 2027 Line Drive Hot 100, recently talked to Line Drive Media about USA Athletics Gold-Rogers, PGF Nationals, Hart High, finishing in 3rd place at the recent Boulder IDT, Georgia Tech, favorite quote, A$AP Rocky, “The Office,” “Forrest Gump” and working with kids.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Nia Melendez

Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA

High School: Hart High School

Club Team: USA Athletics Gold-Rogers 18U

Graduation Year: 2027

Height: 5-9

Position/s: 1B/3B

Nickname: “Ms. Softball,” when I was younger, I chose this nickname for myself and it stuck for a long time. Most people, who know me from rec ball, most often refer to me as “Ms. Softball” still.

Social Media: @melendezsisters21 on Instagram and @NiaMelendez27 on Twitter

Honors: #6 in the 2027 Line Drive Hot 100, two-time Dean’s Honor Roll list (2025), WBSC U18 Team Puerto Rico(2025), WBSC Silver Medalist for U15 World Cup-Japan (2023), WBSC Bronze Medalist for U15 Pan American Games-Peru (2023), All-World Team for WBSC World Cup (2023) and most RBIs in World Cup Award (2023).

Travel Ball Fall 2025 Stats: 22 G, .407 AVG, .463 OBP, .678 SLG, 18 RBIs, 3 HRs and 7 doubles.

High School Spring 2026 Stats: None (Sit out period-Transfer Rule)

Travel Ball Summer 2026 Stats (So Far): 21 G, .535 AVG, .608 OBP, 1.302 SLG, 23 hits, 11 HRs and 23 RBIs.