One freshman player whose stock is soaring on the East Coast is Jala Wright, a speedster who does it all on the field: hits for average, steals bases and is also a standout pitcher. The versatile athlete has good bloodlines too: her father, Jocqua, played in the Oakland A's organization.

Jala has her father's athleticism and speed as she hit .400 this summer, had a 1.75 ERA thanks to a 62 mph fastball and a great change and also went 27-for-29 on the base paths.

A strong candidate to make the top half of the FloSoftball Hot 100, Jala had coaches talking excitedly about her after a stellar PGF Nationals performance and she will be visiting SEC, Big Ten and ACC schools in the next few months.

Don't be surprised if she's not available by the end of the year, when she wants to have her college decision finalized…

NAME:  JALA WRIGHT
Club:  Carolina Elite -- Fisher/Genovese
High School:  Mallard Creek
City/State:  Charlotte, North Carolina
HT: 5-foot-10
Position(s):  P/OF
College:  uncommitted

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Do you see yourself as a pitcher or position player first?
Definitely as a pitcher, but I am a very versatile player.  Interesting note, I started out as a catcher and played that position until 12U but after every game, I would tell my dad I want to pitch. We would spend hours working on pitching. After I was comfortable, I headed to the mound and I have never looked back. I love being able to lead my team on the mound.
 
What pitches do you throw and what's your out pitch?
Curve, screwball, change-up and two-seam fast ball. My out pitch is my curve ball.
 
Athleticism runs in your family we hear… tell us where you get your outstanding athletic talent.  
I get my athleticism from my dad for sure.  He was super fast back in his day!  Even now, I cannot beat him in running and I like to think I am super fast myself.  He played centerfield his entire career and is always bragging about tracking the ball down in the gaps, having a strong throwing arm and stealing all the bases.  My dad always say speed can't be taught and shows up every day.  Last season I stole 33 of 34 bases and even stole home once.    

What's been your favorite softball experience so far?
PGF in California was the best by far. I packed days ahead of my trip and had a countdown timer on my phone. It was the best experience to travel across the country and play against the best teams. My goal is to help my team make it back there next year and play in the championship game.
 
Where are you in the recruiting process?  Have some trips lined up?
I have several visits lined up in the next couple of months. I'll be going to schools in the SEC, ACC, Big Ten and CAA.  I am working very hard to get a few more this fall too.
 
Do you have a timeline/date by when you want to commit?
I would love to commit before the year ends.
 
How has high school gone for you so far?  And what do you like about it and not like this early?
I just started high school this week, but  I love having only four classes a semester and five minutes to transition to each class. It's much different than middle school. I was disappointed I received homework on the first day though!
 
What's something unusual or different about you that few people know?
I bet nobody would ever believe I love to sing loud in the car with my mom. After the song is over, I turn to her and say, "Mom I killed that song didn't I?" My goal is to hit every note at the loudest pitch possible. However, I am a really quiet person when in large groups of people.

QUICK HITTERS:

Favorite candy:
Milky Way.

Favorite item in your closet:
Jordan sneakers.

Best advice you've ever given:
My best friend was trying out for a national softball team, I told her to work hard, but most importantly have fun. I ended the advice with I love you. I wanted her to keep it simple but let her know I believed in her and her ability to make the team.

Dream vacation:
Hawaii.

Item you'd want with you on a deserted island:
Without hesitation: FOOD!

Favorite pro team:
New York Yankees.

If you weren't playing softball what would you be doing with all your time?
My second favorite sport is track.

Favorite school subject:
History. One of my teachers made it fun and now I love it.

Any superstitions or rituals on the field?
Never step on the white line and my dad has to take my earrings out my ear and put them in his pocket for good luck.

Dog or cat person? or neither?
Neither, I did have two dwarf frogs that lived three years.

Guilty pleasure (something you love, but may be embarrassed to admit!):
I started watching WWE wrestling with my grandparents when I was five years old, it is definitely my guilty pleasure now. I love watching it with my Nana and Papa. They are super fans!

What you'd like to be doing in 15-20 years?
I would like to play softball in the Olympics, get drafted to an NPF team and become a role model for younger players by starting a softball organization to help keep softball popular.

If you could improve softball with one change, what would it be?
Instant Replay!