In a bold and captivating new release, Netflix has unveiled “Fastest Arm in the South,” a documentary chronicling the remarkable rise of Maddie Penta, the Auburn University softball sensation who not only dominated the SEC with her unmatched velocity and precision but also redefined what it means to be a female athlete in the Deep South. The feature-length film delves into her journey from a small-town Pennsylvania prodigy to one of the most electrifying pitchers in NCAA history, whose legacy transcends sport.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ava Turner, the documentary paints a powerful portrait of a woman whose arm became a force of nature—and whose story inspires resilience, passion, and trailblazing determination. The film begins with Penta’s early days growing up in Maryland and later in Pennsylvania, where her fireball pitches stunned youth coaches and scouts alike. By the time she arrived at Auburn, she wasn’t just another recruit—she was a phenom in the making.
Throughout her time at Auburn, Maddie Penta shattered records and expectations. She became a household name in college softball circles, known for her intimidating stare-downs, blistering fastballs clocked at over 70 mph, and a warrior-like mentality that lifted the Tigers in countless high-stakes battles. But the documentary goes deeper than box scores. It explores the physical and emotional toll of carrying a program on your shoulders, the rigorous discipline behind her dominance, and the sacrifices made off the field.
“We didn’t want just a sports highlight reel,” Turner said in an interview. “Maddie’s story is about identity, pressure, empowerment, and the complex relationship between women athletes and the expectations society places on them.”
“Fastest Arm in the South” also highlights the broader cultural context of playing women’s sports in the South—a region steeped in tradition, where softball often lives in the shadow of football. Yet, through Penta’s relentless pursuit of excellence, the film shows how she helped elevate Auburn softball to national prominence, inspiring a generation of young girls who now dream of being aces just like her.
The documentary features never-before-seen training footage, emotional interviews with teammates, coaches, and family, and raw behind-the-scenes moments that reveal Penta’s vulnerabilities. From career-defining strikeouts to quiet evenings studying mechanical engineering, Penta’s dual identity as a scholar and athlete makes her story even more compelling.
Now graduated and eyeing professional opportunities, Maddie Penta remains a symbol of grit and grace. The film ends on a hopeful note, showing her mentoring younger athletes and speaking at youth camps, using her story to uplift others.
“Fastest Arm in the South” isn’t just a softball documentary—it’s a gripping narrative about pushing limits, facing adversity, and leaving a legacy that inspires far beyond the field. Streaming now, it promises to be one of Netflix’s standout sports documentaries of the year.