As part of the Alliance Fastpitch Player Recognition Program, we are excited to honor Pacific Coast Fastpitch League (PCFL) pitcher and infielder, Kennedi Freeland of  Firecrackers 08 – Leles as the Junior National Player of the Month for her performance in September.

Freeland threw a lights out June. In 27 innings pitched, Freeland took home 6 wins, 31 strikeouts and maintained a 1.81 ERA. The 2025’s success in the circle continued at the plate with a .571 OBP and a .821 OPS.

Softball Story (How did you get started? Tell us about you-

I have been playing softball since I was six years old.  I started with a local rec league and fell in love with the sport. I joined my first travel ball team when I was nine.  I currently play 14u for Firecrackers Leles-Enyart/Leles out of Rancho Cordova, California. I am a student athlete at Rolling Hills Middle School in the class of 2027. I currently have a 4.0 GPA. In August of 2022, I was selected to represent the Pacific Coast Region at the 12u USA Softball All-American Games in Oklahoma City.  This November I will be participating in the USA Softball High Performance Program National Selection Event in Mesquite, Texas.  Outside of softball, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Favorite Softball memory-

One of my favorite memories was last season during Alliance Nationals.  Our team had gone 6-0 so far in the tournament and I pitched two full games in a row.  We were ahead 9-4 with runners on base and it was the last out of the game.  Everyone had a ton of energy and it gave me a vision of what it would feel like playing in a college game. It was so much fun hearing lots of people cheering.   I vividly remember the count was 2-2 with two outs. The batter had fouled off multiple balls in a row. On the last pitch I threw to the batter, she swung and struck out. Having the feeling of all my teammates and coaches believing in me is the best thing ever.

Coaches Feedback-

Kennedi has developed into a true ace. She possesses the mental toughness and drive that will propel her to reach her full potential as she moves through her softball journey.  Kennedi never stops in her quest to become the best player that she can be on the mound, in the field, and at the plate…and she is always thirsty for additional coaching. Kennedi loves softball and she takes every extra rep she can get. She will play for every team in the organization, every weekend of the month, at every age group, and there would be zero quit or intimidation as she dominates athletes 4 and 5 years older than her.  She is relentless in the best way possible and you have to drag her off the mound as she wants every out of every game.  Moreover, Kennedi is an amazing teammate and does everything she can to make those around her better with encouragement and support.  Simply stated, Kennedi is a dream athlete to coach and she is the heart of our team! – coach Russell

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.