Over the last year, few pitchers have made such an impressive rise to the top of their class like Nerissa Eason of Bear River High in Grass Valley, California.

The Northern Calif. senior plays club ball for the All American Sports Academy and was honored this week by FloSoftball as one of the top 15 players in the 2016 Hot 100 class.

“Riss,” as she goes by, will sign with Oregon State in less than two weeks and is noted for being one of the top power-pitchers in the country and having been clocked at over 70 mph before.

Here’s a closer look at this talented player who helped AASA finish in the top 10 at both PGF Nationals and the Boulder IDT.

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What was the highlight of your summer?
Probably being in Colorado and playing the Corona Angels.  At the end of the game, our player Danielle Thomas was playing second and a little dribbler was hit and Danielle ran to first to cover. The ball was thrown to her and she barehanded it and we won in the 11th inning.

AASA had a great year… did you feel this was a special team?
Yes, our team was amazing and I was grateful to be part of it. We had nine seniors and we all got along and had great communication. We were friends on and off the field, too, and the team bonding was amazing.  We never fought which made playing together that much easier.

Talk about that, the team chemistry and bonding. Does it come naturally or do you have to do something to make it happen?
A lot of us had already played together when we were younger and we had played with that core group for a long time which made it easier when the new people came in to fit in. But we worked on our tam bonding; for example, after games we would go out and eat—we’d just hang out.

You as a pitcher: what do you throw and what do you want to work on?
I throw a fastball and it’s been clocked regularly at 68 mph. I also have a change-up, dropball, curve and a back-door curve plus a riseball.  As a pitcher I want to master all my pitches and throw consistency all the time and have every pitch work every day.

What’s your out pitch?
Either my fastball or dropball.

Last year you went by Nerissa Long—now it’s Nerissa Eason. Explain the name change…
My step dad, Spencer Eason, has been around since I was two and I turned 18 on August 23 so I was able to do the name change and honor him since he’s always been there for me and has been the go-to person whenever I need something.  He’s also been my pitching coach, teaching me for all these years and helping me become who I am right now.

What do you want to major in at Oregon State?
Nursing. I want to become a pediatric nurse.

What are your thoughts now that you’re well into your senior year?
I’m excited that I’ll be reunited at Oregon State next fall with Shelby Weeks and Jessica Garcia who were also with AASA last year.  I’m ready to be with Coach (Laura) Berg at OSU, but sad I won’t see my friends in high school and not be around my parents and brother, Ryder (6), once I graduate.

Talk about Coach Berg and what it will mean for you to player for her at Oregon State.
Coach Berg is an amazing coach and her staff is amazing also. I’ll get a lot out of being there and the goals I’ve set which were to go to a Pac-12/Div. I program and win the WCWS.

Describe yourself in one word as to who you are on the field and off of it?
On the field: athletic.  Off the field: goofy.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself working at a hospital as a nurse and helping little kids and being the best person I can be.