(SB) Ongoing UF Softball Commentary

Something I don't think I've ever pointed out, or if I did I didn't emphasize it enough. Taylor got a ton of posts and videos partially because she's that good and mostly because that is all that is consistently available vis-a-vis the rest of our kids. Only the Batbusters broadcast every game and provide game stats. I did the same for Kaylie Matsuno, who plays on a different Batbusters' team. Or would have except her highlights were rare as compared to Taylor with a couple highlights every game. If any of our other kids played for an organization where I could provide the same coverage, I would have done it.

 

You have me convinced. I wouldn't be surprised if Taylor becomes the superstar of this freshman class.

 

Not a clue. I think eventually for sure but she could get beat out by Townsen unless Tim can find a way to play both. Or it could be the reverse. Neither kid should be on the bench.

 

The OF will be an interesting competition

 

The outfield line up will be determined by the noise from their bats.

 

Kendra is a senior? Holy crap that went by fast.

That's the downside of college athletics. They come in as a clueless freshman, you get to watch them grow and mature and then they are gone.

 

Taylor is a true lefty. I have never seen her anywhere other than in the outfield. Wonder if she could convert to first base? Just a thought and, if that were to happen, it would open up problems for others who would have to sit. Agreed that no possible way Korbe or Kendra are out of the lineup.

 

These are good problems for the softball program to have

 

I directly asked CTW and Ryan Dunn about the 2025 “First Pitch on the Diamond” event. CTW responded and said it’s on. They haven’t selected the date yet. He said it would be in late January or the first weekend in February.

 

Your reply is most logical and probably right. I don't disagree in general.

I was "what iffing" being in CTW's shoes. Given the plethora of OF talent fighting for playing time - especially offensive talent, how would I determine who is most ready to play RF this year (or god forbid - sub for injuries to Falby or Otis)? Well, there is no better time than the pre-conference games to maximize the opportunity (especially in the less-competitive games) for the OF candidates to show their potential impact. That is what I meant by saying "the line up will be determined by the noise from their bats."

Specifically, for me that means giving Shumaker and Thomas (or McLellan, or even Walsh to a lesser degree) plenty of outfield playing time and plate appearances. Again, IMHO, sitting Falby and/or Otis for a few games to maximize the data to make the best decision who gets RF when the SEC games begin is the right decision. I would expect Otis and Falby to understand the logic as good teammates.

And actually, I would expect the same for the infield situation. I'm a big believer in giving the newcomers opportunities to show their wares.

If CTW is as savvy as I think he is, I would expect him to take advantage of this opportunity. Altho, that being said, CTW did some illogical things (at least to me) last year. I didn't understand his use of the pitching assignments. I thought he over-used Keagan and Ava and Olivia had many unused opportunities for pitching time. I think we were all surprised that Keagan didn't burn out. Also, playing Mia as consistently as he did, had a few posters pulling their hair out. Personally, I am glad he stuck with her. I think she will have to a lot to prove to start at 2nd base.

But ... as we all know, overall things turned out pretty well, soooo what do I know?

 

Does anyone know when the 25 scholarship comes into affect? It may play a part on keeping our players on our star studded roster. If it is in affect this year, it would mean that all 20 players are on full scholarship. It certainly would come into play about playing time. Softball and competing in the SEC is certainly a top reason to be a Gator. But a chance to earning a top degree is important as well. Changing schools can hurt the pursuit of the latter.

With that in mind. Taylor, Townsen and Cassidy may be content with platooning in RF because all three are certainly assured for filling all three outfield positions in 2026. In the infield, I don't envy CTW. It will be a tough choice of who will play where. Right now, Ava and AK probably have the edge at their positions. Shortstop will be a toss up between Kenleigh and Rylee. Who ever wins the SS position will have the other one be in the other keystone position at 2B. Mia is most likely on the bench unless her bat really improves. I certainly agree with ufjaz, in the non-conference games, give Lou, Gabi, Brooke, Mia, Reagan, and Layla reps to see how they handle the different infield positions. At the DP, Reagan is the starter. Ava probably has the lead for her backup when Reagan is playing an infield position. Jocey has the catcher position, as well as Korbe and Kendra in their respective positions.

The competition begins. I am so looking forward to Fall Ball. Let's see how all of this falls out.
I certainly hope the 25 scholarships are already in play. I don't want to lose any of these players next June. Good luck ladies!

 

Revolutionizing College Softball: The Impact of Increased Scholarships on Athletes, Coaches, and Programs. The landscape of college sports is set to undergo a seismic shift beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, following power conference commissioners' finalization of new roster limits. Revolutionizing College Softball: The Impact of Increased Scholarships on Athletes, Coaches, and Programs - Florida Fastpitch

 

I would like to point out that altho the NCAA will allow up to 25 softball scholarships, the schools may choose to, or can't afford to, offer fewer scholarships (probably the smaller schools like James Madison, UL, etc.). So every player may not be on scholarship.

Contrarily, the bigger schools may "stockpile" players. I harken back to the Bear Bryant days when there were no football roster limitations. Bama stockpiled most of the southern talent leaving most other schools with bare bone rosters. I believe this kept the SEC from growing into the dominant conference we see today.

Now maybe the impact to softball won't be as extreme. But couple it with the portal, I can't help but fear the worst - plenty o' room for transfers regardless of full rosters.

I like a system that spreads out the talent among many schools. Don't get me wrong, I like the situation CTW finds himself in. I am a greedy Gator, but you got to look at the big picture

 

BTW, according to the above article, the new scholarship limits are in effect for the 2025 - 2026 season, not this coming year.

 

I really figured as much for when the new scholarships come into affect; however, I am going to give now, so that funds are there when CTW needs to award them.

 

July 1.

 

For everyone interested in the fall battles for positions, here is the schedule all of these are home games except UNF in Jax:
10/25 6:00 pm. - Jax
10/27 2:00 pm - FSU
11/1 - UNF
11/3 - Mercer and Fla SW
11/7 - ST Leo
11/8 - - UCF
11/20 - Central Fla College

Should be very interesting. I went to a practice last week and every 3rd ball hit by Mia left the park. When Taylor hit they were ropes and reminded me of the Great Amanda.

 

Hopefully Mia can find some consistency with her bat this year. We know she’s got pop. She doesn’t have to have the highest ba on the team, but she’s gotta be an rbi machine if it stays sub 300 level. She’s likely going to be pushed by the underclassmen harder than she’s ever been pushed before. That’s for sure. Can she lock down a spot?