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 Friday, May 9, 2025:

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THE FINAL PITCH: NIA MELENDEZ

Uncommitted 2027 3B/1B Nia Melendez, #8 in the 2027 Line Drive Hot 100, recently talked to Line Drive Media about USA Athletics 2026-RML, PGF Nationals, California players, Bombers Exposure Weekend, Team USA in Japan, injuries, athletic family, future college, college camps, pediatric surgeon, science, Roberto Clemente, Greek mythology, JMSN, “The Office,” “12 Angry Men” and volunteering.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Nia Melendez

Hometown: Stevenson Ranch, CA

High School: Hart High/Sierra Canyon

Club Team: USA Athletics 2026-RML

Graduation Year: 2027

Height: 5-9

Position/s: 3B/1B

Nickname: “Ms. Softball” was my rec ball nickname. Every season, we are allowed to pick a nickname and my second season of playing I was “5.” I chose “Ms. Softball” and never changed it after that. Funny story, those who recognize me from rec ball still refer to me as “Ms. Softball.”

Social Media: @melendezsisters21 on Instagram and @NiaMelende90317 on Twitter

Honors: #8 in the 2027 Line Drive Hot 100, Honors English I/9, Honors English II/10, Honors Algebra I, Honors Geometry, Honors Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP World History, Dean’s Honor Roll list (2024 & 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 Summer 2024 Stats (34 games): .293 AVG, .404 OBP, .844 OPS, .440 SLG, 3 HRs and 22 RBIs.

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats (43 games): .461 AVG, .533 OBP, .899 SLG, 9 HRs, 27 RBIs, 8 doubles and 3 triples.

High School Spring 2025 Stats (7 Games): .435 AVG, .481 OBP, .565 SLG, 8 RBIs and 3 doubles.

Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I first played with the USA Athletics organization at the 12U level before moving on to play for Coach (James) Kim and Coach (Darren) Fitzgerald at Explosion softball, who are great coaches by the way. When my sister (Nylah Melendez) joined USA Athletics in the spring of 2024, it created the perfect opportunity for us to reunite, not just in the same organization, but on the same team for the first time since our early rec ball days at Northridge Girls Softball. Playing under Coach Michelle Lehr has been an incredible experience. Her leadership has pushed us to grow both physically and mentally and has had a major impact on our development as athletes, teammates and individuals.

Tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals? I was part of a strong team with Explosion Premier-Kim/Adame and we were ranked among the top-10 teams heading into the 16U Premier bracket. While it was an incredible experience, it was the season that I learned a lot about not meeting my expectations. I didn’t feel I played to my potential and wasn’t able to contribute at the level I expect from myself. That’s something I’ve taken to heart and was fully committed to change this year. Since, I have really focused on different parts of my game; mentally, physically, technically and emotionally! It has been a great year of progress and I am certain that I will continue to grow.

What makes players from the state of California special? California players are exposed to top tier competition as early as 10U in most cases, as well as have the biggest range in athletes. Not to say players from other regions are not as talented, but it is safe to say players from the West Region are never intimidated playing in any stage, for they have played with the best of the best. Of course, the great weather helps to have a lot of girls come out to play this sport.

What was your highlight of the fall? Highlight of fall was my team’s performance at (Bombers Exposure Weekend). We played some top tier organizations in the 16U division and I was so happy to be able to contribute with (a) .636 AVG, 2.532 OPS, 1.818 SLG, 4 HRs and 11 (RBIs) in just five games.

What have you been focusing on this offseason? Because this offseason I had a sit-out period (was only eligible to play a limited schedule), I have spent almost all of my time really attacking my mental game, finding both my strong and weak spots. Everyone knows that the game is majority mental, and as experienced as I am, there is always work to be done.

Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? 2023 U15 USA National Team in Japan. The team was loaded with top tier national talent from the 2026 and 2027 class. It is my understanding that all the 2026 players on that team have committed to top Power 4 softball programs. It was an honor to be selected to the All-World Team and recognized as Player with Most RBIs amongst so many talented players.

What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? In spring 2024, I struggled with intense pain in my left wrist (cyst developed around my nerves) all throughout my freshmen year in high school. I didn’t want to let my team down and I played through the injury and did not let my parents (Luis and Jackie Melendez) and coaches know how much pain I was in. My parents had me undergo physical therapy and shut me down for early summer and it took me several months to gain my strength and confidence back. I learned that you have to continue to take care of yourself physically and mentally to be a great teammate.

Do you have any family members/siblings that are athletes? Luis Melendez, father, played sports his whole life, but ended up serving in the US Army where he met my mother, (Jackie Melendez). I truly believe their resiliency and discipline has helped shape me and my two youngest sisters into competitive travel softball players. My younger sister, Nylah Melendez, is considered one of the top players/catcher in the 2028 class (#9 in the 2028 Line Drive Hot 100), and my other sister, Naima Melendez, is also considered a top player/3B in the 2029 class (#20 in the 2029 Line Drive Hot 100).

What are you looking for in a future college? I want to go into a program that not only will be the best fit for me, but that I will be the best fit for them. I’m looking for a college environment that challenges me to compete at a high level, where I can continue to push myself and stay sharp on the field. At the same time, it’s important that I truly enjoy the experience and become part of a community. Academically, I’m committed to continuing my growth in the classroom. I want to be in a program that recognizes the importance of education and that will support me as I work toward my academic and career goals.

What college camps have you attended and are you planning to attend and why? (I have attended) UC Berkeley: love the energy the entire coaching staff brings to every event; Stanford University: what is there not to like about Stanford?; Columbia University: Ivy League institution in NYC is dream scenario; UC San Diego: love the program they are building and the school is amazing; UCLA clinics: I am blessed to have a top tier program and facility so close to home and the coaches have provided great instruction; and Duke: I am so excited to attend Duke Elite Camp this summer.

What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I want to be a pediatric surgeon, not only because I was influenced by popular shows when I was younger, but because I want to help children get better and be a positive part of their lives.

What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? My favorite subject in school is science because there seems to be no limits. Although science has obviously come a long way, there are still so many things left undiscovered. Also, I think it’s cool how you literally learn about the foundations of life and that it applies to everyday.

Who is your sports hero and why? My sports hero is (MLB legend) Roberto Clemente because he was a Puerto Rican legend elected to the Hall of Fame. As a Puerto Rican softball player, he was one of my earliest role models. Not only was he great, but he was among the best there ever was. I also love him because not only was he a great player on the field, but a great person, devoting his time to charity work, like providing for those who needed aid after natural disasters. My sisters and I all wear number 21 in his honor.

What’s your favorite book to read and why? My favorite kind of books to read are historical fictions because they find a way to use history, which with some eras I have a hard time finding interesting and create their own story with them. My favorites are usually about Greek mythology, which I always had a special interest in, like the “Percy Jackson” series (by Rick Riordan) or “The Song of Achilles” (by Madeline McMiller).

What’s the best hype song and why? My favorite “hype” song is “‘Bout It” by JMSN, not because it technically hypes me up, but there are parts of the song that are almost calming and focusing.

What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? My favorite TV show to binge is probably “The Office,” because it’s lighthearted, funny and easy to watch no matter what mood I’m in. The characters are relatable and funny and the humor never gets old. It’s the perfect mix of comedy and heart and it always helps me relax and reset.

What’s your favorite movie and why? I watch a lot of movies, but one of my favorites is “12 Angry Men.” Set mostly in one room with no flashy effects, it’s such a simple and straight forward film, but it’s incredibly thought-provoking. It explores bias, justice and the power of persuasion and reminds me how much impact thoughtful conversation and critical thinking can have.

Do you have a secret talent/skill? It’s not really a talent, but I work really well with kids. I volunteer at my local church in the children’s ministry.

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NEWS & NOTES

***PGF Super Select Southern Championship is May 9-11 in Hoover, AL. To follow the tournament online, CLICK HERE.

***PGF Georgia State Championship is May 10-11 in Dalton, GA. To follow the tournament online, CLICK HERE.

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SIGNING/COMMITMENT ALERTS

Peyton Moran (2025, 1B/3B, Unity 2025-2026/Greenbrier Christian Academy High, VA, Norfolk State)

✍️𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐏𝐞𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐧🔰⚔️

🅿️ 1B/3B
🏠 Chesapeake, VA
📚 Greenbrier Christian Academy
🥎 Unity 2025/2026#WeAreEnough #GoldStandard #Behold pic.twitter.com/cIaRPMS2Jr

— Norfolk State Softball (@nsusoftball) November 15, 2024

Samantha Stevenson (2025, RHP, Cruisers Fastpitch VC/El Modena High, CA, Norfolk State)

✍️𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐒𝐚𝐦🔰⚔️

🅿️ RHP
🏠 Tustin, CA
📚 El Modena High School
🥎 Cruisers Fastpitch VC 18u#WeAreEnough #GoldStandard #Behold pic.twitter.com/z0scd0tJPx

— Norfolk State Softball (@nsusoftball) November 14, 2024

McKaley Kohn (2025, C/3B, Unity-Luke/BK2/Grassfield High, VA, Norfolk State)

✍️𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐌𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐲!🔰⚔️

🅿️ C/3B
🏠 Chesapeake, VA
📚 Grassfield HS
🥎 Unity Luke/BK2#WeAreEnough #GoldStandard #Behold pic.twitter.com/GY8u1JImkq

— Norfolk State Softball (@nsusoftball) November 14, 2024

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HSOTD

Today’s Hype Song of the Day is …

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BTITW

Today’s Best Thing In The World is …

#TheLastOfUs
THE TAKE ON ME SCENE 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/PzYdwhjlIP

— chris (@chrisdadeviant) May 5, 2025

— Carlos Arias, Line Drive Media (Follow Carlos on Twitter @los_stuff)