Get to know Nutley HS softball player Fallyn Stoeckel

NUTLEY, N.J. — If you have ever seen Fallyn Stoeckel on the mound, you won’t forget her. Neither will the opposing team since she has an impressive record of pitching strikeouts.

At the plate, she delivers hits and drives in runs.

There’s no question that she is a talented athlete, honing her skills in practices and performing at top level on the field. But Fallyn also brings confidence that was developed right here on the softball fields in Essex County.

With her grandfather, Jim Sr., who has been a long-time softball and baseball umpire, and her dad, Jim, former basketball coach for Bellville High School and an umpire, Fallyn grew up watching games and gaining valuable insights. It also encouraged her to get involved.

“In middle school, I played basketball and volleyball,” Fallyn said.

But now, as a Nutley High School senior, she plays softball for the Raiders as well as NJ Fight, a premier organization that focuses on preparing girls to play on the collegiate level. This works out well for Fallyn since her goals align with those of her current teams.

“I would like to win a sectional title this year and then continue to play softball in college,” she said.

Like every athlete, Fallyn understands overcoming challenges, including one in which she wasn’t even able to get on the field.

“The biggest challenge was getting through the COVID year without having any softball especially when we were supposed to be really good,” she said. “I overcame this by coming back the year after with more passion and love for the game. We came back better than ever as a team.”

As a pitcher, she has mastered the mindset of the position while still having fun.

“I love how I get to be in control of every pitch and how competitive it is,” she said. “I love the adrenaline rush I get when being up to bat in a big situation or pitching in close games.”

Her pregame ritual has both an esthetic and a practical side.

“I always make sure to braid my hair,” she said.

She has also learned to keep things in perspective.

“The best advice I have received was to always take it one pitch at a time and see each game as a fresh start,” she said.

Off the field, she enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping, and watching new shows.

With this great balance of sports and a social life, Fallyn is finishing her senior year with some terrific memories, not to mention some great stats.

As she looks forward to college, the academics as well as the sports, she stays in the now with a great attitude while looking to the future with a confident anticipation.

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