As the 2024 NCAA Softball season rapidly approaches, we take a look at each NCAA DI team in Florida and offer some insight into their upcoming season.
UCF
After securing their third consecutive 40-win season, the UCF softball team is set to make its debut in the Big 12 Conference this spring. The team has been predicted to finish fifth out of the 10 programs in the conference, marking the second-highest preseason ranking for any UCF team by Big 12 coaches. The Knights stand above newcomers BYU (7th) and Houston (10th) in the rankings. The reigning national champions, Oklahoma Sooners, top the poll as unanimous favorites, followed by Texas, Oklahoma State, and Baylor.
UCF, returning 17 players from the 2023 roster, is bolstered by 10 newcomers, including three transfers and a freshman class ranked 16th nationally. The team’s offensive prowess is heightened by the return of the two best hitters, Chloe Evans and Aubrey Evans. Chloe Evans boasts an impressive .355 batting average with 16 doubles, 6 home runs, and 49 RBIs, while Aubrey Evans, returning after hitting .338 last year, recorded 18 doubles and 30 RBIs. On the pitching front, Sarah Willis makes a strong comeback in the circle with a remarkable 19-4 record, a 1.65 ERA, and 124 strikeouts.
The Knights will kick off their spring campaign at the UCF Softball Complex with the Black & Gold Classic tournament, featuring a season-opening doubleheader against Howard and UConn on Feb. 8, followed by matchups against Seattle, Georgia State, and another against the Huskies throughout the weekend.
USF
The University of South Florida softball team secured the fourth spot in the Preseason Coaches’ American Athletic Conference Poll, as revealed by the league office. Following their third-place finish in the 2023 season with a 32-24 overall record (10-7 in the AAC), the Bulls bring back 16 players and introduce 14 newcomers to the 2024 team. Wichita State claimed the top position in the preseason rankings, with newcomers Charlotte and North Texas following closely. Notably, Wichita State and Charlotte were the only AAC teams to reach Regionals in 2023.
The AAC undergoes expansion with the addition of five new teams – UAB, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, and UTSA – bringing the conference total to 10 teams. Alongside the Bulls, East Carolina, Memphis, Tulsa, and Wichita State continue their presence in the conference.
Florida State
Entering the upcoming season on a high note, the Florida State softball team is eyeing another successful campaign after clinching their 19th ACC Tournament Championship and 14th ACC Regular Season Championship in 2023. Coaches are once again placing their bets on the Seminoles, predicting them to secure the ACC title for the 11th consecutive season. Notably, five key players from the squad – Kalei Harding, Jahni Kerr, Kaley Mudge, Makenna Reid, and Michaela Edenfield – have been named to the Preseason All-ACC Team, all of whom earned All-ACC honors in the previous year.
Jahni Kerr, coming off a breakout season in 2023 with stellar stats, including a team-leading batting average of .356, eight home runs, and 40 RBIs, is set to play a pivotal role. Kaley Mudge, known for her defensive prowess in left field, boasts a .346 batting average and started in 67 of the 69 games last season. Michaela Edenfield, a power hitter, topped the charts in both home runs (13) and RBIs (53), earning recognition on the WCWS All-Tournament Team. Makenna Reid, the standout freshman pitcher with an impeccable 13-0 record and a remarkable 0.97 ERA, is ready to continue her stellar performance. With a formidable lineup featuring six of the top seven hitters returning, including Allison Royalty, Emma Wilson, and Madi Balk, along with promising additions from a talented freshmen class, FSU is gearing up for their season opener on Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. against Charlotte in the JoAnne Graf Classic.
Adding to the excitement of the upcoming season, Florida State softball’s Michaela Edenfield earned a spot on USA Softball’s Player of the Year Top 50 Watch List, marking her inaugural appearance on this prestigious list. Edenfield’s recognition follows a standout 2023 season where she led the team in both home runs (13) and RBIs (53), showcasing her power-hitting prowess. The redshirt junior from Sneads, Fla., played a pivotal role in the Women’s College World Series, hitting crucial home runs against formidable opponents and earning a spot on the WCWS All-Tournament Team. Known for delivering in clutch moments, Edenfield contributed significantly to the team’s success, with 25 of her 39 hits resulting in a run for the Noles.
FGCU
As the Florida Gulf Coast softball team gears up for the upcoming season, they bring with them a solid foundation from their previous campaign, finishing with a commendable 32-26 record. The team’s offensive firepower is anchored by two standout sophomores, Emily Chiarella and Tiffany Meek, who emerged as the best hitters in the lineup last season. Chiarella showcased her prowess with an impressive .314 batting average, while Meek closely followed with a strong .311 average. Their consistent contributions at the plate will undoubtedly be crucial for the team’s offensive strategy in the upcoming season.
On the pitching front, Florida Gulf Coast boasts a formidable duo set to fortify their presence on the mound. With the potential to make a significant impact, these pitchers will play a vital role in shaping the team’s performance in the ASUN Conference. As the season unfolds, the Eagles will look to leverage the strengths of their top hitters and pitchers to build on their previous success and make a strong statement in the highly competitive conference.
Florida
In the realm of SEC softball, Skylar Wallace and Kendra Falby have secured spots on the 2024 Preseason All-SEC Team, contributing to the recognition of the Florida softball program. The team, projected to finish seventh in the SEC, earned one first-place vote in the Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Wallace, entering her final season, looks to build on her remarkable 2023, where she garnered SEC Player of the Year and NFCA Player of the Year honors. Meanwhile, Falby, an All-SEC Second Team selection in 2023, anticipates continuing her impressive performances into her junior year.
The dynamic duo played a pivotal role in the team’s success last season, contributing to a third of the total runs scored (128-of-383) and accounting for two-thirds of the program’s stolen bases (57-of-85). The coaches’ poll points were compiled on a descending basis, and coaches refrained from voting for their own teams. The Preseason All-SEC Team, selected by head coaches, represents ten schools, with Tennessee leading with five selections. Additionally, USA Softball recognized the talent within the Florida softball ranks, placing Skylar Wallace, Kendra Falby, and newcomer Korbe Otis on the 2024 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 50 Watch List. The SEC dominates the list with 21 athletes, showcasing the conference’s depth and competitiveness in collegiate softball.
Jacksonville
As the Jacksonville softball team gears up for the upcoming season, they look to leverage the impressive performances of key players to elevate their game. Coming off a 25-27 record last year, the team is poised for growth and improvement. Madison Reynolds, a standout top hitter, will be a crucial player to watch. In the previous season, Reynolds made a significant impact, making 52 appearances and starting in all of them. She not only led the team in various offensive categories, including batting average (.323), slugging percentage (.449), and RBI (28), but also showcased her versatility with contributions in stolen bases (10) and doubles (12). Reynolds’ well-rounded skills and leadership will be instrumental for Jacksonville’s offensive strategy in the upcoming season.
On the pitching front, keep an eye on freshman Skylar Waggoner, hailing from Melbourne, FL, and Viera HS. Waggoner, who earned the 2023 BSN Softball Player of the Year and the 2023 MVP Viera Softball accolades, arrives with a notable high school record, having set the Viera High School strikeout record with an impressive 648 strikeouts. As a promising addition to the Jacksonville pitching staff, Waggoner’s skills and achievements suggest she could make a significant impact in the circle. With the combination of Reynolds’ offensive prowess and Waggoner’s potential on the mound, Jacksonville aims to make strides in the ASUN Conference and build on their achievements from the previous season.
UNF
As North Florida prepares for the upcoming season, their solid foundation from the previous year’s 29-23-1 record positions them for success. The team welcomes back three impactful hitters, adding depth and experience to their lineup. Grad student Shannon Glover, a two-time All-ASUN honoree, brings a potent bat with a .341 average, 59 hits, 37 RBIs, and 11 home runs. Senior Chloe Culp contributes to the offensive firepower with a .325 batting average, 53 hits, 39 RBIs, and four home runs. Grad student Kayla Harper, earning her first All-ASUN selection, provides speed and consistency with a .319 average, 46 hits, 15 RBIs, and an impressive 26 stolen bases.
In the circle, the Ospreys rely on the return of junior pitcher Ashley Connor. With a notable 2.56 ERA in 2023, Connor logged 37 appearances, including 25 starts and 166.2 innings pitched. Her record of 12-13, coupled with 96 strikeouts, seven complete games, and five saves, underscores her effectiveness as a versatile and reliable asset. With a well-rounded roster, North Florida aims to build on their achievements and compete fiercely in the upcoming season.
Bethune-Cookman
Bethune-Cookman’s softball team, coming off a 19-31 record last year, looks toward the upcoming season with key players ready to make an impact. Junior Essence Gibbs returns with a reliable bat, finishing the previous season with a .248 batting average and 28 total hits, including four doubles and one triple. Her offensive contributions will be crucial as the Wildcats aim to improve their record and make a mark in the SWAC.
In the circle, the Wildcats can rely on the return of junior pitcher Halyne Gonzalez. Having appeared in 42 games, starting 35, Gonzalez achieved a 15-14 pitching record with an ERA of 2.87, ranking seventh overall in the SWAC. Her outstanding performance earned her a well-deserved spot on the All-SWAC first team, and she led the conference with an impressive 188 strikeouts. With Gonzalez’s pitching prowess and Gibbs’s offensive capabilities, Bethune-Cookman aims to elevate its standing in the SWAC and compete fiercely in the upcoming season.
Stetson
Stetson’s softball team, coming off a 28-28 record last year, is poised for the upcoming season with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent. Junior Kami Eppley, a key contributor at the plate, boasts a .320 batting average and has demonstrated her ability to score, crossing the plate 20 times while adding two home runs to the team’s offensive arsenal. Senior Marissa Baxter provides additional power, leading the team with an impressive five home runs and contributing 20 RBIs. With Eppley and Baxter anchoring the lineup, Stetson aims to leverage their hitting prowess for a competitive run in the ASUN.
On the pitching front, Stetson can rely on the experience of senior Lauren Hobbs, who returns with a 15-10 record from the previous season. Hobbs boasts an impressive 2.18 ERA and recorded 108 strikeouts, adding a valuable element of consistency and control from the circle. Complementing Hobbs, sophomore Hannah Marien also returns after posting a 9-13 record with a commendable 2.34 ERA and 106 strikeouts. With a solid pitching duo and offensive firepower from key hitters, Stetson looks forward to making strides in the ASUN Conference and building on their achievements from the previous season.
FAU
The Florida Atlantic softball team gears up for a significant transition as they embark on their first season in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), securing the fifth spot in the AAC Coaches’ Poll. Head coach Jordan Clark, entering her second season at FAU, anticipates a competitive debut in the AAC after an impressive inaugural year that saw the Owls notch 35 wins, their highest since 2017, and a 15-9 conference play record. Returning key players, including junior pitcher Gabby Sacco, the 2023 C-USA Pitcher of the Year, and sophomore third baseman Jesiana Mora, contribute to FAU’s solid foundation as they step into the AAC.
Sacco, recognized among the nation’s top pitchers, holds the 36th spot in D1 Softball’s rankings. In the 2023 season, Sacco showcased her prowess with 169.1 innings pitched, securing a remarkable 19-8 record and an impressive 1.61 ERA. Her standout performance included a no-hitter against Illinois State, marking a significant milestone for both Sacco and the Owls. Leading the team in various categories, including wins, strikeouts, and shutouts, Sacco played a pivotal role in FAU’s success, culminating in her recognition as the C-USA Pitcher of the Year, All C-USA First Team, and Third Team All-South Region. Her contributions were instrumental in the Owls’ resurgence, culminating in 35 wins, their highest since 2017.
Florida A&M
Florida A&M’s softball team is gearing up for the upcoming season with a mix of experience and promising talent. Grad student Nyah Morgan emerged as a standout hitter for the Rattlers last season, boasting a .284 batting average. Morgan led the team in key offensive categories and showcased power with six home runs, contributed significantly with 30 RBIs, and displayed an impressive slugging percentage of .541. Her offensive prowess will be critical for Florida A&M as they aim to build on their 20-24 record from the previous year.
On the pitching front, the Rattlers welcome back junior Lauryn Peppers, who posted a 15-8 record with a 2.89 ERA in the previous season. Peppers’ ability to secure wins and maintain a solid ERA adds stability to the team’s pitching rotation. As Florida A&M seeks improvement and success in the competitive SWAC, the combination of Morgan’s hitting prowess and Peppers’ pitching prowess positions them well for the upcoming season.
FIU
Three FIU softball players have earned recognition on the 2024 Conference USA Preseason All-Conference Team, according to league officials. Sophomores Isabella Perez and Ella Whitney, alongside graduate transfer Casey Goguts, were named to the 21-member squad. Perez, a 2023 All-CUSA First Team and All-Freshman catcher, led Conference USA in catching runners stealing with 16. She also excelled offensively, boasting a .331 batting average and leading FIU with 22 RBIs. Whitney, a 2023 All-CUSA Second Team and All-Freshman first baseman, emerged as a force at the plate with a team-leading .349 batting average and an FIU record of hits in eight consecutive at-bats. Goguts, recognized for her versatility, spent her previous seasons at USC Upstate and contributed significantly with a .381 batting average, 13 home runs, and a 2023 Big South All-Conference First Team selection.
In the 2024 CUSA Preseason Coaches Poll, the Panthers secured the fifth spot with 41 points, trailing behind fourth-place Louisiana Tech by 12 points. The recognition of FIU players on the Preseason All-Conference Team reflects the team’s depth and talent, setting the stage for a competitive season in Conference USA.
