The Alliance Fastpitch and the Northwest Fastpitch League (NWFL) are pleased to announce Anna Braukus NWFL January Spotlight Athlete. The 2025 graduate hails from Redmond, WA. and competes for ai Bandits Breer 16U Orange.

Stats:
7-13, 2B, BB, .538 AVG, .571 OBP, 0 Errors

Softball Story (How did you get started?) – Tell us about you:
I started playing ball at the Little League level, but with a baseball in my hand. The only one with a pink helmet, pink bat, and pink cleats, I continued playing baseball throughout coach pitch. I was able to play internationally in Switzerland while we lived there during my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Grade years. It was very exciting because, in my last year overseas, we won the national championship, and I was able to play on the same team as my older brother. This was my last time playing baseball. When we returned to the States, I spent the summer watching the Little League Fastpitch All-Stars games and decided to make the switch. Growing up playing baseball with my older brother’s teams taught me early on that I could compete with anyone – because I loved playing ball more than most.  As I transitioned to fastpitch, my enjoyment and the desire to compete have only increased.  Routinely after tournaments or long weeks filled with softball, I often come home and get back in the cage or take grounders striving to continuously improve.

Favorite Softball memory:
It is hard to choose just one softball memory to share as they are all so special, but I have a particular memory that stands out. Last summer, our team traveled to California for a national championship. This trip was so memorable because I was fortunate enough to play with a team full of amazing athletes and coaches who are all like family to me. We worked so hard throughout the year, training for our end-of-season event. Along with the hard work, we also had so much fun together, bonding while at the beach, playing whiffle ball and volleyball, and catching some waves on boogie boards that our coach got for us to use. Most importantly, my favorite memory was how hard we fought at the tournament. All of the long practices and repetition paid off as we placed 5th. I learned so much from my coaches and teammates. This memory will be with me forever.

Coaches Feedback:
Anna is a dynamic athlete who plays the game at a much higher skill level than her 2025 grad year may imply.  Playing both SS and 3B for our 16U Orange team this fall.  Quick feet, soft hands, and a strong arm lend to a bright future in the softball world for Anna.  Don’t let Anna’s stature get you fooled, she packs a punch, hitting double digits homers this past summer for our 14U team that posted two top 5 finishes at nationals.

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.