Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Growing up, Richmond Hill’s Ahnalyah Estevez didn’t have a good initial start with softball.

“Growing up in Massachusetts, my dad coached my older sisters,” recalled Estevez. “One day when I was about seven years old, I grabbed one of my older sisters’ bats, and asked my dad to pitch to me.

“While my dad was showing me how to hit a ball, I hit myself in the mouth with the knob of the bat. I lost a tooth and started to bleed, so my dad took me inside and cleaned me up. A few minutes later, I asked my dad to take me back outside to continue hitting. This is when my dad knew I would be a softball player!”

Estevez will be a pivotal part of the Wildcats’ attack this fall, as she will pitch and play first base in her senior year. On the mound, Estevez throws a fastball, knuckleball, change-up, curveball, and drop pitch.

Her father, Francisco, had a softball background that helped lead to her involvement with the sport. Sisters Alyha and Alyna did not stay with the sport. Estevez decided to stay the course with softball, and she soon became comfortable with the sport.

“My dad used to play slow-pitch softball years ago,” said Estevez. “That is part of the reason he wanted me to get into it.

“I started really feeling comfortable playing softball when I grew confidence and gained a support system from my family and friends.”

Yet, Estevez had some obstacles along her way. She realized her level of perseverance.

“The biggest thing to overcome for me was being overlooked,” noted Estevez. “Years ago, I was told I wasn’t good enough to be a good pitcher or 1st base. Hearing that motivated me to get after it and prove those who doubted me wrong.”

Estevez joined the Georgia Ghosts’ traveling team in 2024, and it proved to be a rewarding experience in more ways than one.

“Playing softball didn’t just make me a better athlete, but also a better follower in Jesus Christ,” said Estevez. In 2024 when I joined a new travel team, my head coach, John Durden, turned out to be a pastor in Emanuel County.

“During Easter of that year, I surrendered myself to Jesus Christ and got baptized by coach John. Joining the team has been one of the biggest blessings of my life, and I also met some of my best friends.”

When she isn’t playing softball, Estevez enjoys playing pickleball. She also has her future profession in mind, majoring in broadcasting. She hasn’t made a college choice, but softball will be in the picture.

“I became interested by taking the Audio Video Tech and Film pathway at school,” said Estevez. “ I used to be the sports reporter while I took the pathway.

“This made me develop a passion to continue it because editing and recording became so easy and fun for me. In the future, I’d want to be a sportscaster or be a videographer for a professional team of any sport.”

In the meantime, Estevez will play her role for the Wildcats. She is confident the team can make another postseason run.

“I see us making it deep into the playoffs,” said Estevez. “I believe if we keep up the hard work and keep having each other's back, there is no stopping us.

“Everyone plays a significant role on this team, from great defense, great hitters, and mainly the support from the dugout. That’s what makes us such a great program.”

Head coach Chris Jenkins expects her to step into the spotlight this coming season. Her approach has helped elevate her game.

“Ahnalaya has always had an infectious attitude, is a fiery player that loves to compete. Each year in the program she has found ways to contribute at the varsity level.

“In her freshman year, she started for us in the circle in the opening game of the state playoffs. Facing a top-five team with several future division one players on the roster would have been daunting for most freshmen, but not for her. She held them in check for four or five innings and gave us a chance to win the game.

“Whether it's in the circle or with the bat or glove, she has always stepped up. We can't wait to see her take a lead role her senior year.