The Laker/Lutz News

Mitch Wilkins

Area softball players among best in state

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The high school softball season has come and gone, but local athletes are still racking up accolades from their 2021 campaigns.

The 2021 Miracle Sports all-state teams were released earlier this month honoring the top softball players in Florida — and area standouts were well-represented.

Over 40 softball players across nine schools from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were recognized either as first-team, second-team, third-team or honorable mention.

All-State selections were made by longtime Florida sportswriter Corey Davis, with nominations considered from prep coaches of playoff and non-playoff teams statewide, representing classes 1A through 7A.

The Land O’ Lakes High Gators varsity softball program went 24-8 and finished Class 5A state runner-up. Nine of the team’s players made the Miracle Sports 5A all-state team, which was the most among all local schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. (File)

The Land O’ Lakes High Gators (5A) led all area programs with nine selections, including two first-teamers in juniors Nehanda Lewis and Emma Nixon.

The Gators went 24-8 and finished 5A state-runner up, falling to Fort Myers High 7-6 in the state championship game on May 21 in Claremont.

Lewis — the team’s primary shortstop and a University of Central Florida softball commit — also was named 5A player of the year.

She led the Gators in batting average (.477), hits (41), RBI (40), walks (14), doubles (11), triples (five) and home runs (three), among other categories.

Nixon — the team’s catcher and a University of West Georgia commit — hit .295 with eight doubles and 34 RBI. Defensively, she paced the Gators in putouts (141) and threw out three base stealers.

Meanwhile, Land O’ Lakes head coach Mitch Wilkins was honored as 5A coach of the year.

In his eighth season as coach, Wilkins has paced the Gators to a combined 169-49-1 mark, including six 20-plus win seasons and a state crown in 2017. Likewise impressive on this year’s run was that the Gators roster included just two seniors (Gracie Stanley and Kalynn Lindsey), so the program should again be top-notch in coming years.

Land O’ Lakes High Gators varsity softball head coach Mitch Wilkins was named Miracle Sports 5A softball coach of the year. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High School athletics)

Academy at the Lakes — with a 17-5 record and a trip to the 2A regional semifinals — garnered the next-most selections among area schools, celebrating seven players on the 2A all-state team.

Freshman outfielder Addy Aliano, was a second-team choice; and pitchers Sydney Klein (freshman) and Katie Ferguson (eighth grade), earned third-team nods.

Aliano led the Wildcats in runs scored (26) to go along with a .338 batting average, 22 RBI and 13 stolen bases.

Klein and Ferguson both tossed more than 50 innings with sub 4 ERAs and 50-plus strikeouts each.

The Steinbrenner High Warriors (7A) and Wiregrass Ranch Bulls (6A) also had very strong all-state representation with five all-state selections apiece in their respective classifications.

All five Warriors were third-team 7A picks — senior Ashley Schroll, juniors Madison Frey and Emily Chiarella, sophomore Hailey Bellamy and freshman Lily Holtje, respectively. Steinbrenner went 23-5 and reached the 7A regional quarterfinals.

Leading the way for the Bulls, meanwhile, was first-team 6A choice Brianna Baer, a junior outfielder.

Baer posted a .412 batting average with four homers (including a grand slam), five doubles, two triples, 29 RBIs, 21 runs scored and six steals.

The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats varsity softball program went 17-5 and advanced to the 2A regional semifinals. Seven Wildcats made the Miracle Sports 2A all-state team. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes athletics)

The Gaither High Cowboys (6A) and Wesley Chapel Wildcats (4A) garnered four selections apiece.

Among the Cowboys top choices was 6A first-teamer Jocelyn Wilkes, a junior utility player and University of South Florida commit.

Wilkes put up eye-popping numbers in 18 games played — leading the Cowboys in batting average (.649), doubles (16), home runs (seven) and RBIs (40).

Wilkes also was the team’s ace in the circle, posting a 3.35 ERA and 98 strikeouts across 96 innings pitched.

All of Wesley Chapel’s selections earned third-team 4A designations — senior Ashley Garrison, juniors Madelyn Golka and Kadence Means, and freshman Ava Blakely, respectively.

The Cypress Creek Coyotes (3A) had three all-state selections — senior pitcher Hailey Vazquez (third-team) and junior infielders Mandy Schwartz (third-team) and Jillian Hudson (honorable mention).

The Wharton High Wildcats (7A) had two all-state picks — sophomore utility Lexi Cowles (first-team) and senior infielder Tieley Vaughn (honorable mention). Both Cowles and Vaughn hit over .400 with double-digit extra-base hits apiece.

The Sunlake High Seahawks (6A) had a lone all-state representative in junior outfielder Larken Maseda, a third-team choice.

Maseda — a Palm Beach Atlantic University softball commit — led the Seahawks in RBIs (20) to go along with a .362 batting clip and seven extra-base hits. She also paced the team in fielding percentage (.982) and putouts (96).

No local schools or athletes were recognized in Class 1A.

2021 Miracle Sports all-state teams
Class 7A

  • Madison Frey, Steinbrenner, junior, catcher (third team)
  • Lily Holtje, Steinbrenner, freshman, catcher (third team)
  • Emily Chiarella, Steinbrenner, junior, outfielder (third team)
  • Ashley Schroll, Steinbrenner, senior, utility (third team)
  • Hailey Bellamy, Steinbrenner, sophomore, utility (third team)
  • Lexi Cowles, Wharton, sophomore, utility (first team)
  • Tieley Vaughn, Wharton, senior, infielder (honorable mention)

Class 6A

  • Jocelyn Wilkes, Gaither, junior, utility (first team)
  • Marley Quammie, Gaither, freshman, outfielder (third team)
  • Alex Wilkes, Gaither, sophomore, utility (third team)
  • Megan Loughren, Gaither, sophomore, infielder (honorable mention)
  • Larken Maseda, Sunlake, junior, outfielder (third team)
  • Brianna Baer, Wiregrass Ranch, junior, outfielder(first team)
  • Kylee Johnson, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore, infielder (second team)
  • Isabella Amendolaro, Wiregrass Ranch, junior, outfielder (third team)
  • Elise Eason, Wiregrass Ranch, junior, infielder (honorable mention)
  • Gracie Bethel, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore, infielder (honorable mention)

Class 5A

  • Coach of the Year: Mitch Wilkins, Land O’ Lakes
  • Player of the Year: Nehanda Lewis, Land O’ Lakes, infielder (first team)
  • Emma Nixon, Land O’ Lakes, junior, catcher (first team)
  • Nehanda Lewis, Land O’ Lakes, junior, infielder (first team)
  • Kiersten Stevens, Land O’ Lakes, freshman, outfielder (third team)
  • Mia Fields, Land O’ Lakes, freshman, pitcher (honorable mention)
  • Gracie Stanley, Land O’ Lakes, senior, utility (honorable mention)
  • Reagan Alapa, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore, utility (honorable mention)
  • Jadyn Spencer, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore, utility (honorable mention)
  • Nicol Werking, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore, outfielder (honorable mention)
  • Aliana Mercado, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore, utility (honorable mention)

Class 4A

  • Kadence Means, Wesley Chapel, junior, catcher (third team)
  • Ashley Garrison, Wesley Chapel, senior, infielder (third team)
  • Ava Blakely, Wesley Chapel, freshman, outfielder (third team)
  • Madelyn Golka, Wesley Chapel, junior, utility (third team)

Class 3A

  • Hailey Vazquez, Cypress Creek, senior, pitcher (third team)
  • Mandy Schwartz, Cypress Creek, junior, infielder (third team)
  • Jillian Hudson, Cypress Creek, junior, infielder (honorable mention)

Class 2A

  • Addy Aliano, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, outfielder (second team)
  • Sydney Klein, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, pitcher (third team)
  • Katie Ferguson, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, pitcher (third team)
  • Vanessa Alexander, Academy at the Lakes, senior, infielder (honorable mention)
  • Juliana Ries, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, infielder (honorable mention)
  • Alina Ries, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, outfielder (honorable mention)
  • Molly Blackwood, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, utility (honorable mention)

No local schools or athletes recognized in Class 1A.

Published July 28, 2021

New coach named for Wesley Chapel High softball

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The Wesley Chapel High School varsity softball program, coming off its best season in school history, will look to continue its recent string of success under new leadership.

Bill Hoopes, who runs the Tampa Bay-based Florida Firecrackers U16 travel softball team, was recently named head coach of Wesley Chapel High School’s varsity softball program. (Courtesy of Florida Firecrackers)

Bill Hoopes, who runs the Tampa Bay-based Florida Firecrackers U16 travel softball team, last month was named the program’s head coach, replacing first-year coach Steve Mumaw.

In a public Facebook post dated Sept. 21, Hoopes wrote:

“This is an amazing school with a strong program that I look forward to building up even more over the years to come.

“Could not be more excited for this chance and opportunity to continue to make an impact on the game I love and helping these young ladies chase and achieve their dreams…”

A well-known name in the travel ball scene, Hoopes, also a teacher at Chasco Middle School in Port Richey, this past season guided the U16 Florida Firecrackers to a No. 3 ranking in the state and No. 67 in the nation, according to U.S. Softball Club rankings. Additionally, several of Hoopes’ travel players have landed scholarships and committed to Division I softball programs, including River Ridge High’s Jessica Bryson (University of Louisiana-Monroe) and Teah Steel (Alabama State University), and Mitchell High’s Alex Hare (Alabama State University).

Mumaw, meanwhile, guided the historically struggling Wildcats program to surprising feats in his lone season as head coach.

The 2017 Wesley Chapel varsity softball team achieved the program’s first winning season, going 19-7, with a 7-3 mark in district play. (File)

In 2017, the Wildcats achieved its first winning season, going 19-7, with a 7-3 mark in district play, and an appearance in the Class 6A regional semifinals.

The breakout campaign also featured a nine-game winning streak, including a shutout regular season victory over Land O’ Lakes High — the eventual Class 6A state champions.

In an email to the The Laker/Lutz News, Mumaw explained he decided to step down as softball coach, citing logistical issues between teaching at one school —Centennial Middle School in Dade City — and organizing practices at another — Wesley Chapel High.

Until Mumaw took over, the Wildcats softball program, which started in 2007, experienced years of futility, due to coaching instability and a dearth of talent.

In the program’s first five years, the Wildcats went 1-15, 2-20, 2-21, 1-22 and 2-21. Ensuing years were likewise taxing, as the program went 5-14, 0-24, 2-22 and 7-17.

Mumaw, also a former athletic director and baseball coach at Wesley Chapel High, credited the team’s rapid turnaround last season on its young, talented nucleus.

“It’s all the girls. When you have talent, it’s tough to mess that up,” Mumaw told The Laker/Lutz News in April.

Outside of one senior, the 2017 roster exclusively featured a collection of promising freshman and sophomores.

In addition to then-freshman ace pitcher/University of Central Florida commit Jordan Almasy (2.59 ERA, 130 strikeouts in 116.1 innings), the 2017 squad consisted of eight .300-or-better hitters.

Though many of those impact players are expected to return, some, however, have been redistricted to Cypress Creek Middle-High, which will force the new coaching staff to find added depth elsewhere.

One of those players certainly missed is catcher/Colorado State University commit Neely Peterson, arguably the Wildcats’ top all-around hitter last season.

Peterson, now a junior at Cypress Creek, paced the team in batting average (.443) on-base percentage (.566) and slugging percentage (1.207), and tied for the team lead in home runs (three) and RBIs (20).

Besides weathering key personnel losses, the new-look Wildcats have the ever-difficult task of again competing in District 7-6A, made up of perennial powerhouses Land O’ Lakes, coached by Mitch Wilkins, and River Ridge, coached by Kurt Goluba.

And, both programs are expected to compete at a high level again this season, with relatively minimal turnover.

Land O’ Lakes graduated four seniors — outfielder Jessie McCallister (.358 batting average), outfielder Lexi Turner (.293), outfielder/third baseman Justine Daniels (.280) and outfielder Maddie Burgett (.250) — while River Ridge graduated just one — catcher Brooke Vescey (.381).

The new Wildcats coaching staff will have an information meeting on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. in the school’s media center, for anyone interested in spring softball.

Most of the Wildcats’ 2018 schedule has been set:

Feb. 13: at Academy at the Lakes

Feb. 16: Sunlake High School

Feb. 20: at Land O’ Lakes High School

Feb. 22 River Ridge High School

Feb. 27: at Pasco High School

March 1: Zephyrhills High School

March 5: Mitchell High School

March 6: Anclote High School

March 8: Land O’ Lakes High School

March 13: at River Ridge High School

March 15: Pasco High School

March 20: at Zephyrhills High School

March 23: Palm Harbor Spring Break Tournament

March 24: Palm Harbor Spring Break Tournament

March 27: Anclote High School

March 28: York High School (Retsof, New York)

April 3: Academy at the Lakes

April 10: Wiregrass Ranch High School

2017 District 7-6A standings

  • Land O’ Lakes High (9-2; 29-3 overall)
  • River Ridge High (8-2; 16-9 overall)
  • Wesley Chapel High (7-3; 19-7 overall)
  • Pasco High (4-7; 7-11 overall)
  • Zephyrhills High (3-7; 6-15 overall)
  • Anclote High (0-19; 0-19 overall)

—Stats and information compiled using Maxpreps.com—

Published Oct. 4, 2017

Land O’ Lakes coaches named nation’s best

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The accolades haven’t stopped for the Land O’ Lakes High Gators softball program, months after winning its first-ever fast pitch state title.

The latest award spotlights the team’s coaches.

The Gators coaching staff has been named the 2017 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) High School Coaching Staff of the Year. The award came on July 27, and the Land O’ Lakes coaches beat out staffs from other top-tier programs in California, New Jersey, Illinois and Kansas.

The 2017 Land O’ Lakes varsity softball team show off their Class 6A state championships rings, during an Aug. 10 celebration at Beef O’ Brady’s at Wilderness Lakes. (Courtesy of Vinny Guarracino)

The recognition went to Gators third-year head coach Mitch Wilkins and assistants Edwin Rodriguez, Janet Sciales and Vinny Guarracino. They helped to guide the varsity team to a 29-3 mark, including a 3-1 victory over Plantation American Heritage in the Class 6A title game on May 20 in Vero Beach.

The staff previously was honored by the NFCA as South Region Coaching Staff of the Year on July 12.

Wilkins said the most recent NFCA honor was “completely surprising.”

“We were astounded to even be regional winners,” Wilkins said. “We were honored to just be nominated for regionals; I didn’t expect anything after that.”

Wilkins said he is glad the national honor recognized not only him, but his trio of assistants, too.

The entire staff, he noted, is diversified, each providing a crucial role in the team’s culture and achievements.

For instance, Rodriguez, the head junior varsity coach, instills discipline through development. Sciales, a hitting specialist, serves as a female soundboard for players. And Guarracino, the first-year volunteer assistant, provides the day-to-day exuberance.

“A lot of personalities that really work out well,” Wilkins said of the staff. “We’re all team players.”

“We each have our strengths and our skills,” added Sciales, who’s coached with Wilkins for six years, dating back to their stint at Hillsborough High School. “We all have our place and we function as a well-oiled machine, and none of us try to step on the other one’s toes. None of us bring a gigantic ego to (coaching).”

Guarracino concurred, saying the staff “works like one unit.”

The Land O’ Lakes Gators softball coaching staff was named the 2017 NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) High School Coaching Staff of the Year on July 27
From left, are Vinny Guarracino, Edwin Rodriguez, Mitch Wilkins and Janet Sciales. (Courtesy of National Fastpitch Coaches Association)

Part of that is the staff’s overall commitment to teaching the sport, explained Rodriguez, who has coached with Wilkins for three seasons.

“The passion that we have for coaching the girls and passing on knowledge makes us come together,” Rodriguez said. “It’s the love that we have working with the girls, because they’re receptive to (learning).”

But, the staff’s coexistence all starts with Wilkins, a retired Tampa police officer turned high school social studies teacher.

Besides the state title run—the first for any Pasco County school since 1992 — the Gators have gone a remarkable 80-9-1 in three seasons under Wilkins’ leadership, and they have firmly cemented themselves as a softball powerhouse beyond the Bay Area.

Guarracino, fresh to the coaching profession, described Wilkins as “a genius” and the main influence on starting his career.

“Coach is a little bit like a psychologist,” Guarracino explained. “He’s there for us, and he adapts his style of learning. I’m a big fan. He’s done a lot for me, and he’s been a big instructor for me.”

“Mitch knows more about ball than anybody I know, ever,” Sciales, a longtime coach herself, said. “He genuinely lives, eats and breathes softball. He thinks of things that I never even think of. He’s thinking two games in advance, three, five, seven games down the road. I’m thinking, ‘Let me just get to the next inning.’

“He’s always going to coaching seminars — anything he can do to get better.”

Sciales also noted Wilkins truly cares for each of his players.

“He’s so great with the girls, and he doesn’t yell,” Scales said. “I learned a long time ago that girls have to want to play for you. They need to want to perform for you, and he knows that. And, he’s very consistent with them, he never lies to them; he’s the fairest guy.”

She continued: “You will never find another coach that works harder to get his girls scholarships than him. He takes them to (softball) showcases, and he does that so they can get scholarships, and I don’t see a lot of other coaches doing that.”

For Wilkins, leading the Gators softball program is not about accolades or recognition.

Instead, “it’s all about the girls,” he said.

“Anything we can to do help them compete,” Wilkins said, “whether it’s helping them get a college scholarship, whether it’s helping them get prepared to move into college. Since I came aboard, every senior that’s come through the softball program and graduated (high school) has gone on to enroll in college.”

He stressed education “is first and foremost” for his players.

So, too, is “helping them become better people.”

“I just try and be that role model for them,” he said. “Show them that you don’t have get loud, and yell and scream and demean people, to get them to be motivated.”

Of course, the program’s success isn’t all about its coaches.

It’s about its deep roster, too.

“If we didn’t have the talent, then it’s almost impossible to get where we did,” Wilkins said. “What we do is try to develop their talent and do everything we can do to make sure they’re prepared for whatever situation comes up in a game.”

“You can’t win a race if you don’t have the horses,” Scales agreed. “It’s a combination of excellent athletes, great parents, and coaches being on the same page.”

Meanwhile, Gators players are appreciative for the makeup of the program’s coaching staff, and how each manages the team in practices and games.

“They’re really laid back compared to other coaches; they’re not going to yell at you,” said recent graduate Jessie McCallister, a standout centerfielder on the state title team.

“Obviously, when we do things wrong they’re going to get on us, but most of the time they’re really understanding,” said Destiny Rodriguez, a junior utility player.

“They all help us differently; they always give us good advice,” said junior ace pitcher Callie Turner. “It’s good because there’s no yelling involved in it. Like, I don’t remember a time, especially in the past few years, of them yelling. It helps us, especially as girls, when we’re not yelled at.”

Published August 23, 2017

Land O’ Lakes High softball wins state title

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They finally did it.

On May 20, the Land O’ Lakes High Gators unseated powerhouse Plantation American Heritage 3-1, claiming the Class 6A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSSA) softball championship at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach.

The achievement marks the first fastpitch title for Land O’Lakes (29-3) and the first for a Pasco County program since Ridgewood High won in 1992.

On May 20, the Land O’ Lakes High Gators defeated Plantation American Heritage 3-1, claiming the Class 6A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) softball championship at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach. The win marks the first fastpitch title for Land O’ Lakes (29-3) and the first for a Pasco County program since Ridgewood High won in 1992.
(Courtesy of Edwin Rodriguez, Land O’ Lakes Gators varsity softball)

Making the victory even sweeter: The Gators downed the same team that eliminated them in last year’s state semifinals.

And, it wasn’t the first time this postseason Land O’ Lakes exacted revenge.

The Gators twice beat Wesley Chapel High School — in districts and regionals —after the Wildcats bested them during an April 4 regular season game (2-0 loss).

Besides payback, the championship shows the Gators — in recent years one of the region’s premier softball program — can dethrone a state dynasty; American Heritage (25-4) was making its fourth straight championship game appearance and was trying to win its eighth title overall.

Likewise impressive, the Gators won in comeback fashion.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Land O’Lakes found timely hitting —base hits by Callie Turner and Tia Williams  — and benefitted from Patriot mistakes — hit by pitch, wild pitch— to build the lead for good.

Meanwhile, Turner, the team’s sophomore ace, kept the game within reach from the outset, pitching like she has all season long.

The University of Tennessee commit fired a complete game, allowing just five hits and striking out eight against a potent Patriots lineup (.447 team average, 24 home runs).

The Gators’ championship win culminated a pair of close playoff games.

The day before, on May 19, Land O’ Lakes edged North Fort Myers High 2-0 in the state semifinals.

And, on May 12, the Gators narrowly beat Springstead High 2-0 in the region finals.

For followers of Land O’ Lakes varsity softball, the championship isn’t an utter shock.

But, it’s likely eye-opening after last year’s graduation of Shannon Saile, one of the program’s all-time great pitchers.

Saile — now a freshman standout at Florida International University — amassed 517 strikeouts and a career 1.76 ERA in four seasons. She also compiled 41 wins, 31 complete games, 11 shutouts and five no-hitters in her prep career.

Moreover, Gators head coach Mitch Wilkins this season had to replace two key bats in then-seniors Tayler Holt (.347 average) and Kendall Tipton (.311 average).

No matter.

Projecting forward, a state title repeat in 2018 isn’t out of the question.

Armed with Turner (0.21 ERA, 249 strikeouts) and a budding star in sophomore Shelby Westbrook (2.10 ERA, 58 strikeouts in 43.1 innings), pitching won’t be an issue.

Hitting shouldn’t be a problem, either.

The Gators do lose centerfielder Jessie McCallister (.358 average, 17 RBIs) and outfielder Lexi Turner (.293 average, 19 RBIs).

But, the team returns just about everyone else, including sluggers Tia Williams (.444 average, 24 RBIs), Ashley Smith (.390 average, four home runs, 30 RBIs) and Brianna Lindner (.352 average, two home runs, 22 RBIs).

Not to be overlooked, Wilkins’ mentoring should provide a steadying force, too.

After a 13-13 mark in 2014, the team has since gone a combined 80-9 under Wilkins.

Published May 24, 2017

Area softball preview

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The high school softball season in Florida is underway, and several of the top players — and teams — in the state reside right here in our coverage area. From Land O’ Lakes to Steinbrenner, there’s no shortage of prep softball talent.

Academy at the Lakes’ Alexis Kilfoyl
(File)

Some players to watch, as the season progresses:

 

  • Pitcher Alexis Kilfoyl, sophomore, Academy at the Lakes: Just a few weeks into the 2017 season, the 6-foot-1 sophomore ace and University of Alabama commit is already living up to the national hype she received throughout the preseason. Kilfoyl, a varsity standout since seventh grade, has won her first five starts, tallying a 0.50 ERA and 50 strikeouts through 28 innings. Her presence is also being felt at the plate, with a .471 average and a team-leading three home runs. Kilfoyl was selected in January to join the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Training Team, along with just 23 other athletes nationwide. She is known for her ability as a drop-ball pitcher.
  • Infielder/Outfielder Isabella Huff, junior, Sunlake High: A transfer from Bishop McLaughlin, the versatile fielder is on a tear this season for the Seahawks, batting a whopping .625, with two home runs, a triple and seven RBIs, through five games. It’s not a surprise, considering Huff had a breakout season in 2016, batting .441, with four home runs, six triples and 18 RBIs. Huff is also a threat on the base paths (nine steals in 2016). She was a 2016 Miracle Sports All-State Class 3A Honorable Mention.
  • Pitcher Callie Turner, sophomore, Land O’ Lakes High: This season, Turner has been tasked with assuming the ace pitcher role vacated by Shannon Saile, now at Florida International University. Through five appearances, Turner has handled the challenge swimmingly, compiling a 0.68 ERA and 68 strikeouts through 31 innings. A University of Tennessee commit, Turner is quickly establishing herself as one the region’s top pitchers. As a freshman in 2016, Turner won five games, netting a 0.46 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 46 innings.
  • Pitcher Hailee DeCicco, junior, Gaither High: The 5-foot-10 right-hander is picking up precisely where she left off in 2016. Through two starts, DeCicco has a 0.00 ERA and 20 strikeouts through 12 innings. Last season, DeCicco was one of the most unhittable pitchers in Hillsborough County, compiling a 0.91 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 100.1 innings. In 2016, she was a Hillsborough County Western Conference American Division First-Team selection and a 2016 Miracle Softball All-state Class 7A Second-Team selection.
  • Shortstop/Catcher Emma Frost, senior, Carrollwood Day School: Perhaps the most consistent hitter in our coverage area, Frost is looking to put together one of the more impressive four-year prep careers in recent memory. An immediate impact player since her freshman year, Frost has eye-popping career numbers in several categories, including batting average (.664), triples (21), doubles (24), hits (103), runs (92) and stolen bases (51). Through four games this season, Frost has already slugged two homers and is batting .615. A Florida International University signee, Frost is lauded by coaches for her all-around athleticism and deep understanding of the game.

Other key players:
Catcher Kameron Aitken, senior, Wiregrass Ranch
P/INF Emalee Jansen, senior, Steinbrenner
INF Tia Williams, junior, Land O’Lakes
3B Ashley Nickisher, sophomore, Wesley Chapel
P/SS Jordyn Kadlub, sophomore, Pasco High

Three teams to keep an eye on:

Land O’ Lakes High’s varsity softball team looks to return to the state tournament in 2017.
(Courtesy of Edwin Rodriguez)

Land O’ Lakes High: Despite graduating three starters — including former dominant ace Shannon Saile — the Gators, coached by Mitch Wilkins, are still primed as a regional powerhouse. Plenty of skill and depth remain from last year’s 27-win team that advanced to the Class 6A state semifinals. A trio of juniors — Tia Williams, Ashley Smith, Brianna Lindner — expect to offer plenty of support for sophomore ace Callie Turner. Meanwhile, opponents will have to contend with several heady baserunners, like sophomore Shelby Westbrook and senior Jessie McCallister. The Gators are currently 5-1.

Academy at the Lakes: Armed with one of the nation’s elite pitchers in Alexis Kilfoyl, the Wildcats also add a bevy of power-hitting youngsters in eighth-graders Kendra Falby, Brooke Blankenship and Devyne Davis, each of which are already making an immediate impact for the 6-0 Wildcats. It doesn’t hurt, either, to have an experienced Division I coach anchoring the program. In the offseason, the Wildcats hired Diane Stephenson to oversee the team’s move to Class 3A. Stephenson served as the head softball coach at Indiana University from 1987 to 2002. She was also an assistant softball coach at both the University of Iowa (2008-2010) and Purdue University (2010-2013). More recently, Stephenson was the head softball coach at Division II Saint Joseph’s College (2014-2015) in Renssalaer, Indiana.

Steinbrenner High: Already off to a blistering 6-0 start, the Warriors’ winning ways don’t appear to be going away anytime soon, especially under third-year coach Brenda Leach. In addition to having one of Hillsborough County’s top pitchers in Emalee Jansen (a University of Tampa signee), the Warriors return five .300 hitters from the 2016 squad. Also a solid team defensively, the Warriors figure to win several close games. Over the last two seasons, Steinbrenner has 40-13 combined record.

Published March 8, 2017

Land O’ Lakes state title bid falls short

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The score wasn’t indicative of how closely the game was played. At least that’s the opinion of Land O’ Lakes varsity softball head coach Mitch Wilkins on his team’s 5-0 loss to Plantation American Heritage in the Class 6A FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) state semifinals on May 6 in Vero Beach.

“I thought we played right even with them,” Wilkins said with authority. “Their bloop hits fell in and ours didn’t.”

Four of the Gators’ top hitters return next season, including sophomore Brianna Lindner, who led the team in home runs (6) this season. (Photos courtesy of Land O' Lakes Softball)
Four of the Gators’ top hitters return next season, including sophomore Brianna Lindner, who led the team in home runs (6) this season.
(Photos courtesy of Land O’ Lakes Softball)

Missed opportunities to score runs in the second, fifth and seventh innings handcuffed the Gators (27-3-1) from mounting a rally against American Heritage (26-2), the eventual Class 6A state champs.

Though Wilkins believes his squad matched up well with the Patriots, he acknowledged American Heritage was likely the best all-around team the Gators faced all year.

“I’d say their pitching was pretty close to Springstead (High), but hitting wise, I thought they were a little bit better than anyone we’ve faced other than maybe River Ridge,” the third-year Gators coach said.

While the Gators fell short in their hopes of winning a state title, advancing to the semifinals, or “Final Four,” will motivate the team to achieve even more success next year, Wilkins said.

“Getting the girls together and making the trip, it put a taste in their mouth that I think they’re looking to get back there,” he said. “We’re disappointed for the outcome, but in the same respect, we’re really excited and really wanting to get at it again.

“The girls were really looking forward to this season, because they knew they weren’t going to stop in the district (playoffs). They knew they were going to get to the postseason this year. They couldn’t wait to get started, and I think we’ll have the same feeling coming into next year knowing there’s a little unfinished business there,” he said.

The Land O’ Lakes Gators lost to Plantation American Heritage 5-0 in the Class 6A state semifinals on May 6 in Vero Beach.
The Land O’ Lakes Gators lost to Plantation American Heritage 5-0 in the Class 6A state semifinals on May 6 in Vero Beach.

Reaching the state tournament again won’t be an easy undertaking, as the Gators will no longer be able to rely upon the dominant arm of ace pitcher Shannon Saile, arguably the best pitcher in Pasco County this season. Saile, a Florida International University softball signee, compiled a 0.78 ERA and 269 strikeouts in 134 2/3 innings in her senior year.

Handling the loss of Saile’s immense production in the circle is something the Land O’ Lakes coaching staff will address in the offseason and into fall ball.

The team’s No. 2 pitcher Callie Turner (0.46 ERA, 79 strikeouts in 46 innings) is likely to step into the starting role now vacated by Saile, assuming the freshman continues to show the promise she displayed in the circle this past season.

“She’s got all the tools that it’ll take to become as dominant as Shannon (Saile) was this year. She just probably needs a little more experience,” Wilkins said about the rising sophomore. “She just needs to mature a little bit and keep her emotions in check, and understand what her job is. She doesn’t have to do everything — we’ve got a solid defense behind us — and she doesn’t have to strike out every batter, she just has to keep the ball off the fat part of the bat.”

Finding quality pitching won’t be the only aspect the Gators’ head coach will focus on as he looks to build an even more successful squad next season. He also plans to tackle the hitting woes the Gators experienced down the stretch of the state playoffs. In their final three games, Land O’ Lakes scored a total of two runs — each scored in one-run victories over River Ridge High and Springstead High, before being shut out by American Heritage.

“In the last three games, we didn’t hit as well as we needed to,” Wilkins said, “so that’s something that we’ll definitely be working on.”

Luckily, the Gators’ top four hitters are returning in Ashley Smith (.449 avg.), Jessie McCallister (.442 avg.), Tia Williams (.433 avg., four home runs) and Brianna Lindner (.373 avg. six home runs.)

However, putting those hitters in the right spots in the batting order, as new faces are added to the lineup, is the challenge going forward.

“We have to figure out how we’re going to realign our lineup,” Wilkins said, “and figure out what the best combination is going to be…and what works best (to) score some more runs later in the season when it counts.”

Key Departures:

  • Pitcher Shannon Saile (0.78 ERA, 269 strikeouts)
  • Catcher Tayler Holt (.347 avg, 14 RBIs)
  • Infielder Kendall Tipton (.311 avg, 12 doubles, 15 RBIs)

Key Returnees:

  • Pitcher Callie Turner (0.46 ERA, 79 strikeouts)
  • Outfielder Jessie McCallister (.442 avg., 14 RBIs)
  • Third baseman Brianna Lindner (.373 avg., six home runs, 29 RBIs)
  • Utility player Ashley Smith (.449 avg., two home runs, 16 RBIs)
  • Shortstop Tia Williams (.433 avg., four home runs, 32 RBIs)

Published May 18, 2016

Rule requires new clarity for softball substitutions

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There’s now a specific definition for “projected substitute” in the softball rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations.

The new requirement is spelled out in Rule 2-57, Article Four.

This may not sound like a very big deal, but it could have a big impact.

It could affect how high school coaches manage their softball games going forward.

Land O' Lakes High School softball coach Mitch Wilkins likes the idea of defining projected substitutes. Now that the definition is in place, his team, and all high school teams, will find the addition in the updated rules next year. (Courtesy of Edwin Rodriguez)
Land O’ Lakes High School softball coach Mitch Wilkins likes the idea of defining projected substitutes. Now that the definition is in place, his team, and all high school teams, will find the addition in the updated rules next year.
(Courtesy of Edwin Rodriguez)

If a coach wants to substitute players, the coach is supposed to do it when those players are ready to become active.

On offense, that should be when the coach wants that specific player to bat.

On defense, it should be when the team takes the field when the other team comes up to bat.

But that’s not always how it’s worked during a game.

Some coaches would substitute a player, and inform the umpire of other substitutions they’re making for future at-bats.

Often the umpire would tell the coach to make each one at the appropriate time, but sometimes they would accept the group substitutions.

And that could cause problems, if the coaches made a mistake or changed their mind before the player was actually active in the game.

Those projected substitutes aren’t allowed, but since there wasn’t an actual definition in place for what constitutes one, there was some leeway and inconsistency in how the situations were handled.

Now there won’t be any confusion, because a projected substitute is now officially defined as “a player who does not immediately participate in the game.”

The NFHS expects this will eliminate any ambiguity regarding projected substitutes.

“There was confusion about the rule,” said Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports and officials education.

“We’re trying to emphasize that (projected substitutions) is an improper procedure, and so coaches need to be more diligent in reporting their substitutes on offense.”

The offensive side was emphasized because everyone is active at the same time on defense, making everyone an immediate participant in the game.

Making a rule change, or even adjusting a definition, is a three-step process at the NFHS. State associations make proposals to add or change something in the rules, and an 11-person rules committee considers the proposal. If it passes, it goes to an internal rules review committee. After that, the NFHS board has the final say. If the board approves it, the change goes into effect and is added to the rulebook.

It takes a lot of steps just to clarify a definition, but Land O’ Lakes High School softball coach Mitch Wilkins thinks it’s a good move, and believes coaches should already be adhering to the spirit of the rule.

“It makes more sense to be clear to always substitute when the player is actually entering the game,” Wilkins said. “Whatever the situation is, you don’t make the substitution until the time that she’s going in to play.”

Technicalities with regard to substitutions can have a real-world impact on games, Wilkins explained. Last season he had a situation where he forgot to substitute a player in, and she had already faced a pitch. He informed the officials and, after a conference, they called the player out due to an improper substitution.

There was just one problem. That’s not how the rule works.

“I made the announcement before the defense caught it,” he said. In that case, as long as the defense didn’t protest before he informed the umpire, he was allowed to make the substitution without penalty. Wilkins informed the officials of the proper application and, after another huddle, they reversed their decision, and the out didn’t count.

Any clarification that eliminates doubt is a good thing, Wilkins said. And he credits umpires for working hard to get their calls correct.

“The umpires really strive to do a good job, and the umpire associations pride themselves on having educated umpires that do things the right way, and I think that’s very important. Coaches really appreciate umpires that work hard and know the game, and do it the right way,” he said.

And with a clear definition regarding projected substitutes, the NFHS believes everyone, including the coaches, will have an easier time getting things right.

“We’re hoping that those who are guilty of projected substitutes now become more conscious of what they’re doing and will be more thoughtful about the process,” Wynn said.

Published July 22, 2015

Land O’ Lakes softball completes dominating season

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After going 13-13 in his first year coaching the Land O’ Lakes High School softball team, there was probably an expectation of improvement and becoming more competitive in his second season.

But nobody expected a 24-3 record. Not even the team’s coach.

I knew we’d be a lot better. I didn’t know our record would be this much better,” said Mitch Wilkins.

But the Gators really were that much better.

Softball coach Mitch Wilkins will say farewell to four seniors, but has an undefeated junior varsity team full of talent to find replacements. (Courtesy of Edwin Rodriguez)
Softball coach Mitch Wilkins will say farewell to four seniors, but has an undefeated junior varsity team full of talent to find replacements.
(Courtesy of Edwin Rodriguez)

It took players just 14 games to match last season’s win total, and they capped off the regular season with 10 straight victories. After beating Fivay 15-0 to open the district playoffs, Land O’ Lakes dropped a 2-1 decision to River Ridge. All three of the team’s defeats were by just one run.

The team’s success was no accident.

The coach, a retired police officer who has been coaching for more than 30 years, took his role seriously.

Wilkins — who has coached with the Lutz Lightning and the Lutz Leaguerettes — found out which of his players also played on travel ball softball teams, and he went to watch them play, including the junior varsity players.

He also created a travel ball team for the junior varsity team, so they’d get in extra work over the summer.

As a result, the junior varsity team had one loss and one tie last season, and went undefeated this past season. That provides not only a good foundation for the softball program, but a talented reserve that Wilkins can use to replace graduating seniors on his varsity squad. It also helps to create a true team atmosphere that fosters camaraderie.

“The girls get used to playing with each other. They understand the brand of ball that we play. And they enjoy it, or they wouldn’t still be there,” Wilkins said.

That style of ball doesn’t include a lot of power hitting. Instead, the Gators try to remain unpredictable, combining strong pitching with stealing, bunting and hitting to overwhelm their opponents. And with seven shutouts and eight games where they scored double-digits, that style is working.

It’s also working for junior Gaby Santiago, who has played with the team since her freshman year.

Santiago notices a big difference in the team since Wilkins came on board.

“Since coach got here, team unity has gotten better,” Santiago said. “My freshmen year it was kind of a mess, but coach really brought us together over the past two years.”

Wilkins showed the team that he cared early on, Santiago said. By showing up to their travel ball games, it was clear that he was serious about building a strong program and getting the most out of his players. Team meals have also become a regular part of game day, which has also improved team unity.

Another activity Wilkins introduced to Land O’ Lakes is what he calls “positives.” After each game, the team gathers and gives positive feedback to each other, noting what their teammates did well during the game.

“We always end with positives. After the game we circle up and everybody’s got to say something positive that somebody else did during the game,” Wilkins explained. Allowing players to hear praise from their teammates helps keep things in perspective, softens the blow when things don’t go well and lets the team end each game on a high note, regardless of the score.

With a successful season in the books and a strong foundation in place, the future also looks to be promising for the Gators. They’ll lose four seniors, but have a skilled junior varsity squad to find replacements, and a team mindset to help the new players fit in.

And even though they didn’t go as far as they wanted this season, Wilkins is pleased with their effort and success.

“I couldn’t be more proud of them,” Wilkins said.

Published April 29, 2015