The Professional Softball League (PSL) brings a groundbreaking event to Manatee County this weekend. For the first time in the region’s history, four professional fastpitch teams will play in the same location at the same time at IMG Academy’s world-class softball complex in Bradenton.
Featured matchups (both games at 6:30 p.m.):
- Florida Vibe vs. Atlanta Smoke (Fields 1 & 2)
- Florida Breeze vs. Kansas City Diamonds (Fields 1 & 2)
It’s Little League Week at the games. Wear your Little League or travel jersey and get in FREE. General admission is $10 at the gate; kids under 12 are free. Fans are encouraged to pack the complex for photos, autographs, and up-close access to top-tier professional talent.
Why This Event Matters
This isn’t just another showcase. It’s a rare convergence of established pros and recent college standouts during the inaugural PSL season. Rosters across these teams are loaded with players fresh off Women’s College World Series runs, All-American honors, conference titles, and national statistical leadership. Expect power hitting, elite pitching, and the kind of athleticism that bridges the gap between college stardom and professional careers.
Florida Vibe (Bradenton-based)
The hometown Vibe enters the weekend with a deep, athletic 2026 roster featuring players from some of the nation’s top programs. Head Coach Mike Scott leads a group that includes:
- Sophia Nugent (#7, C, Tennessee) — Recent standout with power and production behind the plate.
- Bre Peck (#88, Utility, Virginia Tech) — Record-setting performer with elite hitting numbers in college.
- Ayanna Andrews (#6, OF, LSU) — Athletic outfielder from a perennial powerhouse.
- Alexis Pupillo (#31, Utility, Alabama) and Kali Heivilin (#22, IF, Alabama) — Crimson Tide contributors bringing SEC experience.
- Robyn Herron (#11, P, Arkansas) and Alyssa Zabala (#13, P, Louisville) — Left- and right-handed pitching options.
- Sisters Lauren Claire Camenzind (#2, IF, Nebraska) and Hannah Camenzind (#9, P, Nebraska) add family chemistry and Cornhusker pedigree.
- Additional pieces include Tyrina Jones (#1, IF, Duke), Abby Dayton (#16, OF, Oklahoma), Makena Smith (#21, C, California), Hannah Coor (#27, OF, Nebraska), and Citlaly Gutierrez (#77, P, Texas).
The Vibe’s mix of power, speed, and recent college production makes them a fun watch on their home turf.
Atlanta Smoke
The Smoke bring championship pedigree (multiple titles in the prior professional era) and one of the most star-studded rosters in the league. Standouts include:
- Kiki Milloy (#9, OF, Tennessee) — One of the most accomplished recent college players in the game. She led the nation in home runs in 2023, set Tennessee’s career home run record, earned NFCA First Team All-America honors, made the WCWS All-Tournament Team, and was a USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 10 finalist. She also became the first softball player to win Tennessee’s prestigious Torchbearer Award.
- Janae Jefferson (#2, INF, Texas) and Koko Wooley (#3, INF, Texas A&M) — Dynamic infield duo from powerhouse programs.
- Donnie Gobourne (#23, P, South Carolina) — Proven arm with SEC experience.
- Morgan Howe (#47, OF, Arizona State) — Speed and production from the Sun Devils.
- Other notables: Charla Echols (#4, INF, Florida), Elizabeth Mason (#5, C/UTL, Florida State), Jala Wright (#14, P, Duke), and AnaMarie Bruni (#0, OF, South Florida).
Atlanta’s blend of proven winners and high-level college talent makes them a formidable opponent.
Florida Breeze (New PSL expansion team, Bradenton/Tampa Bay area)
The Breeze are building their identity in their first PSL season. One confirmed piece is pitcher Maddie McPherson (NC State), who brings Division I experience and strikeout stuff to the circle. Expect a roster of recent college contributors looking to establish themselves in the new league.
Kansas City Diamonds
The Diamonds bring Midwest grit and strong organizational backing to the event. Their 2026 roster features players from programs including Virginia (Leah Boggs, C/UTL; Savanah Henley, LHP), Baylor (Presleigh Pilon, MIF), and Missouri (Laurin Krings, RHP), among others. The organization is supported by high-profile coaching talent, including legendary pitcher and Olympic silver medalist Monica Abbott as associate head coach. They’ll look to impose their style against the Breeze in Bradenton.
What to Expect
Two professional games running simultaneously on adjacent fields creates a unique, high-energy atmosphere — something rarely seen at this level locally. The IMG Academy complex provides excellent sightlines and facilities. With the Little League promotion, it’s an ideal family outing where young players can see exactly what the next level looks like.
Whether you’re there for the Vibe’s local flavor, the Smoke’s star power (especially Milloy), or just to witness pro fastpitch up close, this weekend marks a milestone for softball in the Sarasota-Manatee area.
Event Details Recap
- When: June 22-24, 2026 (games at 6:30 p.m. on Fields 1 & 2)
- Where: IMG Academy Softball Complex, Bradenton, FL
- Admission: $10 at the gate; Little League/travel jersey = FREE; Kids under 12 = FREE
- Vibe: Photos, autographs, and pro-level action in a fan-friendly setting
This is pro softball at its most accessible. Get out there, support the game, and enjoy what should be an electric atmosphere at IMG.
Sources for rosters and player details include official team sites (vibesoftball.com, theatlantasmoke.com, thekcdiamonds.com), PSL announcements, and verified college athletics profiles.
