North Florida Softball’s New Additions: A Glimpse into a Promising Future
North Florida softball has successfully rounded out its 2024 signing class with three key transfers: Lauren “LuLu” Brock, Lauren Bevis, and Kalyn McCarthy. These three athletes bring a wealth of talent and experience, positioning the Osprey squad for what could be a transformative season under head coach Jeff Conrad.
Conrad, reflecting on the team’s recent performance, emphasized the need for a more dynamic offense. “On offense, I felt like we needed to become a little tougher to play against on that side. We led the ASUN in home runs a year ago, but our on-base percentage wasn’t where it needs to be leading into our power kids,” said Conrad. The coach’s focus is clear: the Ospreys need to complement their power hitters with a more consistent ability to get on base.
McCarthy, who Conrad describes as “an engine of an offense,” alongside Brock and Bevis, is expected to fill this critical gap. The coach’s vision is to cultivate an offense that applies constant pressure to opposing teams, ensuring that their home run hitters are given ample opportunity to drive in runs. The addition of these three athletes, all of whom are known for their tenacity at the plate, should provide the Ospreys with a more balanced and potent offensive attack.
For North Florida, the upcoming season is not just about maintaining their power-hitting reputation but enhancing it by ensuring they capitalize on every opportunity. The Ospreys’ ability to integrate these new transfers into their lineup will be pivotal in their quest for success in the ASUN conference.
Jaimie Hoover’s Move to Bethune-Cookman: A Strategic Step Forward
Meanwhile, Bethune-Cookman softball has made a strategic move by bringing Jaimie Hoover on board as a new assistant coach. Announced by Head Coach Laura Watten, Hoover’s arrival marks a significant step in the program’s development, particularly in light of her impressive track record at North Carolina Central (NCCU).
At NCCU, Hoover played a critical role in elevating the team’s performance, culminating in a 20-win season in 2024 and a semifinal appearance in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament. Her ability to guide the Eagles to victories over formidable opponents like Prairie View A&M and Jackson State underscores her strategic acumen and her knack for fostering a winning mentality.
Watten, who also serves as the department’s Senior Woman Administrator, expressed her enthusiasm for Hoover’s arrival. “I’m extremely excited that Jaimie has committed to be part of our Bethune-Cookman Softball family,” Watten said. Hoover’s extensive experience, both as a player at the University of Florida and as a coach at NCCU, equips her to make an immediate impact on the Wildcats program.
Hoover’s journey to Bethune-Cookman is a testament to her dedication and expertise in the sport. A native of Suwanee, Georgia, she brings with her not only a wealth of knowledge but also a deep commitment to the development of her players, both on and off the field. Her tenure at Bethune-Cookman is expected to be marked by a focus on building a strong, competitive team that can contend in the MEAC and beyond.
Stetson Softball Welcomes Amanda Chambers: A New Era for the Hatters
Stetson University has also bolstered its coaching staff with the addition of Amanda Chambers as an assistant coach for the 2025 season. Head Coach Shellie Cousins expressed her excitement about Chambers joining the Hatters, highlighting her experience and energy as key assets.
Chambers brings with her a rich coaching background, most recently serving as an assistant coach at UT Martin. During her time with the Skyhawks, she played a crucial role in developing a pitching staff that boasted a 2.48 ERA, a 1.28 WHIP, and a .235 opponent batting average. These impressive statistics underscore her ability to cultivate a strong, disciplined pitching unit.
Prior to her tenure at UT Martin, Chambers spent five seasons at Christian Brothers University, where she helped guide the Lady Bucs to significant conference wins. Her experience in both collegiate and high school coaching, coupled with her own playing career at Georgia Southern and St. Petersburg College, positions her as a valuable addition to the Stetson coaching staff.
Cousins is eager to see the impact that Chambers will have on the Hatters’ pitching staff and the program as a whole. “I am excited for Amanda to join our staff,” Cousins said. “Not only does she bring experience, she also brings an infectious energy that will make a positive impact on our pitchers and our program in general.”
Chambers’ arrival at Stetson marks the beginning of a new era for the Hatters, one that promises to be characterized by strong leadership and a renewed focus on pitching excellence.
Shelby Petik Joins Florida Atlantic: Building on a Strong Foundation
At Florida Atlantic University (FAU), head coach Jordan Clark has announced the hiring of Shelby Petik as an assistant coach, a move that signals FAU’s commitment to building on its recent successes. Petik, who previously served as the head coach at Eastern Florida State College (EFSC), brings with her a winning pedigree and a proven track record of recruiting and developing talent.
During her tenure at EFSC, Petik led the Titans to their best season in program history, with 40 wins and their first-ever appearance in the NJCAA Region 8 Championship. Under her guidance, EFSC also achieved its first nationwide ranking, reaching as high as No. 13. These accomplishments reflect Petik’s ability to elevate a program and foster a culture of excellence.
Clark is understandably enthusiastic about Petik’s addition to the Owls’ coaching staff. “I’m really excited to welcome Shelby to the Owl family,” Clark said. “She comes in with head coaching experience and a record of recruiting and developing talent. She is a proven winner, including leading her team to 40 wins last season.”
Petik’s deep recruiting connections in South Florida and across the state make her an invaluable asset to the Owls as they look to build on a 40+ win season that culminated in an NCAA Regional appearance. Her experience and success at EFSC suggest that she is well-equipped to help FAU continue its upward trajectory in collegiate softball.
As FAU prepares for the upcoming season, Petik’s presence on the coaching staff is likely to have a significant impact on the team’s performance. Her ability to recruit top talent and develop players will be crucial as the Owls aim to establish themselves as a dominant force in their conference and beyond.
