Molly Davi: Hawaii’s Record-Breaking Ace With a National Spotlight

In a state more renowned for its beaches and relaxed lifestyle than the intense realm of fastpitch softball, Molly Davi has risen as one of the sport’s most promising young talents. The standout from Hilo High has already set new records in Hawaii and earned national accolades, positioning her to become one of the most celebrated players in the Class of 2027. Softball America recently released their Top 100 rankings, placing her at 108 overall with a 4-star rating and ranking her as the No. 39 pitcher. I disagree with this ranking and believe she should be much higher on the list.

Dominating the Circle

📊 Molly Davi | 2025 Stat Box

High School (Hilo High, 2025)

• 98 IP

• 226 Strikeouts

• 11 Walks

• 0.36 ERA

• 3 No-Hitters

  
  

Travel Ball (2025 Season) Mojo-Lewis

• 90.1 IP

• 101 Strikeouts

• 21 Earned Runs

• 1.62 ERA

• 0.919 WHIP

  
  

Davi’s sophomore season was nothing short of historic. She set the Hawaii single-season strikeout record with 226 Ks, finishing the entire regular season with a 0.00 ERA—good enough to be ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps. Her command was just as impressive: only 11 walks issued across 98 innings.

National outlets quickly took notice. She was named Fastpitch Watch National Pitcher of the Year (2025), recognized as the National Player of the Month in March, and earned multiple National Player of the Week honors from Extra Innings, Line Drive Media, and Fastpitch Watch. Softball America tabbed her for its Hot Watch List (2027) and Top 20 Pitcher Rankings, while Prep Softball placed her among the Top 7 pitchers in the nation for her class.

Davi admits the spotlight can be surreal, but she leans on her foundation to keep perspective.

“Staying grounded comes from keeping my faith and priorities straight,” she explained. “Being on watch lists is humbling, but my faith in God keeps me centered. He’s first in my life, and I’m second. I pray before every game, not just for wins but for strength to play with heart and honor Him through my effort. That perspective reminds me that softball, while a huge part of my life, is a gift I get to use, not my whole identity. I also lean on my family, coaches, and community in Hilo, who keep me accountable and remind me to stay true to who I am—a kid from Hawaii who loves the game and wants to make a difference."

From Hilo to the National Stage

While she’s become a household name in Hawaii softball circles, Davi’s talent has traveled far beyond the islands. Competing with Mojo Lewis on the club circuit, she’s faced elite competition across the mainland. Her and her teammates have taken home championships at the Mojo Invitational, PGF Show Me the Money (10K and 25K divisions), and the Mililani Tournament, while finishing near the top at showcase events like the Top Gun Invitational in Kansas City and the Scenic City Showcase in Georgia.

In one stretch, Davi was named Diamond Elite National Travel Ball Player of the Week after recording 36 strikeouts across 25 innings, throwing 402 pitches over seven games.

She credits travel ball with sharpening her skills and giving her national exposure:

“Facing the best hitters in the country forces me to raise my game,” she said. “It’s different from high school ball in Hawaii, but both matter to me. Representing my school and community keeps me motivated, and travel ball lets me measure myself against the top competition in the nation.”

Pitch Arsenal

"I’ve worked hard to develop a mix that keeps hitters guessing. Right now, I’ve got a rise ball, knuckleball, flip change, screwball, drop, and curve in my toolkit. Each one’s got its place, and I can throw any of them with confidence in any count or situation, thanks to the hours I’ve put in with my pitching coach, Barb Sherwood, and my Dad. My rise ball and knuckleball are my go-to pitches when the pressure’s on—like when I’m facing a tough batter with runners on base or need a strikeout to close out a tight game. The rise ball’s got that sharp, late movement that’s tough to catch up to, and the knuckleball’s unpredictable flutter can freeze hitters in big moments. My drop and curve are also strong options; the drop dives hard to get groundouts, and the curve’s got a nasty break to jam hitters."

Leadership Beyond the Numbers

For all the accolades, Davi’s impact isn’t just measured in strikeouts. She’s led Hilo High to back-to-back district championships and embraces her role as a leader on and off the field.

“I want to be more than just the pitcher on the mound,” she said. “Being a good teammate, encouraging younger players, and keeping our energy high are just as important to me as my stats.”

That mentality has carried into her preparation. Her training week balances pitching, hitting, and strength work—an approach that contributed to her hitting line of .420/.476/1.151 with 18 RBI in 2025. She’s quick to point out that command is a deliberate part of her training.

“I really focus on my control,” she explained. “With only 11 walks last season, I want every hitter to know they’ll have to earn it. My changeup and curveball are the pitches I’m refining most right now, but I trust my rise ball in pressure situations.”

Faith, Family, and the Future

For Davi, success is as much about her mindset as her mechanics.

“God’s plan is bigger than any ranking,” she said. “I trust Him to guide me while I put in the work every day. My dad and brother inspired my love for the game, and I think about how they’d tell me to keep grinding, no matter the hype.”

Looking ahead, her short-term goals are as ambitious as her long-term dreams.

“I want to lead Hilo High to another Division I Hawaii title, refine my pitches, and hit .500 next season,” she said. “On the bigger scale, my dream is to play Division I softball in a top conference like the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, or Big 12. After college, I’d love to explore professional opportunities like Athletes Unlimited, but I’m also drawn to coaching. I already give free lessons to kids in Hilo, and I can see myself teaching and passing on the game one day.”

On being recognized as the Fastpitch Watch National Pitcher of the Year and her reaction upon discovering the news ...

"When I heard I was named Fastpitch Watch National Pitcher of the Year, I was completely shocked—like, jaw-on-the-floor shocked! I just felt this huge wave of gratitude and appreciation for the recognition. It’s humbling to know that people across the country noticed the work I’ve put in, from my coaches like Barb Sherwood to my Mojo Lewis team and my Hilo High squad. All the support from organizations like Fastpitch Watch, Extra Innings, and others has been so encouraging. It motivates me to keep pushing, knowing I’m representing Hawaii and making my community proud."

Recruiting on the Horizon

With September 1—the official start of recruiting contact—approaching for the Class of 2027, Davi’s name is already on the radar of several powerhouse programs.

“I want a program with elite coaching, a strong team culture, and tough competition,” she explained. “Academically, I’m interested in studying art, so a school with good programs there is important too. I’ve had some interest from schools like Tennessee, Oregon, UNC, UCLA, Nebraska, Mizzou, and Stanford, and I’m keeping an open mind. I just want to find a place that values my work ethic and faith-driven mindset.”

At just 16 years old, Molly Davi has already made Hawaii softball history and earned national acclaim. Yet for all the records and rankings, she continues to see the game as a gift, one she’s determined to honor with hard work, humility, and heart.

“Softball is a huge part of my life, but it’s not my whole identity,” she said. “It’s a blessing I get to use—and I want to use it to make a difference.”

On what she is looking for in a program ...

"Athletically, I want a program with a strong coaching staff that pushes me to grow as a pitcher. A competitive conference like the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, or Big 12 is appealing because I want to face elite teams and play in big games. I also want a team culture that’s tight-knit, where players lift each other up and share a passion for the game. Academically, I’m looking for a school with solid programs in art, where I can keep challenging myself intellectually while balancing softball. A campus that feels like a community, maybe with a vibe like Hilo, would be ideal—somewhere I can connect with the people."

Conclusion: The Journey Ahead

Molly Davi's journey is just beginning. With her impressive skills, strong work ethic, and unwavering faith, she is set to make waves in the world of fastpitch softball. As she continues to break records and earn accolades, her focus remains on personal growth and community impact. The future looks bright for this young athlete, and her story is one to watch as she aims for greatness both on and off the field.

Molly's dedication to her craft and her desire to uplift others around her make her a true role model in the sport. As she navigates the challenges of recruitment and competition, one thing is clear: Molly Davi is a name that will resonate in the world of softball for years to come.