Roman Martinez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Xavier College Prep for AZPreps365.com. 

Angie Falls, a softball pitcher at Xavier College Preparatory, has had an impressive start to the season, solidifying herself not only as a key starter in the circle but in the infield as well.

The freshman currently leads the 2024 Xavier squad in hits, batting average, stolen bases and ERA. As a pitcher, the youngster contributed a whopping 33 strikeouts to kickstart the year. She's already proven to be among the best players in the 6A Premier region. Most of the other statistical metrics are very much within her reach as she only trails senior outfielder and teammate Lauren Putz in home runs, RBIs, and on-base percentage.

Committed to the University of Michigan, Putz has had an immense impact on the team. Winning two state championships ahead of her senior year, the outfielder looks to pass the torch off to a young generation of Gator players. 

When asked about Angie’s work ethic, Putz said, “For being so young, she’s a workhorse really. Always being level-headed, she gives us all she has and that’s all we can honestly ask for.”

The Gators are off to a 6 -1 start of the season to the regular season, this after going 6-0 in the Sunrise Mountain Invitational. With the team's lone loss is against Queen Creek but Falls did her fair share throughout that game. Alongside her defensive playmaking capabilities at second base, she had an RBI in the fifth inning. Although Xavier came up just short at home, the high school newcomer’s productivity has not gone unseen. 

“She’s been terrific thus far as she’s exceeded all our expectations coming in. Being a freshman playing on varsity, she has pitched immensely well and can really hit the ball," coach Bradley Downes said.

Playing for one of the state's most esteemed programs, the freshman has captured the attention and admiration of Xavier’s fans and foes alike. Having won the most state titles in Arizona, Xavier doesn’t look like it will slow down anytime soon. With the addition of Falls and a talented young core of players, softball at the school seems to be in great shape for the future. 

Xavier senior teammate Tabitha Von Kolen stated, “We have a lot of freshmen and they’re doing great… the more time we have with them to develop the better they will be down the line.”

With three more years of eligibility after this season, it seems like the Gators have found their next star in Falls.