The Alliance Fastpitch proudly announces Summer Branch (2026) from the Heart of America Fastpitch League (HFL) as National Pitcher of the Month for her remarkable play in April 2024. Summer Branch, a versatile player for St. Louis Chaos National Roth 16U, excels in multiple positions—third base, pitcher. Her April stats include a .300 batting average, a .417 OBP, 3 singles, 3 RBIs, and 1 stolen base. Through 13.3 innings pitched, she had 16 strikeouts and a .677 ERA.

Summer Branch’s softball journey begins with her family’s love for the game. Her mother, both her aunts, and her grandfather all played softball and continued to coach and support it through their kids. Summer’s mom inspires her to keep working and getting better, always pushing her to practice and work hard even when she doesn’t really want to. Both her parents are her biggest supporters, always willing to do anything for her and her softball career. Summer loves playing softball because it always gives her something to work for and improve at. She also loves the feeling of competing and striving to be her best every time she’s on the field.

A cherished softball memory for Summer is making it to the championship of the Top Club Fall Invite and finishing their games at 11:30 pm, followed by a six-hour drive home. She missed school the next day because they arrived home at 5:45 in the morning.

Summer’s favorite player is Kara Daly, but outside of softball, she finds joy in reading, shopping, swimming, and hanging out with her friends.

Currently, Summer’s goals include winning a district title with her high school team, hitting three home runs this summer, and going to college to become a pediatrician. The Alliance Fastpitch commends Summer on her well-deserved recognition as Player of the Month, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to the sport and her commitment to personal and athletic growth.

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.