Juju Franco Recognized as January National Player of the Month

By: Arielle Gordon

At the plate for the So Cal Choppers 12U, Franco hit an impressive .500, amassing 12 hits in 24 at-bats. She recorded five doubles, two triples, and five singles while driving in 14 runs.

In the circle, Franco had a perfect 4-0 record and only issued four walks. In the 26 innings she pitched, Franco fanned 23 batters and only gave up five earned runs.

“This kid has what it takes to get to the next level and strive,” head coach Christian Franco said. “We sometimes forget that she is only 12 years old. You will be hearing about Juju Franco for many years to come.”

Franco is a member of the class of 2026, and is currently uncommitted. She has her eye on becoming an Arizona Wildcat.

“I got into softball when my older sister Mia started playing and I liked watching her play,” Franco said. “So I wanted to start playing too. I started at the age of six and have loved it since.”

Franco is a dominant pitcher, but she also had fun behind the plate one day.

“One of my favorite softball memories was when my coach let me catch one inning at a tournament,” she said. “I was so excited, and I missed almost every ball. I actually got to do a throw down to second base, but I didn’t get her out.”

From all of us at the Alliance Fastpitch and the Pacific Coast Fastpitch League, congratulations to Franco for being recognized as the National Player of the Month.

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.