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The Softball America Spotlight: 2027 Ava Phillips

by: Softball America Staff06/17/25
SA2025 - Spotlight Thumbnail - Phillips

As Softball America grows its coverage at all levels, we continue our recruiting spotlight series with Ava Phillips, a right-handed pitcher from California. With perfect accuracy, Phillips frequently utilizes three different speeds when pitching to keep her opponents off balance. 

Name: Ava Phillips
Primary Position(s): RHP
Class Year: 2027
Hometown: Glendora, California
Travel Ball Organization: Firecrackers Select Rico/Brashear 18U

What is your favorite travel ball memory?

Hands down, my favorite memory was leading my Athletics Mercado Tidd 09 team to a PGF 14U Premier National Championship last summer. I pitched in four of our last six games, including the championship, earning the win in all four games, and the energy and excitement were unforgettable! But honestly, it’s not just the big wins—I love all the friendships I’ve made along the way and being able to give back by mentoring younger players at The Range Pitching Academy. Those connections and memories mean so much to me.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from a coach?

I’ve been lucky to learn from some amazing coaches and mentors, but two lessons really stick with me. Coach Tony Rico and Holly Pearce [Firecrackers Organization | The Range Pitching Academy] have taught me to focus on what I can control—my routine, my breathing, and my preparation. They’ve helped me realize that the process matters way more than the outcome, which is often out of my hands anyway. That mindset has made me a stronger player and person.

How did you get interested in softball? 

It’s actually thanks to my little sister! She started playing softball when she was five, and after going to her first few games, I told my parents I wanted to play too. Once I stepped on the field, I was hooked, and I’ve loved it ever since.

What are your strengths as a player? What are you trying to improve on the most? 

For me, it’s all about putting the team first and doing whatever I can to help us win. As a pitcher, my greatest strengths include recognizing hitters’ tendencies and using that to my advantage with pitch sequencing, location, and making pitch-to-pitch adjustments. I also take pride in my accuracy and ability to utilize three different speeds to keep hitters off balance.

Right now, I’m focused on getting stronger in the weight room and generating more power by using ground force and my launch effectively. I want to keep building velocity without losing the movement, accuracy, and control I’ve worked so hard on.

What player(s) do you look up to the most? 

I really look up to Jala Wright, Jordy Bahl, and NiJaree Canady. They all have this fearless mindset and dominate in big moments, inspiring me to push myself daily.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of softball? 

When I’m not on the field, I love going to the beach or relaxing by the pool with my family and friends. Vacations are always a blast, and I love going to church and spending time with people who matter most to me.

What excites you the most about playing college softball?

Honestly, I can’t wait to play at the next level and learn from some of the best coaches in the game. I want to be part of a program that pushes me to grow as a player and a person while competing with teammates who are just as driven as I am. Plus, the chance to positively impact a program’s future fires me up!

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