Softball On SI

Young Fan Steals the Show with Foul Ball Grab at SEC Softball Tournament

A fifth-grade fan stole the spotlight at the SEC Softball Tournament with a viral foul ball catch that’s capturing hearts across social media.
Maren Angus-Coombs|
Fans walk past the SEC softball tournament bracket after Georgia fell to Arkansas in Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Arkansas won 5-1.
Fans walk past the SEC softball tournament bracket after Georgia fell to Arkansas in Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Arkansas won 5-1. | Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

During Wednesday night's SEC Tournament game between Alabama and South Carolina, a young made a superb catch on a foul ball that caught the attention of ESPN broadcasters Beth Mowins and Michele Smith.

Mowins quickly pointed out that colleague Amanda Scarborough ducked out of the way of a foul ball hit back toward the booth earlier in the day.

Mowins was able to yell down to the young fan during a stoppage in play and introduced her to the audience watching from home as Faith Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was then shown walking up and down the aisle on the phone, becoming an instant star.

Sideline reporter Holly Rowe sat down with Rodriguez coming out of commercial break in the middle of the fifth inning, asking a variety of questions, including one about the autograph on her glove.

The young softball player and fan told Rowe it was signed by Florida State shortstop Isa Torres, who happens to be her favorite player. Rodriguez said she admires Torres because she is also a shortstop. She also plays second base and pitches.

To stay up-to-date with the SEC Tournament, visit Softball On SI's tournament central page.

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Maren Angus-Coombs
MAREN ANGUS-COOMBS

Maren Angus-Coombs was born in Los Angeles and raised in Nashville, Tenn. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and has been a sports writer since 2008. She has been covering college softball since 2016 for various outlets including Softball America, ESPNW and Hurrdat Sports. She is currently the managing editor of Softball On SI and also serves as an analyst for Nebraska softball games on Nebraska Public Media and B1G+.

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