Nichelle Marshall named HFL Co-Player of the Month for December

The Heart of America League (HFL) is excited to spotlight Nichelle Marshall as the December Senior Player of the Month. Marshall is a third baseman/catcher for Oklahoma Pure Fastpitch Melson Premier 18U. The 2024 is committed to Oklahoma Baptist University.

Softball Story –

I started this sport when I was 8 years old. I played one season of tee-ball and came back years later. I was very motivated to get better every day since day one. This sport was so fascinating to me, and I wanted to learn the game. I’m a 3-year varsity starter for my school ball team. After years of training and practicing I found my home team. I have been Ok Pure for 6 years now and I wouldn’t be where I am today without my coach Afton. She pushes me every day to be the best player and person I can be. She has done so much for me, and I can say I fulfill my dream of going to college to play at another level with the sport I love and continue my education.

Favorite Softball memory-

Winning the 2022 USA Nationals with my team

Who is your favorite softball player?

Kelsey Arnold

What do you like to do outside of softball?

I like to do arts and crafts such as painting, drawing, and puzzles. I also like to build onto my Lego collection.

What are some of your current goals – both on and off the field? 

My current goals are to finish my junior year out with good grades, increase my ACT score and continue to grow and improve my skills for my 2023 season.

Coaches Feedback-

Tell us a bit about your athlete? As a player, person, etc.

Nichelle is simply a player’s player. She stands out at every camp she has ever attended. During a Lauren Chamberlain hitting camp, LC rewarded Nichelle a free Ghost bat simply because Nichelle reminded Lauren of herself at the exact age. She has been awarded all tournament MVP on several occasions- including national-level tournaments around the country. Most recently she was awarded the Top Club National Player of the Tournament this past summer. Off the field, Nichelle always attends Service-Learning volunteer opportunities and offers to help coordinate schedules and will fill in for others who may have conflicts. Her relentless conviction seems to never slow down and drives her passion as a player and person. Joy and smiles always seem to accompany Nichelle, it is just her personality. Coaches always seem to catch onto this, but more importantly her school friends and teammates do too! Her natural intelligence leads to her amazing GPA, and creates witty one-liners. Her game intellect is remarkable, always a play ahead mentally, while executing precise throws at tremendous speeds. She continues to win games with her bat and the defense she brings keeps her team on top. Finally, there is no doubt she is a great player to coach, watch and learn from at any level. She is the best at being a great team mate!

Do you have a favorite memory or moment of this athlete?

There are so many great memories of Nichelle on and off the field for this coaching staff due to the years we have been blessed to coach her. During our 12u National Tournament our catcher was injured and Nichelle stepped up and caught the entire national tournament. This past summer at the ASA Gold National Tournament she caught a line drive at 3rd base and tagged a runner out at the bag for a double play. Another remarkable play during the ASA Gold National Tournament, Nichelle hit a double, then stole 3rd base and would later score in a tight ballgame!!! This kid has grit and makes plays all day!

What is the Alliance Fastpitch Player Recognition Program?

The Player Recognition Program was built to recognize and spotlight our individual players in each Member League. Each month, registered Alliance Fastpitch coaches can nominate a player from their age division. League Leadership will review nominations and a monthly stats report from AthletesGoLive (AGL) to determine the League’s Player of the Month.

Following the announcement of each League’s Players of the Month, the Alliance Fastpitch will recognize a National Player of the Month. To be considered for Player of the Month, your team must score League games in AGL so your stats will be included in the League’s monthly report.