Natania “Nata” Leomiti remembers the first time she saw the 5-foot-9 Makayla “Lala” Tileia on a softball field.
“When I first saw Lala, I was so surprised,” said Leomiti, #18 in the 2025 Extra Elite 100. “She was the biggest 6th grader I had ever seen. I remember playing against her in 10U and saying, ‘Dang, that girl is such a beast,” Leomiti said.
“And when I found out she was joining our team, I was so happy to pick up a stud like her. I remember the first tournament she played with us, she was taller than our coach.”
Tileia’s prolific ability inside the circle and at the plate is what makes USA Athletics 2025-Rogers/Mathis such a major impact at 14U national events around the country.
It’s also why Tileia was #3 in the 2026 Extra Elite 100 published last year.
“Lala is a very talented young lady with a bright future ahead of her,” said Leomiti, a 3B/SS/OF for the USA Athletics. “Driving from San Diego to Long Beach almost three times a week shows how much she’s dedicated to this team. La puts in work on and off the field. She is a great asset to the team. Not only is she a lights out pitcher, she can crush the ball and clear bases.”
USA Athletics 2025 1B/OF Kween Taula said Tileia is dedicated to her life and her craft.
“One word to describe Lala is ‘dedicated,'” Taula said. “She works hard at pitching and smashing the ball. Driving just about two hours to get to practices on the weekends with her parents is dedication. Lala is fierce in the circle, her presence is well recognized. Lala is smart and talented at what she does pitching. When she’s in her zone, it’s all strikes. She can also hit the ball to the MOON! Lala is a great softball sister on and off the field.”
USA Athletics 2025 C Allyson Pitcox said Tileia is a two-way danger on the diamond.
“Lala is a double threat,” Pitcox said. “She’s not only a good hitter with over the fence power, but she also has great movement on her ball and enough pitches to keep the batters off balance. Her IQ for the game puts her over the top and allows her to make incredible plays. Lala is a great teammate on and off the field and always knows how to uplift you when your down.”
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EXTRA STAR POWER Q&A
Name: MAKAYLA EVOTIA TA’AITULAGI TILEIA
Hometown: San Diego, CA
School: Greenfield Middle School (8th grade)
Club Team: USA Athletics 2025-Roger/Mathis
Graduation year: 2026
Height: 5-foot-7.5
Position: P/1B
Nickname: Lala
Twitter: @MakaylaTileia23
Travel Ball Fall Status: Batted .519 with 28 K’s in 52 innings pitched
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How did you become involved with USA Athletics?
I joined the USA Athletics organization in the fall of 2019. I was searching for the right fit and as soon as I played with these girls and coaches for the first time, it felt like home.
What were some of the training methods and workouts you did to stay busy during the stay-at-home orders because of COVID?
I trained at the Alex Johnson Sports and Fitness Facility three times a week, kept up with my weekly hitting and pitching lessons with Power House Mechanics and Drop Bombs Hitting.
What is something you have faced in your life that has helped you become the person that you are today?
Ever since my niece, Naleia, fell in love with the game, her looking up to me inspires me to keep working hard and not give up.
What is your most memorable softball story?
My most memorable softball moments would definitely be the time I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, with my team in the summer of 2019 and we placed 3rd (being the only team from California).
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about me?
I love country music. My favorite country artist is Luke Combs.
What have you learned about yourself in the past year?
Something I’ve learned about myself in the past year is I finally accepted the fact that I’m not always going to have time for friends or fun activities outside of softball if I want to be great.
Do I have a secret talent or skill?
I can Samoan dance.
Who is the most underrated player on my team?
In my opinion, no one is underrated. We all contribute equally.
If you could have dinner with four people dead or alive, who would it be?
I would have dinner with Drake, Jack Harlow, Barack Obama and my Grandpa Toetasi.
What are you looking for in your future college?
I am looking for something in a college to benefit me in my future career.
What do coaches say they like most about you?
Coaches love my demeanor in the circle and my positive attitude towards my teammates.
What was the highlight of your summer season?
I would say playing five games in a day at PGF (Nationals), eliminating four of the five, and placing 5th.
EXTRA INSIGHTS
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? “This game either makes or breaks you, so work hard for what you want.” — Coach Harvey
What’s your spirit animal? Snake.
Favorite Pro Athlete: Megan Faraimo.
Favorite Movie: “10 Things I Hate About You.”
Favorite Artist: Drake.
Favorite actor: Adam Sandler.
Favorite TV Show to Binge: “Gilmore Girls.”
Favorite Motto: YOLO (You Only Live Once).
— Carlos Arias, Extra Inning Softball (follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)
