The Alliance Fastpitch is honored to recognize Rylea Dent (2028) from the Texas Fastpitch League (TFL) as Player of the Month for her remarkable October performance. Rylea is a catcher for the Texas Express Platinum. This October, Rylea batted an impressive .579 in 19 at bats, accompanied by 9 runs batted in, 9 singles, and 2 doubles. 

Rylea Dent, a determined and resilient young softball player, embarked on her softball journey at the age of 7. Rylea’s dedication and hard work paid off by the end of her first season as she earned a spot in the all-stars, marking a significant achievement in her budding softball career.

For Rylea, softball is more than just a game; it’s a source of confidence and valuable life lessons. The sport has taught her the importance of collaboration and leadership, emphasizing when to step up and take charge or defer to others with better plans. Dent recognizes the correlation between hard work on the softball field and the rewards it brings, translating these lessons to success in various aspects of her life. Softball, in her eyes, is a catalyst for personal growth and achievement.

Rylea’s softball journey began with a gentle push from her mother, who encouraged her to sign up for a season. Despite initial resistance and a desire to quit, Rylea’s mom and stepdad remained unwavering in their belief in her abilities. Through tears and challenges, they spent evenings practicing and learning the game, fostering a sense of determination and belief in Rylea that has continued to blossom over the years.

One of Rylea’s fondest memories on the softball field is etched in the cold air of Pearland, TX, where she hit her first over-the-fence home run at the age of 11. The thrill of that moment, combined with the challenging weather conditions, remains a cherished highlight in her softball journey.

Inspired by Jocelyn Alo formerly of OU, Rylea finds admiration in the achievements of accomplished softball players. Beyond the diamond, Rylea embraces a diverse range of interests, including volleyball, track, and volunteering at her local fire department alongside her parents.

As an eighth-grader, Rylea’s current focus is on the philosophy of being better than she was yesterday. While she harbors an interest in engineering, she remains open to the possibilities that the future holds, recognizing the evolving nature of her aspirations as she continues to grow both on and off the softball field. In Rylea Dent, we witness not just a skilled athlete but a young individual who embodies resilience, determination, and a belief in her own potential.

Coach Feedback:

Describe Rylea on the field and as a teammate.

Rylea is a phenomenal athlete. She is a leader on the field. She likes to have fun, and she works very hard. She’s a very good teammate she’s always encouraging, and lead by example. She’s very strong, very talented, she can hit the ball with the best of them out there. Defensively, she is a great catcher, which is her primary position. She can also play corners, and she has a very strong arm.

Describe this Rylea off the field as a student, general character, or in the community.

Off the field she works hard at her academics! She likes to have fun, socialize, and be a great big sister! She participates in school activities including other sports such as volleyball etc…

Do you have a favorite memory or moment of Rylea?

Her leadership qualities always stand out. One of my favorite moments is, when she hit two home runs in one game!

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.