ALLIANCE FASTPITCH BLOG

As part of the Alliance Fastpitch Player Recognition Program, we are pleased to recognize Heart of America League (HFL) Pitcher, Whitney Portner of Catalyst 16U National (Smyth) as the Senior Player of the Month for her admirable performance in the circle in January.

Portner had a great month in the circle with a 10.1 innings pitched. The 2025 closed the month with an impressive 2.71 ERA, 1.74 WHP, with 8 strikeouts.

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

I grew up in a family where sports were a big part of our lives. I began playing softball and developed a passion for it. It’s been a big part of my life ever sense.

What has been your favorite softball memory?

My favorite softball memory was the year we won 8 straight games at nationals, and all the fun memories me and my teammates have made traveling!

Who is your favorite softball player?

Kelly Maxwell

What do you like to do outside of softball?

Outside of softball I enjoy spending time with my family, hanging out with friends, shopping, traveling, and supporting my high school athletic teams.

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

My goal as a softball player is to play at the collegiate level someday, and off the field, I hope to continue putting school first and be a good role model for my younger sister.

Coaches Feedback 

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

This is my first-year coaching Whitney, and it has been so much fun watching her compete as an athlete and competitor. Whit never backs down from a challenge, lives for the high-pressure moments, and plays her best ball against the toughest competitors. Her composure in the circle and love for her teammates has built a cohesiveness amongst her defense where the stats show they play their best behind her. She makes everyone around her better, including her coaches.

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

I have multiple favorite memories working with Whitney thus far this season even though it has only been 7 months working together. This past Fall we were playing a nationally recognized, top team and she steadily (yet completely) shut them down and led us to a huge victory on championship Sunday. One of my favorite moments of that game was the final out where she rolled a weak ground ball to our shortstop, who made a great play, and I watched her show full emotion and celebrate with her teammates. She’s someone I would have loved to play behind in my time as a club and college athlete – so fun to watch.

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

Whitney is a 2025 RHP and without a doubt a Division I prospect. She is going to make a lot of noise this summer in the circle!

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.