Netflix to Debut Inspiring Documentary on Softball Icon Monica Abbott: “Fastest Arm in the South” Premieres August 13, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA — May 29, 2025
Netflix has announced the upcoming release of a powerful new sports documentary chronicling the life and legacy of softball legend Monica Abbott. Titled “Fastest Arm in the South: The Untold Story of Monica Abbott’s Power, Pressure & Perseverance,”* the film is slated to premiere globally on August 13, 2025.
Hailed as the most dominant pitcher in NCAA softball history, Abbott’s story is one of small-town roots, relentless ambition, and record-breaking triumphs. The documentary promises to dive deeper than the highlight reels, offering a raw and intimate portrayal of a woman who redefined the limits of the sport.
Abbott, a native of Salinas, California, rose to national prominence during her tenure at the University of Tennessee, where she led the Lady Vols to unprecedented heights. Between 2004 and 2007, she rewrote the NCAA record books, becoming the all-time leader in career wins, strikeouts, shutouts, and innings pitched.
Her 77 mph fastball earned her the nickname “The Fastest Arm in the South,” and her intimidating presence in the circle made her a nightmare for opposing hitters.
Directed by Emmy Award-winner Carla Ruiz and produced by SlamLine Studios in partnership with Netflix Sports, “Fastest Arm in the South”features exclusive interviews with Abbott, former teammates, coaches, sports historians, and even rivals.
The documentary also includes never-before-seen footage from Abbott’s collegiate career, Olympic appearances, and professional stints in the U.S. and Japan.
“Monica Abbott is a once-in-a-generation athlete whose story transcends softball,” said Ruiz. “What struck me most was her resilience. Behind the records and accolades is a woman who battled injury, criticism, and unimaginable pressure — and still emerged as one of the greatest competitors in sports history.”
The documentary sheds light on Abbott’s journey as a female athlete navigating fame and expectations in a sport often overlooked by mainstream media. From being the first woman in U.S.
professional softball to sign a \$1 million contract to becoming a two-time Olympian and silver medalist, Abbott’s milestones are not only monumental for softball but for women in sports as a whole.
Fans and newcomers alike will be treated to an emotional, high-energy exploration of Abbott’s career, her enduring influence on young athletes, and the evolution of women’s softball on the global stage.
“Fastest Arm in the South”premieres on Netflix on August 13, 2025 — the anniversary of Abbott’s Olympic debut — and is expected to be a major contender in the upcoming sports documentary awards season.
For Abbott, the goal remains the same: “To inspire the next generation to dream bigger, throw harder, and never back down.”