One of the fastest rising 2019’s in the country hails from Greenwood, Indiana as freshman Abby Herbst, a talented pitcher/first baseman, is hearing from schools over the country, including Notre Dame, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC programs.

Abby, who has two offers so far, was on the Beverly Bandits Demarini 14U team last year that took 3rd place at PGF Nationals and is now on the Bandits Premier 16U squad that’s one of the best teams in the age division (and has a great shot to make the FAB 50 16U Rankings that come out next week!).

We caught up with the standout power lefty hitter (.441 average this fall) and pitcher (8-1 record) to learn more about her as she continues to emerge as a top prospect…

***

What’s you’re earliest memory of playing softball?
My first memory of playing softball is when I was probably around 5 years old, and I was playing rec-ball at the fields close to our house. I remember playing slow pitch with my dad as the coach, and almost hit my first ball over the fence, hitting the fence in the air. I will never forget that moment.

Natural or converted lefty?
I am not a natural lefty, but I am also not a converted lefty either. When I first started playing softball, I would hit right handed, but when I would hit bad or struggle, my dad would switch me over to the left side of the plate. I was always more comfortable on the left side of the plate, so that’s just where I stayed!

You pitch and also are the clean-up hitter… what’s more thrilling for you, getting a key hit or a big strikeout?
I love being in big situations on the mound and in the batter’s box, but if I had to choose what was more thrilling to me, I would have to choose hitting! I’ve always loved hitting, and getting the big hit is something that I love to do and I love being there for my teammates!

You won a National Championship in 2013 winning the NSA "A" Nationals. What do you remember most from that experience?
My favorite memory from winning Nationals was being able to get the last out on the pitcher’s mound. We were up by one run going into the bottom of the 9th inning and they had runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. Getting out of that jam was one of the best feelings I have ever experienced as a pitcher. I loved having everyone run to the mound in a huge hug and celebrating, and that is a moment that I will never forget. Probably my favorite part of that moment was being able to celebrate with my dad because he had been my coach my whole life and that was a really special moment for us.

As a pitcher, what do you throw and what’s your “out” pitch when it’s bases loaded, full count and 2 outs?
I throw a fastball, change-up, drop ball, curveball, drop curve, and a rise ball. My “out” pitch would be my drop curve.
 
How has the recruiting process been for you, fun so far or getting stressful?  What schools are you considering?
The recruiting process has been very good, but it can be very stressful at times! I am considering many schools, but I am taking my time to make sure that I make the best decision! I have visited Notre Dame and Washington, and I have more visits planned to Wisconsin and Stanford as well. There are a few other schools that I am interested in too.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is to never give up. Even when you think you can’t do it, you just need to keep going because you will succeed as long as you believe in yourself.

What’s your No. 1 gift you’re hoping to get for the Holidays?
The number one gift I am hoping to get for Christmas this year is just a ton of clothes! I am always in need of more clothes!

You’re an A student, how do you balance athletes with everything else and keep your grades up?
The way that I balance softball and grades is with really good time management. I do my homework right when I get home, and then I go to practice, and then if I have more studying or homework to do, I do it when I get back. It can be very stressful at times, but I get a lot of help from my family, teachers and friends! My mom is especially helpful when it comes to school because she helps me with all of my work and keeping me on schedule with my time and grades.

Are you superstitious or have any softball rituals you go through on the field?
I am a very superstitious person when it comes to softball. When I am putting my uniform on before a game, I always put it on the exact same way, and if I don’t, I guarantee you I will play bad! I also always have to have a bow in my hair, and always have to have a braid in my hair as well.

Other than family, who would you say is your role model or hero?
Although my parents are my biggest role models, if I had to choose someone else I would choose Keilani Ricketts because she is both a great pitcher and hitter. She is a great role model for me because sometimes it can be hard to be both a pitcher and a hitter, so whenever I think it’s impossible to do, I think about her and how well she succeeded.

What goal(s) do you have in mind for 2016?
The ultimate goal that I have in mind for 2016 is to win PGF Nationals with my team. I know that we have the capability to do it, and I believe in every single one of my teammates!