Alyssa VanBrandt named HFL 16U Fall Spotlight Athlete for 2021

The Heart of America Fastpitch League (HFL) is proud to name Alyssa VanBrandt the HFL’s 16U Fall Spotlight Athlete for 2021.

VanBrandt, a native of Ottawa Lake, MI., competes for Turnin2 16u National Pezzoni and steadily dominated the fall season. The 2023 Indiana University commit hit .522 with 47 hits, 36 runs, 28 stolen bases, and an on-base percentage of .574.

Meet Alyssa:

Q: Tell us a little bit about you and your softball story?
A: I started playing on my first travel ball team when I was eight years old. I kept loving it more and more each year I played.

Q: What is your favorite softball memory?
A: It’s hard to pick just one, but one of my favorite softball memories is from high school season last year, when I hit an RBI triple in the state quarterfinals. It was the top of the 7th, tie-game, with two outs and a runner on third. The other team did end up coming back to win, and it was a pretty tough loss for us. But the pressure of playing in the state tournament and the feeling of being able to make a difference in that moment is just so hard to beat. There’s just nothing like it. That was my first time being able to compete in the state tournament since my freshman season was canceled due to covid. Even though we had a bit of a sad ending to our season, looking back I don’t remember the sad parts as much, but how excited and engaged everyone on the team was for those last few games and the huge smiles on our faces when we won districts and regionals.

Coaches Feedback:

Aly is one of the best I’ve had in my 10+ years coaching travel ball. Fierce competitor with great softball instincts. She puts constant pressure on the defense with her aggressiveness at the plate and on the base paths. Steady fielder with a plus arm and great athleticism. Aly has a great desire to always improve all aspects of her game. Tireless worker. Indiana got an impact player!!!