Tag: Softball

Florida softball’s 2025 regular-season schedule unveiled

Florida brings back a plethora of talent from the 2024 WCWS squad, which amassed 54 wins and a 17-7 mark against SEC opposition.

Florida softball announced its 2025 regular-season schedule on Wednesday, which now includes the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners as members of the formidable Southeastern Conference alongside the Gators.

Speaking of which, SEC play starts on March 7 and runs through May 3, including eight three-game series for each team for a grand total of 24 games.

This season, the Orange and Blue will host the Arkansas Razorbacks and Alabama Crimson Tide — as well as the two conference newcomers — while hitting the road for series at the Texas A&M Aggies, Auburn Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels and LSU Tigers.

The SEC Tournament will take place from May 6 to 10 in Athens, Georgia, following the conclusion of the regular-season schedule.

Tim Walton’s team brings back a plethora of talent from the 2024 Women’s College World Series squad, which amassed 54 wins and a 17-7 mark against SEC opposition.

2025 Florida Softball Schedule

Date(s) Day(s) Opponent/Event
Feb. 6 Thursday NORTH FLORIDA
Feb. 7-9 Fri-Sun USF-Rawlings Invitational
Feb. 11 Tuesday JACKSONVILLE
Feb. 12 Wednesday STETSON
Feb. 13-16 Thu-Sun BUBLY INVITATIONAL
Feb. 19 Wednesday at North Florida
Feb. 21-23 Fri-Sun ASU Softball Tournament
Feb. 26 Wednesday FLORIDA GULF COAST
Feb. 28-March 2 Fri-Sun FLORIDA INVITATIONAL
March 5 Wednesday at Houston
March 7-9 Fri-Sun at Texas A&M
March 12 Wednesday UCF
March 14-16 Fri-Sun TEXAS
March 19 Wednesday at Jacksonville
March 26 Wednesday at UCF
March 28-30 Fri-Sun at Auburn
April 2 Wednesday at Florida State
April 4-6 Fri-Sun ARKANSAS
April 9 Wednesday at Stetson
April 11-13 Fri-Sun at Ole Miss
April 18-20 Fri-Sun ALABAMA
April 23 Wednesday USF
April 25-27 Fri-Sun at LSU
May 1-3 Thu-Sat OKLAHOMA
May 6-10 Tue-Sat SEC Tournament

* Capitalized opponents represent home games/series

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Aubrey Leach named director of player development for Lady Vols

Karen Weekly names former Lady Vol Aubrey Leach director of player development.

Tennessee softball head coach Karen Weekly announced the addition of Aubrey Leach to her staff Wednesday.

Leach, a former Lady Vol, will serve as the director of player development at Tennessee.

She has served as a volunteer assistant at Tennessee for the last three seasons, while pursuing a juris doctor. During Leach’s time as a graduate assistant, the Lady Vols three SEC championships, including two regular-season titles and a tournament championship. The Lady Vols also advanced to the Women’s College World Series in 2023.

Leach played for the Lady Vols from 2016-19 and finished her collegiate career as the program’s all-time leader in runs (253) and walks (162). She also ranked second in on-base percentage (.503).

In 2019, Leach signed a professional contract with Scrap Pitch Fast Pitch. She spent the last five years playing with Athletes Unlimited.

Calvin Mattheis/USA TODAY Network

NFCA to offer online recruiting session for parents, players and coaches

Learn how to register for the “Recruiting Myths & Truths” panel.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The college recruiting process can be confusing and intimidating.

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) wants to help answer your questions and ease your concerns. It will offer a live online session to provide parents, prospective student-athletes and coaches with the resources to have a better understanding of recruiting.

A panel (subject to change) of head coaches and experts from all collegiate levels will present “Recruiting Myths & Truths” presented by SixFour3 at 8 p.m. ET on Aug 20, which will cover a wide variety of topics, including:

  • The new NCAA scholarship models
  • Name, Image, and Likeness
  • The transfer portal
  • Understanding recruiting terminology
  • Visits, phone calls, and camps
  • What to expect from coaches
  • Prospect responsibilities
  • The role of the parent
  • The “Truths and Myths” of recruiting
  • The role of social media in recruiting
  • The NCAA Eligibility Center & National Letter of Intent

The lineup includes coaches Karen Weekly (University of Tennessee – NCAA Division I), Jenny Rohn (Harvard University – NCAA Division I), Olivia Watkins (Duke University – NCAA Division I), Mike Davenport (University of North Georgia – NCAA Division II), Van Zanic (Geneva College – NCAA Division III) and Maria Winn-Ratliff (Trinity Valley Community College – NJCAA), plus administrators Jody Sykes (NCAA Division I Compliance – University of Oregon), Shane Drahota (NCAA Division II Compliance – Minnesota State University Mankato) and Marie Curran-Headley (NCAA Division III Compliance – SUNY Cobleskill).

The cost is just $25 for individuals or $75 for groups up to four. Everyone who registers will be emailed a recording of the live session, whether or not they were able to attend live.

Click HERE to register. You can submit specific questions you want answered on the form. For more information, email events@nfca.org or call 502-409-4600.

(NFCA)

The NFCA is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its highly-regarded coaches polls and All-America awards, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to awards, to in-person events and National Convention. 

ATEC/NFCA announce Spring High School Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year

The Great 8 of 2024.

 LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Eight programs were honored by their peers as 2023-24 ATEC/NFCA High School Spring Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year, the Association announced on Friday afternoon.

Competing in the Spring of 2024, Delta High School (Alaska), Providence High School (Calif.), Antioch High School (Ill.), Calvary Baptist Academy (La.), Silverdale Baptist Academy (Tenn.), Austintown Fitch High School (Ohio), Mount Saint Dominic Academy (N.J.) and Mardela High School (Md.) represent the Regions III through X, respectively.

These programs, along with Summer/Fall recipients Washington High School (Mo.) (Region I) and Guthrie High School (Okla.) (Region II), are now eligible for the NFCA High School National Coaching Staff of the Year award, which will be announced on August 20, 2024.

To be eligible, the program’s head coach must be a member and nominated. Winners were voted by member head coaches in each of their respective regions.

Regional Winners

Region III – Delta High School (Alaska)

Head Coach: Richard Lester

Assistant Coach: Amanda Bunselmeier

Posted a 30-6 record and reached the ASAA Division II state championship tournament … Went 3-2 at the state tournament … Ten players earned 4.0 GPA with five earning NFCA All-Region and two NFCA All-America honors.

Region IV – Providence High School (Calif.)

Head Coach: Manuel Travieso

Assistant Coach: Patricia Workman

Playing a tough schedule, Providence finished 23-4 overall and 12-0 in League and held the No. 1 spot in the CIF division 5 for several weeks … Coach Travieso and Workman showed exception dedication and commitment to their players and community, which including guiding six seniors to secure commitment to prestigious academic universities (non-DI) … Organized free camps and emphasized a commitment to community engagement.

Region V – Antioch High School (Ill.)

Head Coach: Anthony Rocco

Assistant Coaches: Hilary O’Donnell, Alex Caccamo, Tammy Johnson, Makaila House

Nabbed second consecutive coaching staff of the year accolade … Class 3A state runner-up for second straight season … Registered a 29-6 mark and posted 19- and 15-game winning streaks in 2023 … Ranked ninth for a few weeks in the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 poll … Earned notable wins over St. Charles North, Mundelein, Lincoln-Way East, Hononegah, Warren, Sycamore, and Richmond Burton.

Region VI – Calvary Baptist Academy (La.)

Head Coach: Tiffany Wood

Assistant Coaches: Greg Frazier, Harold Johnson, Jessica Gann

Won its fourth straight LHSAA Division III state crown … Registered a 35-2 record … Finished second in the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 poll and 10th in the MaxPreps rankings to go along with a No. 1 state ranking.

Region VII – Silverdale Baptist Academy (Tenn.)

Head Coach: Jake Freelend

Assistant Coaches: Tim Thompson, Sloan Mulligan

Back-to-back TSSAA Division II Class A state champions … Posted a 50-3 overall record and finished 15th in final MaxPreps rankings and No. 1 overall in Tennessee … Outscored the opposition 25-3 in the state tournament and 70-5 during the entire postseason … Captured regional and district titles … Finished the season outscoring their opponents 396-42, launched 66 home runs and posted a 0.69 ERA.

Region VIII – Austintown Fitch High School (Ohio)

Head Coach: Steven Ward

Assistant Coaches: Bob Jones, Becki Spalding, Nicole Fiddler, Jerry Bruff, Rich Raymer

Captured second straight coaching staff of the year honor … Won second consecutive Division I state title despite replacing four starters and five seniors from the 2023 team … Posted a 23-1 record and is 45-1 the past two years … Ended the season ranked No. 1 in Ohio, No. 6 nationally in the USA TODAY SPORTS/NFCA High School Super 25 poll and 14th nationally on MaxPreps … Recorded two wins over top-10 nationally-ranked programs … .

Region IX – Mount Saint Dominic Academy (N.J.)

Head Coach: Robert Stern

Assistant Coaches: Ashley DeYoung, Angelo Delvecchio

Starting six freshmen, the Lions were the state Parochial A runner-up … Posted a 30-2 record and was ranked in the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA High School Super 25 poll for nine weeks, finishing the season ranked 17th nationally … Coach Stern is a big advocate for his student-athletes as well as those across the tri-state area … He hosts softball events through the season bringing in high-powered teams to compete, while also hosting a senior all-star game (Super 36).

Region X – Mardela High School (Md.)

Head Coach: Kory Shiles

Assistant Coaches: Michele Jones, John Jones, Alexa Jones, Kenny Robinson, Alicia Campbell, Kate Satterlee, Brooke Keene, Bill Duck, Christina Heath

Posted a school record 24 wins and was a state semifinalist … Captured the Bayside Conference title for the second straight year and the 1A East Region championship for the third straight year … Only loss of the season was a 1-0 defeat in the state semifinal against eventual state champion Allegany … Coach Shiles earned his 300th career win in 2024 and was also tabbed Bayside South Coach of the Year for the 11th time.

The NFCA is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its highly-regarded Coaching Staff of the Year awards, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to a comprehensive drills database, to in-person events and a National Convention.

Lady Vols announce 2024 fall softball schedule

Tennessee announces 2024 fall softball games.

Tennessee announced its 2024 fall softball schedule on Friday.

Admission is free for all fall softball games at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. Gates will open one hour prior to first pitch, while restrooms will be open and concessions will not be available.

Tennessee’s 2024 fall softball schedule:

Saturday, Sept. 28 – Tennessee vs. Lipscomb – Noon EDT

Saturday, Sept. 28 – Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech – 5 p.m. EDT

Sunday, Sept. 29 – Tennessee vs. Walters State – Noon EDT

Sunday, Sept. 29 – Tennessee vs. Carson-Newman – 5 p.m. EDT

Saturday, Oct. 5 – Tennessee vs. Kentucky – TBD

Friday, Oct. 11 – Tennessee vs. Tusculum – 6 p.m. EDT

Sunday, Oct. 13 – Tennessee vs. King University – TBD

Sunday, Oct. 20 – Tennessee at Kentucky – TBD

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Why aren’t baseball or softball at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

Don’t worry, they’ll be back in 2028.

Baseball and softball are Olympic sports again.

After being taken off the official program after 2008, both sports made a comeback for the 2021 Summer Olympics — played in 2021 thanks to a global pandemic. That marked the first time in 13 years anyone was awarded gold medals for their dominance on the diamond.

However, you won’t see either sport in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The short answer why? The Paris organizers didn’t want it.

Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 Paris Olympics organizing committee didn’t include baseball or softball

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is ultimately responsible for staging the games and deciding which events will be part of it. They aren’t alone. They make the lineup, per the IOC, “upon recommendations of the Olympic Programme Commission and in cooperation with the International Federations and the respective Organising Committee of the Olympic Games.”

That gave local organizers additional sway when it came to picking new sports for its Games. Paris chose skateboarding, surfing, sport climbing and breakdancing. In the process, it left 2021 Olympic sports baseball, softball and karate off the docket.

Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Fortunately, softball and baseball will return for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

That local influence was beneficial for baseball and softball during an Olympiad in Japan, which brought the two sports back to the podium. It’s even bigger where it’s a national pastime. The LA28 committee offered six new sports for its Games, the majority of which are extremely American in nature:

  • baseball and softball
  • flag football
  • lacrosse
  • squash
  • cricket

The question is what form the two diamond sports will take in 2028. Major League Baseball has long resisted any break in play that would allow the best players in the world to take part. Professional softball doesn’t have the same kind of infrastructure, but leagues like Women’s Professional Fastpitch, Association of Fastpitch Professionals and Athletes Unlimited would also have to alter their schedules to accommodate a two-week break and all the prep that comes with it.

Watch: Makayla Raap makes a tremendous leap to score the game winning run

This was a dramatic play to win a softball game as you’ll ever see.

Makayla Raap is clutch.

Really, what else can be said about this play from Raap, an 11-year-old softball player?

A member of the Athletes HQ team who was playing in a national tournament this weekend, Raap showed some strong softball IQ along with a nifty bit of athleticism to make a spectacular play to win a game for her team. Athletes HQ (based in Elgin, IL) was in a 7-7 game in the bottom of the sixth.

Addison Newby was at the plate with runners on first and second. Newby smoked a hard hit into shallow left field and Raap got a great break on the contact.

This break, which was certainly a heads-up bit of base running, allowed Raap to round third just as the throw was coming in from centerfield.

The catcher did a good job of fielding the throw, but Raap lept over the outstretched tag and dove into home plate.

Check it out. This is a really nice play:

 

You won’t find a better bit of baserunning in either Women’s Professional Fastpitch or the MLB. This is just a smart, head’s up play here.

And to win the game, no less. Incredible.

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High school softball coaches can now communicate with catchers via electronic devices

NFHS will allow earpiece communication between coaches and the catcher.

A significant rule change is coming to high school softball. It is a rule that has needed amending for some time now.

Coaches will now be permitted to communicate with their catchers (while on defense) via an electronic device. All communication must be one-way according to a change this week by the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS)

The new rule allows that  devices “such as earpieces, electronic bands and ‘smart’ watches are now permitted as an EXCEPTION within the rule provided the player does not utilize said device to return correspondence to the coaching staff.”

“This change is the result of analysis of current data, state association experimentation and a positive response from the membership,” NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee, Sandy Searcy, said in a press release.

“The committee has made these changes to support the use of emerging technology within the sport of softball. Being a permissive rule, the use of this one-way electronic communication will allow those who choose to embrace the technology an additional option to communicate with the catcher while on defense. It will also maintain the ability for those who prefer a more traditional approach to communicate using signals or a playbook/playcard to continue that approach.”

The catcher and only the catcher is to be communicated with according to the rule.

Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times made an interesting point in his story about the change, noting that “A similar rule allowed use of the communication devices this past season in high school baseball.”

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Texas transfer Ryan Brown signs with Tennessee

Tennessee announces the signing of Texas transfer Ryan Brown.

Tennessee softball announced the signing of transfer infielder Ryan Brown on Thursday.

“I’m excited to welcome Ryan home to Tennessee,” Tennessee head coach Karen Weekly said. “She has a unique combination of power and speed that will remind our fans of recent Lady Vol greats. She comes from a family of outstanding athletes and knows what it takes to be successful at the top level of collegiate softball.”

Brown appeared in 11 games as a freshman at Texas in 2024. She recorded a .182 batting average, one home run, two RBIs, one run and two walks in 11 at-bats.

Brown went to Texas from Independence High School in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee.

PHOTOS: Lady Vols wear teal to honor legacy of Alex Wilcox

Mikala Compton/USA TODAY Network

Florida’s Tim Walton named D1Softball’s 2024 Coach of the Year

Florida softball’s magical 2024 season ends with head coach Tim Walton taking home the D1Softball Coach of the Year Award.

D1Softball named Florida head coach [autotag]Tim Walton[/autotag] the 2024 Coach of the Year Award on Monday, following a deep run in the Women’s College World Series that ended a win away from reaching the finals.

Although many were upset to see Oklahoma head coach Patty Grasso miss out on the award following a fourth-straight national championship, D1Softball argues that Florida’s transformation over the past year under Walton was more impressive.

Two seasons ago, Florida only had 38 wins. In 2023, they finished with an 11-13 record against the rest of the SEC and were knocked out of the playoffs relatively early in the Stanford Regional.

Walton made a few key additions from the transfer portal — [autotag]Jocelyn Erickson[/autotag] and [autotag]Korbe Otis[/autotag] — to an already strong freshman class, and Florida went 54-15 (17-7) in 2024. Whether the team building or the actual coaching mattered more is inconsequential. That big of a jump forward deserves some recognition.

Florida is pushing forward at full steam, too. Walton has remained active in the transfer portal this offseason to replace a six-woman senior class, including Gators great Skylar Wallace.

Through 19 seasons as Florida’s head coach, Walton has won 980 games with an 81% win rate.

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