Bella Faw has established herself as one of the premier shortstops in the nation.
The Tennessee-committed middle infielder made the 2021 All-Summer Team after batting .416 with 11 homers and 18 doubles this past summer for Atlanta Vipers-Tamborra. Faw, #6 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, also had a .974 fielding percentage with only 16 errors in 239 chances.
“Bella is one of the most athletic players I have ever seen,” said Vipers P/1B Malayna Tamborra, #10 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100. “She makes some ridiculous plays on defense and is just an overall stud. She is an amazing teammate, and she brings so much energy and light on and off the field.”
She’s also clutch under pressure, leading North Gwinnett High of Georgia to the state finals as a sophomore and a state championship as a junior.
“I have been playing with Bella as long as I can remember and she’s exactly the kind of player you want on the field,” said Vipers/North Gwinnett P/1B Amber Reed, #25 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100. “She leads by example on and off the field and is an incredible athlete. Every player should strive to be like Bella. She makes all the plays she’s expected to, and always makes the difficult plays look easy. Our team would not be the same without her.”
Faw has incredible offensive skills, but she’s also a skilled playmaker at shortstop, who also plays 3B and 2B, with great range, footwork, IQ and instincts on defense.
“Bella is an outstanding player,” said Vipers 2B Alexis Woods, #31 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100. “When Bella first stepped on the field as a Viper, I knew she was the one. She constantly works hard at her skills. Bella by far has the best glove I have ever seen. She has such quick feet and she’s smooth with every ball hit to her.”
“Bella’s bat has a huge part in our lineup,” Woods continues. “She definitely brings power and is an amazing situational hitter. Bella is always willing to get the job done no matter what it is. As a teammate, Bella is an amazing person to be around. She never fails to make us laugh. She has such a big heart for the game and us teammates. Our love for Bella is untouchable.”
EXTRA STAR POWER Q&A
Name: BELLA FAW
Hometown: Sugar Hill, GA
High School: North Gwinnett High
Club Team: Atlanta Vipers Gold-Tamborra 18U
Graduation Year: 2023
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: SS
Nickname: “B”
Twitter: @BellaFaw12
Honors: #6 in the nation by Extra Inning Softball (2021) and 2021 All-County Defensive Player of the Year
Travel Ball Highlights Stats from Fall and Summer: In 2021 fall stats from two Showcases, she went 12 for 23 (.521 average); in the summer, she had a .974 fielding percentage, a .416 BA, 11 HRs and 18 doubles.
High School Highlights: 2021 Georgia 7A State Champion, 2021 Regional Champion, 2021 All-County Defensive Player of the Year, .363 BA (40 hits, 10 doubles, 7 HRs, 34 Runs and 29 RBIs)
Tell us about the Atlanta Vipers and how you became involved with them?
After playing for a local travel team for several years, my family and I decided to move to the Atlanta Vipers and play for Coach Stacy Tamborra, which provided me with more exposure.
What were some of the training methods and workouts you did to stay busy during the stay-at-home orders because of the COVID situation?
I would do daily aerobic workouts with my mom as well as weight training (squatting, benching, etc.), hitting, glovework, throwing, and speed and agility with my dad.
What is something you have faced in your life that has helped you become the person that you are today?
I lost both of my grandmothers within two months and went to many of my relatives’ funerals at a young age, which made me realize the importance of family.
What’s your most memorable softball story? It can be humorous, serious, ironic or all of the above…
My most memorable softball story was when I went to Taiwan with my travel team, the Atlanta Vipers, right before the COVID-19 pandemic. It was amazing traveling across the world to play internationally with my best friends.
What’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
Some people who do not know me personally, don’t know that I am part Colombian and I was presented with the opportunity to play for the Colombian National team this fall. However, due to other commitments I am not able to, but I hope to have the opportunity in the future.
*** Scroll down to learn more about Bella including the best advice she ever received…
