“I play this game for fun and to glorify God through my playing.”
A Heart for the Game and a Mindset to Give Back
Ella Fleming from Mount Dora, Florida comes to us today for the latest Fastpitch Wire Player Spotlight. I first saw Ella down in Chattanooga at Connect Sports Scenic City back in June, as she was swinging away at the Florida State University camp.
A few things that stand out to me about Ella are her faith, her love for the game of softball, and her willingness to give back at such a young age.
So, please read along as Ella introduces herself and gives some insight on who she is as a person and a player.
Introduction from Ella Fleming
Hi! I’m Ella Fleming. I’m from Mount Dora, Florida. I’m on the Varsity Softball Team for Eustis High School (Coach Tyra Bowers) and I play travel ball for Unity Schultheis/Johnson 16u (Coach Sean Schultheis).
My summer in relation to playing has been a journey. I started off the summer by stressing a lot. I was worried about my playing and always expecting perfection from myself, but towards the end of the summer I understood that I play this game for fun and to glorify God through my playing.
Once I had that mindset, I played way better and was more comfortable with being the player I am.
Faith and Foundation
Bible camp is very important to me. I have been going to Central Florida Bible Camp for four years now. It is a place that feels like a second home to me and the people are my second family.
The camp has impacted my faith tremendously throughout the years, so much so that I ended up giving my life to the Lord last year in July by getting baptized.
Love for the Game and Community
I began playing softball at eight years old. Some things I love about the game are the sisterhood it brings. I have found some of my very best friends through playing softball.
Something else I love about the game is being able to impact my community by giving back. I enjoy helping coach young girls (Mt. Dora Babe Ruth Pink Sox) who are in the same place I was not that long ago.
Lessons Beyond the Diamond
Outside of my on-field play, some things I take away from playing softball are the mentality, self-discipline, and love for my team. Softball has taught me how to not only be disciplined, but how to be a better person overall.
A Glimpse at the Numbers
Ella gets it done on the field as you would expect from her love and constant work in the game. Last spring for the Eustis Panthers, Fleming hit .333 with three home runs and 17 RBIs. She added four doubles, two triples, and 16 runs scored, while posting a .529 slugging percentage and an OPS of .881 across 28 games, stats via MaxPreps.
Defensively, she showed her versatility and leadership behind the plate and at the corners, finishing with a .974 fielding percentage, 178 putouts, and seven assists.
Last Thought
It is always refreshing to see young athletes like Ella Fleming who bring more than just talent to the game. Her mature outlook, grounded faith, and love for mentoring younger players show that she understands softball is more than a sport. It is a platform to grow, inspire, and lead.
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