Addison Underwood, a senior at Piedmont High School, has softball in her blood. From an early age, she was inspired by watching her older sister play, which set the stage for her own journey in the sport. “Ever since I was little, I have always watched my sister at the field, so softball was a no-brainer for me,” Addison said. That early exposure quickly turned into a passion that she has carried throughout her high school career, where she has become a standout player.

As the starting pitcher for the team, Addison embraces a key leadership role. “I feel as if my specific role on the team as a starting pitcher is to give the team confidence to play loose,” she explained. She views her role as more than just pitching; she works to help her teammates handle pressure and build momentum during games. Preparation is critical, and Addison stays sharp by working hard both on and off the field. “I’m always working hard for my team, regardless of whether that’s in the weight room or in the bullpen.”

This season, the chemistry among her team has been a highlight. “This year’s chemistry is strong. We’ve all played together and know how to connect well,” she said. Even when new players join, Addison notes that they easily integrate into the team’s tight-knit dynamic, quickly becoming part of the family.

Addison’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. A strained rotator cuff sidelined her for 14 weeks, forcing her to confront the frustrations of being unable to help her team. “Injuries are hard to work through, especially when you want to help your team. Learning to take time to heal is tough,” she recalled. That experience, however, taught her the value of patience and resilience.

Looking forward, Addison is excited to continue her academic and athletic career at Southern Nazarene University, where she will major in kinesiology. She’s proud of her impact at Piedmont, particularly the way she’s inspired younger players. “Being able to inspire young girls from simply playing means so much to me,” she said.

With a strong support system behind her, Addison is ready to take on the next level of softball and everything that comes with it. “I’m super excited for the opportunities I will get at the next level,” she shared.