Jessie Fontes, a 13-year-old pitcher from Fillmore, California, doesn't know where she'll go to high school next fall.

But she does know where she'll go to college.

Two weeks ago the eighth grader at Ascension Lutheran--a kindergarten through eighth grade private school--committed to the University of Arizona after returning home from a visit to the Pac-12 school.

"Jessie committed to Arizona on the night of March 9th," her father Jeff Fontes told FloSoftball this week. "The coaches had been watching her last summer and this winter."

The pitcher led her So Cal Choppers 12U to a second place finish at PGF Nationals last summer. After, she told the Arizona coaches that she wanted to be a Wildcat. 

In Jessie, the Pac-12 school is getting a well-round student-athlete on and off the field.

"She has a screwball that's killer," said Dean Fausett, her coach with the Choppers. "She has a good riseball, a heck of a drop and she is working on her change-up. She hits the ball decently and her mom Karren is a teacher, so Jessie is a straight A student.  She likes to laugh and have fun, but on the field she's a leader by her performance and is a great competitor."

Although she won't be headed to Tucson as a student for five years, the family is excited about what she'll find in the softball program when Jessie gets there.

"By the time she gets there, it will be even better," Jeff said. "In two years, Arizona will have a four-story building that will be an academic center by itself. And the softball field will have a big-screen TV with great press boxes above home plate. They were showing us pictures of it all."

Jessie also plays basketball for her junior high school, which has one class per grade. She is one of only five girls on the hoop team. 

But despite basketball helping her with conditioning, Jessie noted that softball is always first. So much so, in fact, that she wishes she would never have to leave the circle.

"Jessie wants to pitch every inning," Fausett said.  "She's a big-game pitcher and loves pressure.  She gets better when the game is on the line."

***

Name: Jessie Fontes  

Position: Pitcher

Grad Year: 2020

Middle School: Ascension Lutheran

High School: TBD

Club Team: So Cal Choppers - Fausett (14U)

Ht: 5-foot-7

College: University of Arizona

What did the scouts/coaches say they liked about you so much to offer you as an 8th grader?

They said they have been watching a lot of my games and they liked how I pitched.

What was your favorite thing about the University of Arizona that made you fall in love with the school/softball program?

My favorite thing about the University of Arizona is the coaches. I also love the spirit at the games and the atmosphere around the school.   

What is it like knowing you'll play for a legendary coach in Mike Candrea?

I am so excited to play for Coach Candrea! He has won eight National Championships, coached the Olympic team and I can't wait to play for him!

What's one thing unusual or different about you few people know?

I am naturally left handed.

Bases loaded, two outs, full count… what's your "out pitch?"

My screwball.

What's the best advice you've been given?

Never give up and to stay calm.

Food you refuse to eat?

Peas.

What's playing in your earbuds right now?

I like all kinds of music.

You're handed a $1,000 bill and have to spend it all by the end of the day… what are you buying?

Softball gear.

Besides family, who's your hero?

God.

How does basketball help you as a softball player?

Basketball helps me with cardio.

What's your dream vacation?

Tahiti

In your opinion, what's your favorite part of softball?

Striking people out.

If you could make one change to improve the sport, what would it be?

Have softball in the Olympics again.

---

Choppers PGF Post Game 

Danielle O'Toole Post Game Interview After Beating LSU

Related: 

Giulia Talks About Her Early Commitment

Coach Candrea: How Much Has the Game Changed?