As part of the Alliance Fastpitch Player Recognition Program, we are excited to honor Rocky Mountain Fastpitch League (RMFL) Pitch, Emma Rice of 14U Colorado Angels ’09  as the Junior Player of the Month for her admirable performance in May.

Rice had a great month on the mound with 10 IP, 17 SO, and an ERA of 1.8. The 2027 also closed the month with an impressive .500 batting average including 6 RBIS.

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

I was feeling down while in gymnastics, so I was looking for alternative sports to keep me active. Meanwhile, my dad was a softball umpire, so it sparked my interest. At the age of 8 I joined a recreation team called the little pandas, at 9 I started taking pitching lessons and at 12 hitting lessons. Soon I started to realize this is my calling, and I may have a possible future with this sport.

What has been your favorite softball memory?

Getting to play in the USA All-American games and getting to pitch on the field at USA hall of fame stadium.

Who is your favorite softball player?

Georgina Corrick

What do you like to do outside of softball?

I like watching NASA rocket launches and hanging out with friends.

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

My number one goal in life right now is to be a Navy fighter pilot and work for NASA or a space company. On the field I want to be a 2 time All-American in college.

Coach Feedback

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

Emma is a phenomenal athlete. A strong pitcher, power hitter, and great base runer make her an all-around great softball player. She started track in middle school, participating in the 100m and team 4x100m sprints to help grow her softball skills. She takes pride in being a great sister of 3 siblings and loves dreaming of flying fighter jets.

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

A squeeze bunt laid down perfectly to win a game in extra innings against a tough team.in Utah.

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

Emma is a very confident young woman. She wants to one day be involved in a space program and possibly coach softball when her younger sisters are old enough to play.

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.