It was a productive fall for outstanding 2030 infielder Daniella Neve, who was ranked No. 6 in her class’s HOT 100 player rankings which was published last year.

As noted in her bio when it was published:

“Daniella is one of the top hitters in the country and is recognized by coaches nationwide as an elite competitor who has already played against college-level athletes.”

We at Line Drive Softball have had a special place in our hearts going back to 2022 when she used her huge Tik Tok following – which is over 124,000 today! — to find a suitable match who would donate a kidney to save the life of her father, Ryan Neve.

That search was successful and the surgery was performed on January 3, 2023.

Click HERE to read an article we did in March 2024 where Daniella recaps that harrowing medical journey and also a video produced by CBS Pittsburg with the message My Daddy Needs a Kidney when the athlete was 10 years old.  

Here’s that video which shows the beautiful relationship between dad and daughter… just be sure to have tissues ready because it’s pretty powerful:

She’s also involved today in helping others try to find matching kidney donors in their efforts to save lives:

It will be a busy 2026 for Daniella as she’s going to a UCLA camp next weekend and then will play the following schedule with her new club team, Unity 16U – Attard/Johnson

• PGF Super Grand – June 12–14, 2026
• T25 Scenic City – June 18–21, 2026
• Colorado Sparkler/Fireworks – June 28–July 5, 2026
• Atlanta Legacy – July 9–12, 2026
• PGF Nationals – July 25–August 1, 2026

Til then, the athlete is a workout machine; here’s an example of that in a workout done earlier this week:

Unity Head Coach Adam Attard says of his young player:

“Daniella is the kind of athlete that separates herself on the field through her range, instincts, and ability to make plays from any angle with her elite arm—but it’s her competitive mind and commitment to her teammates that makes her truly special.”

She’s got the bat speed and power that changes games offensively,” Coach Attard adds, “combined with the versatility and softball IQ that every elite program is looking for at the next level.”

Line Drive’s Brentt Eads caught up with Daniella this week to get an update on what’s doing these days, including playing fall ball with her Unity team…

… here’s what the middle infielder—who could be playing 12U but is on a top 16U team—had to say:

*****

Coming from Western Pennsylvania, which is known for football and Hall of Fame quarterbacks, softball is not such a popular sport, however, this sport is my passion.

Each year I challenge myself to play up or play in a more challenging environment.

I have met so many great coaches that have welcomed me to play on the national level and given me the opportunity to compete with the best. My parents match my own energy and have given me all their support too.

After playing all over the country, I wanted to challenge myself to play in the Texas Fastpitch League. Playing a year up in this league, I competed with the best and I succeeded, batting over .450 and receiving multiple All-Tournament awards.

Still, I knew it was time to challenge myself even further. 

Being a true 2030 and having an opportunity to play against the 2027-2028 class on the national level was something I could not pass up.

Coaches Josh Johnson, Adam Attard and Chip Gisessman of Unity Softball welcomed me into their organization and gave me the freedom to be me.

This fall with Unity was nothing short of amazing.

In my first tournament with the team, I was given the opportunity to face a 2027 SEC commit on the mound and singled up the middle.

Throughout the rest of the fall, we played in the biggest tournaments, in the best pools, against the best competition on the best fields. The big-name college programs and coaches were at all of our games every weekend. 

Being a starting shortstop and batting in the top of the order, I was always given the opportunity to be me and contribute to the team’s success.

Our middle infield duo of myself and our second baseman, Kameron Piercey (@kameronpiercy28) both throw over 70 mph and were able to turn several double plays this fall.

Being in 8^th grade and playing with and against sophomores and juniors, I feel I’m able to show my maturity and easily communicate the details of the game with my teammates.

After this fall season, the amount of college coaches who have sent invites and direct messages has exceeded all expectations.

With Unity and this culture, it truly feels like home and I cannot wait to continue to grow with my girls.

Unity Attard/Johnson is definitely a team to watch!

— Daniella Neve/Class of 2030