Shyla Schafer named PCFL Co-Jr. Player of the Month for June

The Pacific Coast Fastpitch League (PCFL) is excited to spotlight Shyla Schafer as the June Co-Junior Player of the Month. Schafer is a pitcher for Athletics Mercado Shelton.

Schafer showed up strong in the circle during the month of June with a 4-0 record. She recorded 25 strikeouts, an ERA of 1.64, and a WHP of 1.41.

Softball Story (How did you get started? Tell us about you-
I started softball when I was 5 years old, and I immediately loved the game. My older sister, Gianna, was a catcher at the time and I found myself copying the windup of the girls pitching to her. It was recognized that I had a love for pitching. As I grew into 8U, I started pitching with my mom and never looked back! I made the 8U All-Stars team for Chino Hills and had a great season, and met some great friends and players, but it was time to move on to travel ball. I have just completed my second year in travel ball and I found a great team with even greater coaching through Athletics Mercado Shelton. My coach tells me that you need to have a unique personality to be a pitcher, and I think I fit right in with all my jokes and funny things I like to do. My experiences this year in 10U have helped me develop as a pitcher and work hard to reach my softball goals. I’m very thankful for my pitching coach, who pushes me to work hard and commit to my pitching goals. I am also forever thankful for the support of my teammates, particularly the catchers. I have learned that without a great catcher, those pitches mean nothing! I have also learned some important core values that I will continue to develop as my softball journey continues: #alwayslearning, #hardwork, #nevergiveup, #teameffort, #begoofybutserious.

Favorite Softball memory-
I have made many softball memories, but my favorite by far was playing and pitching during the championship game at midnight during my first tournament with Athletics Mercado Shelton. I threw 10 strikeouts for the championship ring! I knew right at that moment, my 2nd year in 10U and my experience on Mercado was going to be full of great memories.

Coaches Feedback-
Since joining our Academy Shyla Has made an impact to our team in many ways from her keeping it light by sharing her jokes to her passion for the sport. The FIGHT and GRIT that this young lady has while in the circle shows what a great competitor she is! All year long Shyla has been a key piece to our team’s success holding it down against the toughest teams in the

nation week after week. Shyla’s endurance is unmatched. The spin on her pitches makes it tough on our opponents. I look forward to watching this young lady keep growing personally and as a Pitcher.

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.