Claire Shupe Named NEFL Player of the Month for January

The spotlight is on Claire Shupe (2026) of the Northeast Fastpitch League (NEFL) as she is celebrated as the Player of the Month for her exceptional performance with Lady Dukes 16U Gold McHale/Torres in the month of January.  Claire, a fearless pitcher and a skilled batter, showcased remarkable skills that significantly contributed to her team’s success. This month, Shupe boasted an impressive .625 batting average and a stellar .700 on-base percentage. Her contributions included 3 RBIs, featuring 4 singles and an electrifying triple. On the pitching mound, Claire demonstrated dominance with 2 wins, 5 strikeouts, and an impeccable 0 ERA.

Claire’s softball journey began in second grade when her mom, who had enjoyed playing softball in her youth, encouraged her to give the sport a try. Softball clicked for Claire, becoming the sport she loved. Since then, she has embraced the team aspect of the game and cherishes the bond with her softball family.

A favorite softball memory for Claire is when her team made it to the Elite 8 at the Alliance Nationals in Summer 2023. The energy and effort put into those games, along with the camaraderie of the Lady Dukes and Coach Shawn, make moments like these particularly special.

NiJaree Canady serves as an inspiration for Claire, with her spins and speed making her a fun player to watch.

Outside of softball, Claire enjoys reading books and watching movies with her friends.

Current goals for Claire encompass maintaining top-notch grades, being a supportive teammate, and striving to play at the collegiate level. Her commitment to personal and athletic development is evident in her continuous motivation and determination.

Coaches describe Claire as a relentless competitor on the field, excelling both as a pitcher and batter. Her ability to locate, spin, and change speeds distinguishes her as a standout player in her class. Off the field, Claire is a high-achieving student, challenging herself with a variety of AP courses at Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ.

A standout memory for the coaches is Claire’s outstanding performance last summer in the quarter-finals of the Triple Crown Nationals Invite Only Tournament, pitching a gem with only 2 hits surrendered against Batbusters Stith.

Claire Shupe’s dedication, skill, and passion for the game make her a deserving recipient of the Player of the Month honor. She continues to inspire with her contributions both on and off the field, leaving a lasting mark on the sport of softball.