Uncommitted 2027 C/OF Stella Christie, today's standout spotlight athlete from the Sunshine State. Photo by Meredith Bartkin.

Get on board with Dugout Chatter’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.

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Here’s our TFP for Monday, Aug. 28, 2023:

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THE FINAL PITCH: STELLA CHRISTIE

Uncommitted 2027 C/OF Stella Christie recently talked to Dugout Chatter about Tampa Mustangs-Fowler, Hagerty High, PGF 14U Premier Nationals, Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson, dealing with her mom’s cancer, future college, medical field, science, Simone Biles, “Harry Potter,” NF, “The Good Doctor,” horror and Marvel movies and Wii tennis.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Stella Christie of Tampa Mustangs-Fowler. Photo by Meredith Bartkin.

Name: Stella Christie

Hometown: Oviedo, FL

Future High School: Hagerty High

Club Team: Tampa Mustangs 16U-Fowler

Graduation Year: 2027

Height: 5-foot-6

Position: C/OF

Twitter: @SChristie_17

Travel Ball Summer Stats (Five Tournaments): Hitting — .414 AVG, .492 OBP, 1.321 OPS, 41 hits, 11 HRs, 39 RBIs and 20 BBS; Catching — 176.0 innings and 16 caught stealing.

Stella Christie of Tampa Mustangs-Fowler slides into second base. Photo by Meredith Bartkin.

Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I started playing softball when I was 6 (years old). I played rec ball for a while and then switched to a very localized travel ball team. When I was 12 (years old), I realized that I had a passion for the game and that I wanted to go to the next level. That is when I found Kyle Fowler’s team. The first time I tried out for the team, I didn’t make it. Kyle referred me to another coach that needed a player. I worked really hard to improve, more workouts, extra practices and much more. When I tried out again the next season, I made the team.

Can you tell us about your team’s run to 3rd place at the PGF (14U Premier) Nationals? Our team faced lots of good teams throughout the entire tournament. We pushed each other hard and had each other’s backs. Their support helped me perform as well as I did.

Stella Christie of Tampa Mustangs-Fowler. Photo by Meredith Bartkin.

Can you tell us about your future high school team? As I enter my freshman year, I am very excited to be working with my high school coach and all my new teammates as well.

Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? The Birmingham Thunderbolts-Thompson has always been a very good team. We have gone back and forth a lot and I think that our teams make a very good game every time.

What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? Last year, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. It was a very difficult time for my family and me to go through. During this time, there were tons of factors that couldn’t be controlled. I felt like the only thing that I could control was softball. To be quite honest, it saved me. I put all my emotions into it when I could. I pushed myself to breaking points and it helped me get through.

What are you looking for in a future college? I am looking for a supportive team, a great atmosphere and an encouraging coach.

Stella Christie of Tampa Mustangs-Fowler. Photo by Meredith Bartkin.

What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? As I enter high school, I don’t know 100 percent what I want to do, but I like the medical field or something in science.

What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? Science would have to be my favorite because I like doing labs and dissecting things.

Who is your sports hero and why? Simone Biles is my favorite because she puts every little thing she has into gymnastics. I also don’t understand how she is able to do most of the things she does, so it fascinates me.

What’s your favorite book to read and why? It has to be the “Harry Potter” series. J. K. Rowling, in my opinion, did a phenomenal job putting together the storyline.

What’s the best hype song and why? I listen to “Layers” by NF before every game. It helps me get my mindset in check.

What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “The Good Doctor” is my favorite. It’s a show about an autistic surgeon.

What’s your favorite movie and why? I like horror movies and Marvel movies. Any movie from these genres, I like to watch.

Do you have a secret talent/skill? I can juggle and I am an unbeatable Wii tennis champion.

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NEWS & NOTES

***Epic 18U National-Smith recently released its roster for the 2023-24 season.

“We are returning so many star power players from last year’s team that I just can’t speak about one individual,” Epic coach Scotty Smith said. “And you complete that with all the new extremely talented additions … this team is gonna be EPIC! I feel like this is an absolute championship roster! Look forward to getting them all together soon!”

***Louisville-committed 2024 OF Jordan Williams, who previously played for Virginia Unity 16U-Johnson/Ross, joined Beverly Bandits Premier 18U-Conroy. …

***PGF and Surf City Tourneys has a loaded list of events this fall. …

***Virginia Unity 14U-Amsler/Johnson released its fall roster and schedule. …

***2027 MIF/OF Jillian Wimmer, who previously played for PA Chaos National, joined Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027-Alford/Rocky.

***2027 RHP Addison Holcomb, who previously played for TN Mojo 2027-Palmer, joined Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027-Alford/Rocky. …

***EC Bullets 2027-Cornett released its fall schedule. …

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SIGNING/COMMITMENT ALERTS

Alexia Carrasquillo, 2024 C, Sparks Elite-Ross/homeschooled, Liberty

Said Carrasquillo: “I will be playing (club softball) for Sparks Elite with Coach Jay Ross. I decided to commit to Liberty because of the top-notch coaching staff and how they put God first in all they do. I am homeschooled this year, so not sure on the high school ball for now.”

Tymber Harris, 2024, RHP, EC Bullets-Mayfield/Vidalia High, GA, Georgia Tech

Jordan Williams, 2024, OF, Beverly Bandits Premier-Conroy/Denmark High, GA, Louisville

Jaclyn Mora, 2024, SS/3B/OF, Lady Dukes Gold-Torres/Saint Anthony’s High of West Babylon, NY, Villanova

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HSOTD

Today’s Hype Song of the Day is (Saturday was #NationalDogDay)…

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BTITW

Today’s Best Thing In The World is (Saturday was #NationalDogDay)…

Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff and Thread @los_stuff)

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