FGCL summer softball league debuts on Thursday

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