Ava Blanco Named Alliance National Pitcher of the Month for December

The Alliance Fastpitch is excited to recognize Ava Blanco of Crush NB-Beaver (PCFL) as a December National Player of the Month.

Blanco delivered a dominant month in the circle, recording 28 strikeouts across 13.2 innings pitched while posting a 1.54 ERA. Her ability to command the game and compete on the mound helped set the tone for her team and highlights her potential as one of the rising young pitchers in the Pacific Coast Fastpitch League.

Ava first discovered her love for softball at five years old, playing in a recreational league before quickly advancing into All-Stars and Select teams. The competitive environment of higher-level play fueled her passion for the sport and eventually led her to the travel ball stage.

What she enjoys most about pitching is the energy of the game.

“I love walking onto the mound with my teammates behind me cheering me on and hyping me up with every pitch. I also enjoy coming back from a rough inning and getting loud with my teammates in the dugout.”

One of her favorite memories in the sport came during the 2024 PGF tournament, where her team battled deep into the bracket.

“My favorite softball memory is going to PGF in 2024. We battled our way through the winners bracket until we faced our final opponent. Even though we finished third, the memories from that tournament and everything I learned from it will stay with me forever.”

Outside of softball, Ava dedicates much of her time to helping others and staying active in her community. She serves as a junior coach for her sister’s recreational softball league, enjoys baking, reading, running, and spending time with friends and family.

Her faith also plays a significant role in her life.

“My faith is very important to me, and I enjoy going to youth group and Mass.”

Looking ahead, Ava’s goals extend both on and off the field.

She hopes to play softball at the collegiate level, maintain a 4.0 GPA, continue volunteering in her community, and grow stronger in her faith while continuing to develop as a pitcher.

Her favorite softball player is Jordy Bahl, whose intensity and competitive mindset inspire Ava each time she takes the mound.

Congratulations to Ava Blanco on being named a December Alliance Fastpitch National Player of the Month.

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.