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Q&A with 2020 Florida Gulf Coast League Rookie of the Year Stormy Kotzelnick

Stormy Kotzelnick is interviewed after receiving the FGCL’s Rookie of the Year honor.

What a great first year the Florida Gulf Coast League had in the Summer of 2020.

Despite the ever-present shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial softball season in the FGCL provided a great opportunity for college players across the nation to get some reps in against seasoned talent.

Here are some overall highlights for the inaugural campaign:

  • More than 90 athletes competed in the 20-plus game season.
  • Over 75 games played over the season
  • Viewership for the championship game between the River Mocs and Squeeze had more than 4,000 viewers between Stream Live Tampa’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages
  • Athletes had the opportunity to train daily at the FGCL’s partner facility
  • The River Mocs team became the first-ever FGCL champions with a 21-2 record
  • FGCL athletes represented all levels of collegiate play including NCAA Div. I, II and III, NAIA and JUCO
  • Mario Hernandez, the Squeeze coach, will begin a new coaching position with Valparaiso University and Gina Snyder, the Slice coach, will begin a graduate assistant position with Jacksonville University
  • The FGCL All Stars competed in a three-game series at Space Coast Stadium against the USSSA Pride

In the case of Washington signee Stormy Kotzelnick, a 2020 infielder from Carmel, Indiana who was ranked in the Top 15 of the 2020 Extra Elite 100, it was a great introduction to college ball.

Stormy, who was the first 2020 player to commit when she verballed at the tender age of 13 to the Huskies, played for the Squeeze in the FGCL and–competing against established college pitchers–had a marvelous season which saw her earn Rookie of the Year honors in the League and make the All-Star Team.

She hit .459 with a .488 on-base percentage in 23 games played with a 1.393 OPS and totaled 11 doubles, two triples, six home runs, eight steals and 22 RBIs.

We caught up with Stormy this week to hear what she had to say about her time in Florida this summer…

*****

Now that the summer of play in the Florida Gulf Coast League is over, what is your general overview of the experience?
My general overview is very happy! Saying this summer was good is an understatement— I had the best experience of my life.

You earned Rookie of the Year competing against players in some cases several years older than you! Were you nervous at first going into the League and what helped you find your place and role to the level of success you had?
During my lifetime—no matter the situation—I’ve always played the game with older girls and had older friends outside of the sport as well. The field doesn’t know age so when you start to play with that temptation, you find your role very fast.

Stormy Kotzelnick with a 10-year-old young fan.

Who were some players in the league that impressed you with their play?
Some players that impressed me were Ari Quinones and Kenna Wilkey. Ari has the best hands I’ve ever seen as a middle infielder and Kenna is very tough minded and works through struggles until she makes it to that success mark for her team.

With all that was going on in the summer, from the COVID-19 impact to the social unrest afflicting the country, were you able to focus on the games and competition solely or were you and your league-mates following what was going on around the nation and the world?
I was focused on one thing, softball. Sure, everyone wants to follow the headlines but at the end of the day you’re trying to do whatever you can to put that ring on your finger by the last game and doing it as safe as possible. “Tunnel Vision” is what I like to call it.

What did you do when you weren’t involved in softball, did you have downtime to enjoy the area and rest? Or did you keep busy with working out and doing other things?
Personally, I was taking a class for school so any downtime I had during the day was spent either in class or doing homework. On our off days, sometimes, you’d want to use them to sleep in and recover and the beach was always an option but you don’t want to get burnt out. Then, of course, there was hanging out with friends!

The 2020 Manatee Squeeze team; Stormy is in the front row, fourth from the left.

What would you say was the highlight of your summer and/or your time in the FGCL?
The highlight of my summer was getting to play and be coached by some of the best people. By the end, it was about lifelong relationships and I was glad I could bring some of those to close it out against the professional team.

Is it something that you would do again or consider doing next year?
Yes, I am planning on doing it next year.

Did you make some good friendships during the summer and are you looking to playing with—or against!—these athletes again?
These girls are and always will be family to me.

Finally, what’s next for you in the upcoming month or two?
I’m seeing my FGCL girls this weekend and then I’ll be going to school (Washington) and getting my life started there shortly after!

Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball

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