Team North Carolina - Hinde 18U:
Name: Anna Hinde
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Grad Year: 2025
Travel Team: Team North Carolina - Hinde 18U
High School: Charlotte Christian School, North Carolina
Positions: 3B/C (*SS for High School)
Height: 5’4”
Bat/Throw: R/R
Overhand Velocity: 70 mph+
Exit Velocity off Tee: 74 mph+
Home to First or 20yd: 3.00
Pop Time: Consistently under 1.75 (in game as recorded by college coaches)
Intended Study Major: Criminology/Psychology
Email: anna7hinde@gmail.com
Twitter: @anna_hinde
Instagram: anna7hinde
Who are you?
I am Anna Hinde, daughter of Kevin and Donna, sister of Cameron, aunt to Bryson and Blake, friend to many and big sis to an amazing dog named Bentley. I am unapologetically a Jesus follower who leans into her faith everyday and wants to make the space I occupy better than when I found it. I have a deep competitive spirit whether it’s playing cards or studying for an exam. If it’s a contest of any sort, you can best believe I want to win.
How did your softball journey begin?
I was a little later than some in starting my softball journey at the age of 8 years old at our local rec association. I had been playing tennis and golf and wanted to try something new. I played a year of recreation ball before my dad/coach started a travel team with Team North Carolina in 2015 and the rest is history!
You’re not only the best Defensive Player in the 2025 class, you’re listed as the overall top prospect voted by a panel of coaches, journalists, and evaluators. How does that make you feel and what do you attribute to your amazing success and achievements?
The first word that came to mind when I read this question is humble. I have always had a lot of support from my coaches, family, teammates, and their families, but they really know me and have watched my growth over many years encouraging me every step of the way. When I realized other people, coaches, players, journalists, etc. were taking notice, I couldn’t believe it at first. I am so honored to know that what I am doing can make other people happy and maybe even encourage some to get excited about the sport I sincerely love.
I attribute my success and achievements to several habits and also to my inner circle of people.
First, no one has ever had to remind me or ask me to practice or workout. As a matter of fact, I am in full control of when we go to the field and how often because my dad/coach will only take me when I ask (which is every day). Even if we only have 30 minutes, that is plenty of time to hit a bucket of balls or work on my Wasserman HLT Program.
I also contribute my success to my teammates and some legends in the game of softball for whom I am extremely blessed to spend time and train with (Lauren Haeger, Stephanie Best, Jenn Salling, Ellie Cooper, Brittany Pickett, just to name a few).
How do you handle knowing every player is giving their best effort to win individual and team battles against you?
I have been experiencing this for several years even though I am only a freshman. It seems to be more noticeable when I play high school ball locally. Other coaches, players and parents will act like they won the lottery if they get me out. I could let that excessive cheering discourage me or I could use it for fuel to attack that next at-bat. In fact, I believe when my competitors are giving their best efforts to get me out, it makes me a better athlete, both mentally and physically. Mental toughness is imperative when you want to compete at the highest level.
What are your greatest strengths as a softball player?
I believe my greatest strength is rooted in my love for the game and for competing. Others have told me I have a high softball IQ, natural leadership abilities, a consistent swing, and good footwork.
“Anna can do it all. She’s dominant in the field and at the plate. Anytime she swings, part of me just assumes it will be a homerun. She’s one of the hardest workers I know and she’s only 15. One time I asked her if she ever gives herself a break, and she said, “lunch”. She is always striving to be the best. And it’s awesome to see that her faith in God is her first priority.”
- Gunnar Dillon, Charlotte Christian School Varsity Softball Assistant Coach
How does your team practice and team build together with a roster stacked with elite talent?
Up until this Spring, we had team practices for 4 hours every weekend we weren’t traveling and 2 hours every Wednesday for local players. Because of everyone’s intense school softball schedules this year, we have had just a hand-full of team practices. After our most recent Saturday practice, we had a formal dress-up dinner to celebrate our only 2022, Riley Becker, and then we went boating on Lake Norman the following day to enjoy some team bonding and fun in the sun. Our coaches consistently set up at least one team event/dinner during every extended showcase/tournament which everyone looks forward to. It’s a great way to spend time together away from the field. My team also has a text group where we stay in touch during long breaks.
Anna and teammates celebrating with 2022 Riley Becker (Appalachian State)
Anna and teammates on a sunset cruise in California at PGF Nationals last summer.
How was your high school season? What are your final stats and achievements?
My Charlotte Christian School teammates and I finished this season 20-2 and won the NCISAA 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP for the second year in a row. Last season was the school’s first softball state championship in school history!
My 2022 Charlotte Christian Varsity final season stats:
- 606 batting average
- .671 on-base %
- 1.455 slugging %
- 13 HR (single season school record)
- 3 triples
- 11 doubles
- 41 RBI
- 37 Runs (tied single season school record)
- 15 base-on-balls
- 6 stolen bases
- 0 strikeouts on the season (82 plate attempts)
- 1 error in 61 chances playing Shortstop
My 2022 season achievements/awards:
- NCISAA 4A All State Team
- CISAA 4A Conference Player of the Year
- CISAA 4A First Team All-Conference
- CCS Offensive Player of the Year
- Powerade Performance Player of the Week
You’re outstanding defensively (Catcher/Corners/Middle Infielder) but you’re an equally impressive hitter that many say is phenomenal and already D1 ready. What kind of hitter are you and what are your most recent offensive stats?
My hitting philosophy and approach: My at-bats begin in the dugout watching the pitcher warm up and then pitch to the batters in front of me, noticing her tendencies and looking to find an advantage. I strive to be a hard out; meaning I fight when I get behind in the count with a goal of making the pitcher work hard both physically and mentally. I view my at-bats as a battle between me and the pitcher and my goal is always to win. Basically, I want to do anything I can to help my team win when I step into the box.
2022 High School Season (Freshman, Varsity):
Led the team, conference, and NCISAA in all major offensive categories
- .606 batting average
- .671 on-base %
- 1.455 slugging %
- 13 HR (single season school record)
- 3 triples
- 11 doubles
- 41 RBI
- 37 runs (tied single season school record)
- 15 base on balls
- 6 stolen bases
- 0 strikeouts on the season (82 plate appearances)
Most recent Team North Carolina Tournament 5/28 – 5/30:
We played in the PGF Atlanta Memorial Day Classic and finished 7-1 as co-champions with
Mojo Lunsford in the high school division.
We defeated:
- Mojo Lunsford
- Atlanta Vipers Wiggins
- Lady Duke National Rabitsch
- Mojo Bridger
- Georgia Impact Hupp
- GA Firecrackers Holt
- EC Bullets Morris
My weekend stats were:
- .529 BA
- .500 OBP
- .941 SLG
- 2 HRs
- 1 double
- 5 RBI
- Only 1 error in 29 chances this weekend w/ 3 double plays (26 putouts, 2 assists).
Describe your leadership style and what characteristics do you find in outstanding leaders?
My leadership style is:
- Exciting but calm
- Team-first
- Leads by example
- Encouraging to others; especially after failure
- Owns and learns from my mistakes
Characteristics I find in outstanding leaders:
- Team-first mentality
- Dedicated
- Honest & ethical
- Integrity
- Self-awareness
- Strategic/innovative
- Competitive
- Consistent
- Gracious
- Communication
You’re obviously very busy with so many activities and events in your life. How do you
balance your life and manage your time so effectively?
Time management is important when you are chasing a dream, no matter what the dream. I use several tangible resources such as a master family electronic calendar and I also use a personal calendar to manage my daily activities such as school, homework, school sports, workouts with my trainer, Wasserman HLT, extra cage time, and extra field time.
I limit the time I spend on my phone, putting it away every night by 9pm. This helps to get my mind focused on studying because in my family, academics always come first.
Though I miss many school functions and sleepovers, I have an incredibly supportive circle of friends who understands when I have to decline an invitation due to travel or training. My friends and I actually schedule time together around my softball schedule and we check-in throughout the week during the summer.
Describe your mental preparation and your thought process and mindset behind the plate and/or the batter’s box.
I mentioned above my at-bats begin in the dugout, continuing to the on-deck circle where I solidify my plan for the upcoming at-bat based on what my team needs from me in that moment. I say a quick prayer to remind me to always play for God, my Audience of ONE. I take my timing off the pitcher then as a step into the box I repeat three words in my head: hard right side. This helps me stay back and keep everything simple. I avoid over-thinking trying to keep it simple which helps me stay confident and in control.
What is your favorite sports memory and greatest achievement?
Winning the first NCISAA 4A State Championship in my school’s history in 2021 (as an 8th grader) and then going back-to-back in 2022 winning another State Championship. Also, getting to make these memories with my dad as my coach is truly my greatest achievement.
Anna and her dad (Coach Kevin Hinde) after winning the 2022 State Championship
How do you handle adversity and even failure?
Here are a few things I do to handle adversity and failure:
- Stick to my routines.
- Through completing a rigorous mental training program with Canadian Bronze Medalist, Jenn Salling, I learned about recovery from failure and how to handle adversity through consistently using pregame and postgame evaluations.
- When I fail, I have to have something to physically “throw it away” to forget it about it and put in the past, this is called a release. I have a release that I do in the field at third base, when I catch, and at the plate. In the field at third base, I draw a line in the dirt with my cleat and then wipe it away to symbolize scratching it out of my mind. When catching, I pick up a handful of dirt and then release it to represent the mistake leaving my mind. At the plate, in between each pitch, I look at my bat and take a deep breath to relax and focus. After a mistake I look at third base and take a deep breath to release the mistake.
To overcome adversity, I simply go back to the reason why I play the game: I play because I love the game, I love to compete, I love my teammates and I love to glorify Him in all I do. Going back to basics helps keep me grounded and is vital to combating adversity.
How would your teammates and friends describe you?
My teammates would describe me as someone who is competitive, determined, and someone willing to go all out for them and our team. They would also describe me as someone who is dedicated and humble and someone who is always putting in work, whether it be in the classroom or on the field. They would also say I am someone who puts my faith first in order to stay rooted in God’s Truth.
“Anna’s athletic gifts are noticeable by many but have been attained through her hard work and dedication to perfecting her game. Anna impresses the crowd and coaches with a great snag and throw from third or an absolute rocket with her beautiful swing, but she is an even better person. She humbly carries herself and is an encouragement to those around her. She is a leader who is selfless and driven on the field. She sets the standard for what a true leader does. As a teammate of Anna’s, I can always count on her to give her best effort and be an encouraging friend.”
- Ryleigh Shull (2024), Team North Carolina Hinde
Who is your role-model and/or idol and why?
My role model is my dad, Kevin Hinde. He works so hard to run a successful business, coach a national level travel ball team, coach high school softball, and many other volunteer activities in our community. He simply does whatever it takes to help other people, making sacrifices in order to keep his word and help his players and employees reach their full potential. I want to have the heart of giving my dad has and I want to make him proud.
I also look up to Mia Davidson from Mississippi State. She is from my home state of North Carolina and is a player who goes all out giving full effort 100% of the time. Her love for the game is evident every time she steps on the field and she is always fun to watch. I really want younger softball players to look at me one day and say, “Anna is so much fun to watch”!
If you could spend a day with any softball player, former or current, who would it be and
why?
This is a hard question but I think I’d have to go with Kaley Mudge or Jessie Warren. Mudge because she is such a fun and caring person who openly loves the Lord and I would love to get to know her better. I also chose Jessie Warren because her energy is incredible. She has such a love for the game and her competitive spirit is unmatched. Spending a day with Jessie would be an opportunity to learn from one of the best to ever play.
I can’t let this question go by without acknowledging how lucky I am that I get to spend every weekend with two-time National Champion, Lauren Haeger, since she is my travel team’s assistant coach. We spent much of the Covid-lockdown watching her old games and pausing for teaching moments. As a catcher who dreams of playing in the Women's College World Series (WCWS) one day, imagine how much I learned with Lauren breaking down each pitch and at-bat during her 2014 and 2015 championship series. What a gift!
“There are many words I could use to describe Anna Hinde but to sum it up, I’ve never met a kid at her age anything like her. She is BEYOND her years in many ways but what sticks out to me the most is the person Anna chooses to be. Her kindness, maturity, and work ethic as a human bleed directly into how she is on the field as well. If you ever need to know where Anna is, she is working out, hitting, training or preparing for her next exam. Her path with the Lord is extremely important to her and it’s what drives her to be the best she can every single day. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this bright 15-year-old!”
Lauren Haeger, Team North Carolina Hinde Assistant Coach, Two-time National
Champion with the Florida Gators (2014 and 2015)
What is your softball dream/goal?
To play softball at a D1 program that has a dedicated, compassionate, and competitive coaching staff who recruits like-minded athletes, where we can compete and win a National Championship.
Describe your perfect softball team.
My perfect softball team would be exactly how my travel team is now. My perfect team would be a team comprised of girls who love God most importantly, but want to work together to reach a common goal. There would be many girls who would be dedicated to winning and want to reach the highest level possible. My team would have amazing team chemistry and have a family culture where we all can rely on each other. All of us would put in work behind the scenes and when we come together, do every single thing possible in order to win.
When deciding on what college team to play for what are the most important things you’re looking for?
Given that my family puts academics first, a high academic program is definitely a priority. I want to find a school who has a top-rated program for my intended major without regard to location within the United States. As important as academics is to my family, athletics is equally important. I want a school who supports its athletes, both male and female equally. Because my ultimate goal is to compete for a National Championship, I am looking for a program who has built or is building a staff capable of winning and competing against the best. A family-oriented, relational coaching staff who recruits like-minded athletes and who have a common goal is at the top of my list. I want a program to want me as much as I want them. Finally, campus safety and faith-based academic options are additional boxes to check.
To be a successful as you are at the elite Tier 1 level requires putting in the extra work.
Please tell us about all the extra work you put into your development and improvements
such as strength and conditioning to private lessons.
Outside of team practices, I do strength and conditioning workouts 4-5 days each week with a trainer who trains me specifically for in-season and off-season softball training. I go to the field/cages with my dad/coach every single day for at least an hour where I hit anywhere from one to three baskets. I alternate days using the Axe bats, Insider bat, Follow Thru bats and the VPX Softball harness. I work on fielding/footwork/arm angles with my dad/coach several times each week and on alternating days I work on catching drills.
I use the Wasserman HLT Program, an arm care and strengthening program, 4-5 days a week. I catch bullpen for some of my pitchers throughout the week when they are working with Lauren Haeger at The Softball Project.
What gets you hyped or ready before a game?
Simply putting on my uniform gets me hyped and ready for the game. That’s when I get into the mindset that I’m going to play today. It helps me really focus and get hype that I get the chance to play with my best friends that day.
What is your favorite jersey number and why did you choose it?
My favorite jersey number is #7 because it is the Lord’s number. It is a constant reminder that I am here and able to play thanks to the Lord. It was my first ever travel ball number so it really means a lot to me to be able to keep that through my travel ball career. My faith is important to me so to have something symbolize that while I play is amazing.
Anna and teammates receiving awards at the Charlotte Hot Stove Awards. Anna was awarded, Youth Softball Player of the Year.
What other hobbies do you have to balance out softball and your personal life?
I would play softball every day of my life if I could so it is definitely my hobby and passion. A few other things I like to do is lift weights, play basketball, travel to new places, and compete against my family inside Escape Rooms in every city we visit. I also like all types of puzzles; especially Sudoku. I like watching murder mysteries and movies and hanging out with my friends. One of my most favorite things to do is to guest coach with one of our younger Team NC teams on weekends when I’m not traveling.
What bit of advice or mentorship can you share with younger players or others who strive to be successful like you?
A bit of advice I would share with younger players is to enjoy the ride and never forget why you decided to play this sport. It’s a sport of failure so when you fail, find joy in figuring out what you did wrong and what you can do better to improve your game. Also, trust in the Lord. You never know where this game will take you, but God does, so put your trust in Him so He can lead you down the path He wants for you.
Who would you like to thank for your softball achievements and support?
I would like to thank my parents for all of the time and money they pour into me to make my dreams come true. I would like to thank every single teammate I have ever had for always pushing me to become a better player and person. I would like to thank all of my school friends who have had my back through the thick and thins of navigating academics, while chasing a dream. I would especially like to thank my coaches, past and present, for helping me grow in the sport to get me to where I am today.
Special shoutout to my dad, who is also my coach, for always going out to the field for hours on end to help me try to perfect my craft, for hitting so many groundballs to me, and for always being my front toss pitcher.
I would like to thank folks like Legacy and Legends Softball for promoting the game of softball and giving young players a place to showcase their talents along with providing the opportunity for exposure to further aide in chasing their dreams.
Basically, THANK YOU to everyone who has helped me along this process and for any doubters who fueled my desire to get better every single day!!!
Anna and her parents with their dog, Bentley.
Additional Info About Anna:
Walk up Song: Purge Siren (Instrumental) – Young Mooski
Favorite Food: Chicken Wings
Favorite Song: Thought You Should Know – Morgan Wallen
Favorite Music Artist: Morgan Wallen
Favorite Sports Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Favorite Sports: Softball, Basketball, and Baseball
Favorite Celebrity: Matthew Gray Gubler
Favorite Movie: The Harry Potter Series
Favorite Sports Movie: A League of Their Own
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Favorite Book: The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality by Mike Sielski
Favorite Travel Spot: Estes Park, Colorado
Favorite Quote: “How you do anything is how you do everything!” - My Mom
Anna and teammates ringing in the New Year
Anna Hinde the Top Overall Prospect for the 2025 Class