By Hannah Famiano

January 27, 2021 – The Pacific Coast Fastpitch League (PCFL) is excited to spotlight Jaiden Ralston as our first player in the Alliance Player Recognition Program. For the remainder of the 2021 Season, we will highlight top performing PCFL players in our different age groups.

In our first Fall season, Jaiden Ralston led the way in the circle for the CA Suncats Jimenez 16U team. Ralston started 14 games, recording 9 solid wins and only 3 losses. In 61 innings pitched she struck out an impressive number 71 batters. In her 14 games pitched she made a statement with an ERA of 1.8 this fall.

“Jaiden continues to develop and get stronger physically and her mental approach is among the best we have,” said Suncats Jimenez Head Coach. “Jaiden is a true competitor, and she wants the ball every big game we play in. In every success or failure Jaiden is back on the mound making adjustments and improving.”

Jaiden Ralston is a 2022 pitcher who is currently uncommitted. Her head coach commented on her pitching skillset stating, “Jaiden throws 62-64 with a good screwball and rise, she also moves the ball around with a good off speed pitch.”

“I started playing softball after watching my dad play three nights a week. I wanted to be out there on the field with him. So he signed me up and the rest is history,” said Ralston about how she first got started in the game.

When we asked Jaiden what her favorite softball memory was, she responded with “showing up to the CA Suncats tryout as an 11 year old. I was intimidated by the twenty pitchers and the catchers there. I was blessed to be chosen as one of the four pitchers for that original 12U CA Suncats squad.”

Congratulations to Jaiden Ralston from the CA Suncats Jimenez 16U team for being recognized as the Spotlight Athlete from the PCFL this Fall. 

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. Starting this Spring, each League will name a Player of the Month for different age divisions.

Registered Alliance Fastpitch players will be placed in a pool based on verified stats from AthletesGoLive (AGL). AthletesGoLive(AGL) will run monthly reports and submit to the player selection committee for each League.  Additionally, registered Alliance Fastpitch coaches will have the opportunity to submit a player for consideration. Committee members will review verified stats and consider coach feedback to name League Players 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 her stats are considered in the monthly reports.