Strikeouts: 223, batting average: .473. Grade: 8.
This is what pitcher prodigy Coralia Sabin has brought to Hewlett University’s softball team since she joined in seventh grade at just 12 years old, quickly transforming the Bulldogs into playoff contenders.
Now 13 years old and throwing an outside fastball at 52 miles per hour, Sabin shared, “My goal is 100 strikeouts a year.”
“It feels great, especially when I know they’re aiming to play in college. Striking them out boosts my confidence even more.”
Last season, her impressive performance as a seventh-grader in 2025, with 125 strikeouts, helped the Bulldogs make the playoffs for the first time since 2018, culminating in a Conference 9 title and an impressive 14-2 record.
Manager Jonathan Welsh remarked, “She changed our entire trajectory during the season,” noting that he recognized her potential right from her first winter practice.
“Our future is certainly bright.”
Although they didn’t clinch the county championship, the Bulldogs made notable strides, rising from ninth to fourth place in the conference during the offseason.
Sabin’s contributions were noteworthy; she’s on track to hit another 98 strikeouts this season, averaging about 7 per game. “I aimed to surpass 200 strikeouts by the end of this year, so that long-term goal kept me motivated,” she said.
take the lead
For as long as she can remember, Sabin has been entwined with the game, having played Little League baseball before her father, Mike, launched the girls’ softball program at Hewlett.
While her skills quickly advanced as a teenager, Sabin anticipated her first year on the national team to be a tough challenge, both physically and mentally.
“I thought making friends with the older girls would be tough. There’s about a six-year gap,” she reflected.
“But they’ve been really welcoming, even the seniors who perhaps lost some playing time have been great teammates.”
This season, Sabin has even found seniors seeking her advice.
On Long Island, she has a seasoned mentor in Alana Morse, an elite infielder at Hofstra. “She reminded me of myself when I was younger,” Morse noted after meeting Sabin at a softball camp a few years back.
“I could tell she took the game seriously. She was eager to learn, asked plenty of questions, and was ready to go every day.”
Morse continued to coach Sabin after the camp, visiting her home to provide further lessons.
“I could see right away how dedicated she was and her desire to elevate her game,” Morse expressed. “There’s no doubt she has the potential for college softball… Her work ethic is incredible, so nothing surprises me.”
huge changeup
Currently, Sabin is focused on managing the emotional aspects of softball and the pressures that come with early success.
At times, the weight of expectations has felt burdensome, but Morse has been instrumental in helping her navigate these moments.
“We discussed it, and I told her she needs to believe in herself, using the pressure to enhance her game,” Morse advised.
This spring, Sabin’s growth from seventh to eighth grade has impressed her captain. “She returned without fear and improved even more,” Welsh said.
“When she allows a hit, she just returns to the circle, aiming to strike the next batter out.”
As Sabin pursues her goal of over 600 strikeouts in her six years on the varsity roster, she remains dedicated to improving her skills while reminding opponents that she can hit just as well as she pitches.
“I think it happens often that other teams underestimate pitchers, assuming, ‘Oh, she’s just a good pitcher,’” Sabin pointed out. “I want to keep hitting and keep my strikeout count rising.”
