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, March 9, 2026:
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THE FINAL PITCH: LILLY FULGHUM
Charlotte-bound IF/UT Lilly Fulghum, #54 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, recently talked to Line Drive Media about Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier-Rocky, PGF Nationals, North Carolina players, tough competition, house fire, Charlotte, lawyer, history and math, Henry Fulghum, Eminem, “Stranger Things” and competitiveness.
THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Lilly Fulghum
Hometown: Mount Olive, NC
High School: North Duplin High
Club Team: Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier-Rocky 18U
Graduation Year: 2026
Height: 5-3
Positions: IF/UT
Nickname: “Lil” — short for Lilly. I’ve been called that ever since I was little. It’s not exactly my favorite nickname and when my parents used to yell it during games, it would fire me up. I’d get mad and end up hitting the ball harder. Now, it’s kind of an inside joke in our family — and it still fuels me.
Social Media: @lillyrosefulghum_ on Instagram and @LillyF2026 on Twitter
Honors: #54 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100; Academic: FCA Leader (2023), A Honor Roll (2023), FCA Leader (2024), A Honor Roll (2024), Beta Club (2024), FCA Leader (2025), A Honor Roll (2025), Beta Club Secretary (2025), Junior Marshal (2025), FCA Leader (2026) and Beta Club Chair (2026); Varsity Volleyball (2023-26): Team Captain, Led Prayer Huddles, All-Conference (2023-26) and MVP (2025/2026); Varsity Basketball (2023-26): Led Prayer Huddles, All-Conference (2024/2025, 2025/2026) and Honorable Mention (2023/2024); Varsity Softball (2023-2026): 1A State Runner-Up (2023), 1A State Pitcher of the Year (2023), 1A District Pitcher of the Year (2025), 1A All-District (2023–2025), NCHSAA Honorable Mention (2023), NCHSAA 2nd Team (2025) and All-Conference (2023-25).
High School Spring 2025 Stats: .750 AVG, .883 OPS, 1.553 SLG, 0.98 ERA and 10 HRs.
Travel Ball Summer 2025 Stats: .389 AVG, .468 OPS, .754 SLG and 4 HRs.
Travel Ball Fall 2025 Stats: .415 AVG, .550 OPS, .690 SLG and 2 HRs.
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