As part of the Alliance Fastpitch Player Recognition Program, we are excited to recognize Heart of America Fastpitch League (HFL) 1st Baseman and pitcher, Riley Wikinson of Louisville Lady Sluggers-Vanboxmeer 16U as the Senior Player of the Month for her exciting performance at the plate and on the mound in April.

Wikinson had a great month at the plate with a .500 batting average. The 2025 ended he month with 2 RBIS, and 4 singles. On the mound Wikinson pitched 11 innings with 2 wins, 0 losses, and an impressive 18 SO.

Players Response

Tell us a bit about your softball story! How’d you get started in the sport?

When I was younger, I did all of the little league sports, but I showed the most interest in softball. I had some natural talent and just really loved being on the field. My parents made the decision to try-out for a competitive team when I was 6 and from there, the rest is history.

What has been your favorite softball memory?

I have so many amazing moments but getting to hit my first walk-off homerun this year is probably my favorite. I had been pitching an amazing game against a good team and we were up 6-0. My teammate, Adelyn French, was on 3rd after stealing 2 bases and I knew that I had to hit it far to score her. So, when the pitch came, I just timed it up perfect and then I saw it go over the fence. I was ecstatic. Getting to round 3rd and see my teammates was the best feeling ever.

Who is your favorite softball player?

Cat Osterman. Her composure and dominance on the mound is my dream. She is proof that you don’t have to throw hard to keep hitters off-balance if you have good spin and location, and that is what my goal is when pitching.

What do you like to do outside of softball?

I love reading, baking, spending time with my animals, and going to sonic with my friends. I live in a relatively small town so there isn’t much to do outside of that.

What are some of your current goals – both on and off the field? (Softball, school, other athletics, related, etc. all welcomed!)

I want to maintain my 4.0 throughout my high school career. I take great pride in my schoolwork and hope to be top of my class. As a pitcher, my goal is to get keep my weak-hit ball percentage at around 85%. Hitting wise, I want to consistently put the ball in play and keep my contact percentage above 90. My biggest goal is to make my family proud. They have sacrificed so much for me so if I can do anything, it would be to make sure I have done myself and my family justice by being the best version of myself that I can.

Coaches Response

Tell us a bit about your athlete? As a player, person, etc.

Riley is an incredible person/player & a true asset to our team. She handles pressure like a pro and wants the ball in big moments. She is a natural born leader and a very mature player. She is always willing to help others at any time. Recently, she has been helping coach/mentor the younger Slugger pitchers on our 14u teams! Riley is a great example of what being a Slugger is all about.

Do you have a favorite memory or moment of this athlete?

A memory that I will never forget, mostly because it scared me to death was one of her first tournaments with us after joining… She hung a curve ball to one of the biggest hitters in the country and it got hit right back at her face. In a blink of an eye, she snagged it, smiled, jogged back to the dugout like nothing happened. I went up to her and said, “are you good?” and her response was, ” Yeah, are you?”. She then went behind the dugout and tuned up her curve ball and came back lights out for the remainder of the game. That is Riley.

Is there anything else you’d like to share, include, or that we should know?

Riley is a coach’s dream. She works hard, she is an awesome teammate, she is smart, she is loyal, and she would run through a brick wall for her team. I can’t wait to see who hits the jackpot with Riley in college softball and am thankful I have had the opportunity to coach her.

What is the Alliance Fastpitch Player Recognition Program?

The Player Recognition Program was built to recognize and spotlight our individual players in each Member League. Each month, registered Alliance Fastpitch coaches can nominate a player from their age division. League Leadership will review nominations and a monthly stats report from AthletesGoLive (AGL) to determine the League’s Player of the Month.

Following the announcement of each League’s Players of the Month, the Alliance Fastpitch will recognize a National Player of the Month. To be considered for Player of the Month, your team must score League games in AGL so your stats will be included in the League’s monthly report.