Peyton Hector named HFL 12U Fall Spotlight Athlete for 2021

The Heart of America Fastpitch League (HFL) is proud to name Peyton Hector the 12U HFL Fall Spotlight Athlete for 2021.

The Mustang native and Epic09 National Mitchell team member exploded for an impressive fall season recording a .750 batting average with four RBI, 11 runs scored, three walks, and six stolen bases.

Meet Peyton:

Q: Tell us a little bit about you and your softball story?
A: When I was five years old I started playing t-ball on a small recreational team in Mustang. After my first game, I loved it so much that all I wanted to do was go outside in the backyard and play softball with my mom and dad. I played on a couple of other teams that played in small tournaments, but I knew I wanted to play on a much larger scale. When I turned 8 I took a leap of faith and tried out for my first competitive travel ball team. To my surprise, I made it, and I have been playing for Coach D ever since. However, playing at a higher level of ball didn’t come without demand. My coach recognized that I had speed and wanted to develop me into a left-handed batter. There were times where I thought my team would be better without me because learning how to bat on a different side of the plate was so difficult. With support from my parents and Coach D, I was able to overcome any doubt people had in me.

Q: What is your favorite softball memory?
A: As for my favorite softball memory, I don’t think I can choose just one. Every time I step onto the field with my teammates is a new memory that I don’t take for granted. I am such a lucky girl to be able to play the sport I love all over the country. Through the good times and even the bad, it has developed me into the player I am today!

Coaches Feedback:

“Peyton came to try out for me in the fall of 2017. On the first day of tryouts, she was quiet and timid and definitely very nervous. I could tell she was extremely athletic so I had her come back for day two. I’m glad I had her come back because she absolutely killed it! I remember I had told all the parents I would let them know by the end of the week and I ended up calling her parents that night to let them know I wanted her to be a part of the team. Peyton has been such an essential part of this team since day one. She is a stud and such a hard worker. She has never complained about anything I have asked her to do. When we were discussing switching her to the left side of the plate, I knew it was going to be a trying time for her as it is not an easy thing to do. It’s definitely not an easy thing to learn how to do and to be as good as she is. I knew in my heart that if she could learn how to slap and hit for power on the left side that she would be dangerous with her speed. As her coach, I am incredibly proud of the player she is becoming both offensively and defensively, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Peyton.”