The Florida Gulf Coast League, the first of its kind for college softball players, starts its inaugural season on Thursday.
The seven-team league will play a 25-game schedule during the next five weeks. More than 56 colleges at every level have at least one player participating.
Former Olympian Michele Smith, now a lead analyst at ESPN, will throw out the first pitch during Thursday’s opening ceremonies. The league debuts with three games on Thursday, all played at Palma Sola Park in Bradenton.
Thursday’s schedule
River Mocs vs. Lynx, 5:30
Impact vs. Fastpitch U, 5:30
Squeeze vs. Pioneers, 7:30
Several locals are playing in the league’s debut season. Here are some of the more recognizable names. Click here for more information on the league.
Fastpitch U
OF Madison Lewis
High school: Chamberlain
College: Florida International
The Impact
3B/C Hannah Perez
High school: East Bay
College: Warner
Lynx
INF Jaylnn Ford
High school: Palm Harbor University
College: Florida Atlantic
Manatee Squeeze
UTIL Jordyn Kadlub
High school: Pasco
College: USF
Myakka City River Mocs
INF Claire Ginder
High school: Newsome
College: Furman
OF Maggie Trgo
High school: Newsome
College: Western Kentucky
The Pioneers
C Neely Peterson
High school: Cypress Creek
College: Colorado State
INF Megan Pierro
High school: Steinbrenner
College: USF