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While much of the softball world is shutting down, the Florida Gulf Coast League (FGCL)—the first-ever of its kind fastpitch collegiate league—is ramping up to play this summer.
Many college players, whose seasons were abruptly cancelled in the last week or two, are signing up to play in the league and includes players from Power 5 Conferences including the ACC, Pac-12 and SEC.
The FGCL launched the softball division last fall in addition to its baseball division with the hope of bringing college standout players to the Florida Gulf Coast (which includes the cities of Sarasota, Manatee and St. Pete) to assist in their development and growth of their collegiate careers.
“The softball division will feature a 25-game schedule,” Ryan Moore, the league’s Executive Director, told Extra Inning Softball this week, “with playoffs and an all-star event, a full-functional training facility and with living (expenses) provided.”
Team rosters will have a maximum of 16 players to ensure playing time and experience, Moore adds. There has also been calls from collegiate coaches all over the country, asking about this opportunity for their players.
“We are excited about this opportunity to share some good news for the collegiate softball world in the midst of the cancellation of the current NCAA season,” the FGCL head continues. “We are hoping to bring college softball back as soon as possible this summer season to the level and excitement we all love.”
Certainly, the summer season isn’t assured in these concerning times due to the coronavirus, but Moore believes that the future of the league is looking strong. Still, contingencies are being put in place.
“First, our commitment is to the well-being and safety of each player and we’re taking the current health situation with seriousness while monitoring the process.”
“With more than two months away, we hope to continue as planned, but in the event of cancellation, all refunds will be given.”
The talent of the league, already strong, previously, has added the following players who have committed to be on the Florida Gulf Coast League (players listed alphabetically):
- Stavi Augur – Coastal Carolina
- Maddi Banks – Virginia Tech (ACC)
- Haley Bejarano – Central Florida (American)
- Brittany Crowson – Gulf Coast State (JC)
- Ashley Davis – Lynn University (D2)
- Katelin Davis – North Florida (D2)
- Jazmine Dodd – Tyler Junior College (JC)
- Alivia Doyle – Indiana Tech (NAIA)
- Taylor Gilmore – Colorado State (Mountain West)
- Claire Ginder – Furman commit (Team USA Gold Medal winner)
- Kinsey Goelz – Florida (SEC)
- Neleigh Herring – Wichita State (American)
- Karley Hobbs – Truett McConnell (Appalachian Athletic Conference, All-American)
- Jenny Jansen – Southern Illinois (Missouri Valley, All Conference)
- Skylar Jenkins – New Mexico (Mountain West)
- Mack Leonard – Illinois State (Missouri Valley Conferencewas Top 10 D1 leader in most offensive categories)
- Breanna Roper – Georgia Tech (ACC)
- Lindsey Warick – Missouri (SEC)
- Ari Quinones – Washington (Pac-12)
- Paris Woods – Syracuse (ACC)
Concludes Moore: “These are just some of the players committed to come to the Florida Gulf Coast League with many more committed and teams. As of now, we are still accepting application or referrals.”
Interested players can register at www.FLgulfcoastleague.com
Here is the article we did initially last fall on the launch of the Florida Gulf Coast League…
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Event News: Florida Gulf Coast League Starting Collegiate Softball in 2020
Originally published by August 12, 2019
The Florida Gulf Coast League (FGCL), capitalizing on a successful inaugural summer baseball season, is expanding to include collegiate softball for summer 2020.
According to the event organizers, “This will be the first softball summer league of its kind and is designed to provide the collegiate player with a playing and training experience not offered in any other capacity.”
The league will consist of 12 teams located in the Tampa Bay area stretching from Clearwater to Sarasota.
Rosters will be capped at 16 players per team and all must be current collegiate players, with a very limited exception of two signed high school graduates per team.
The season will begin in June and will consist of a 30-game schedule which will include an All-Star/Parent Weekend, as well as special events throughout the season. Players will also have access to indoor facilities for training.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled at starting a league specific to college softball players,” said FGCL Executive Director Ryan Moore. “Softball continues to grow and we want to be part of that. These athletes have never had an opportunity like this and we, as a board, are committed to them and in growing the game.”
Added Moore: “They’re not just playing games, they’re developing their craft.”
College coaches will be able to place players in the FGCL to get additional reps and experience to accelerate their progress.
“When they go back to school,” continued the league’s director, “they will have the extra at-bats and extra work in to be able to compete right away for a starting spot on their team.”
The plan is to eventually add more teams and expand in 2021 as spots for the 2020 season are limited.
Already nearly six dozen players have registered including elite players from universities such as Florida, Central Florida, South Florida and the league is in discussion with top college programs from the SEC, Big 12, Big 10, American Athletic and other major conferences to place players.
“We want to have a competitive league, so there’s no just one dominant team,” explains Moore. “We will field teams with diversity that have talented Division I players as well as excellent Division II, III, NAIA and JC players.”
The FGCL is also talking to local corporations to provide internships for the summer so the athletes “can have a life-changing event and a potential career after softball ends.”
Registration for the FGCL has opened and can be found on the league website, www.flgulfcoastleague.com.