What a year and a half span span it’s been for Julia Knowler, the talented pitcher/infielder from Fort Myers (High) Florida.
Earlier this year, the 2023 grad was selected last Spring as a 2021 Extra Inning Softball 1st Team High School All-American and was named as the Florida Gatorade State Player of the Year—though just a Sophomore at the time—as she hit .582 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs while pitching the Green Wave to a Class 5A State title as she went 12-2 with a 1.46 ERA and had 117 K’s in 96 innings.
Oh yea, she was also named the Class 5A State Player of the Year… and, remember, she still has half of her prep career left!
But bringing home the championship was anything but easy; in fact, it could be something Hollywood might be interested in making a movie about.
“Our team was sidelined by COVID,” Julia explains to Extra Inning Softball, “when two players tested positive right before Districts and the entire team had to quarantine.”
“We were unable to practice for two weeks and were only able to get back on the field one day before district playoffs began. Even through the adversity, though, we went on to win the FHSAA Class 5A State Championship!”
That’s not the first time, however, that the outstanding student-athlete with a 4.0-plus GPA has helped carry her team to a tile.
As a high school freshman, Julia guest played with the Rock Gold – Waye 18U team in the 2020 USA Softball Gold National Championship in Oklahoma and in the title game, facing a powerful team from Texas, Julia pitched a complete game in the 5-2 victory in which she also had a double and an RBI.
She’s shined in the individual spotlight as well: for the last two years she’s been involved in the ProSwings Home Run Derby and on October 16th won the title.
“Being involved in the Home Run Derby the last two years has been so much fun and definitely a highlight in my softball experiences,” the athlete says. “Last year, I was selected to compete in the Home Run Derby called “Players vs. Pros” and I came in second place for the Players—had a blast meeting the Pros!”
“I was cheered on by my team and it was an exhilarating experience. I knew I wanted to return and try to win the contest this year. I was selected as one of eight athletes to compete against college coaches. I made it to the final round and beat Lake Sumter State College Coach Jay Miller as I hit nine over-the-fence home runs in 30 seconds. My teammates cheering me on hyped me up and it was a night I’ll never forget!”
Count on Julia having many more successful team and individual triumphs like those throughout her high school, club and college careers since, as of two months ago, we know where the Florida athlete will be playing at the next level: Clemson.
Here’s more on how the accomplished junor committed to play for an ACC school starting in the Fall of 2023…
Very excited to announce my commitment to Clemson University to continue my academic and athletic career! Go Tigers 🟠🟣🐅 pic.twitter.com/EC8QoFVoPo
— Julia Knowler (@JuliaK2023) September 19, 2021
*****
Name: JULIA KNOWLER
Position(s): 3B, SS, RHP
High School (City/ST): Fort Myers (Florida) High
Club Team: Rock Gold- Manetta 18U
Committed To: Clemson University, South Carolina
Date Committed: September 18, 2021
Tell us how Clemson first started recruiting you…
I was emailing several college programs I was interested in and getting ready for the busy 2021 Summer schedule of travel ball and showcase tournaments. Clemson wasn’t initially on my email list—although I knew it was a great program and I enjoyed watching them in the ACC Championship, I hadn’t researched the school prior to the summer.
When we traveled to the Diamond Classic in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Coach Courtney Breault was there. The next tournament, Atlanta Legacy, and again at the ProSwings Power 50 in Tennessee, Clemson was there watching our games.
I started researching the school, academics and athletic programs. I had the opportunity to attend a one-day camp at Clemson right after the Power 50 tournament, but I had already committed to guest playing with Coach Rick Waye and his Rock Gold 18U team at the Gold Nationals in Virginia that week.
I spoke with Coach Waye and he agreed it was an opportunity I should take and allowed me to miss that Tuesday of the tournament (pool play). My Dad and I drove from Salem, Virginia to Clemson, South Carolina for the camp.
It was the best decision!
I loved seeing the facilities and having an opportunity to meet and work with the coaches. The campus and town are beautiful. After that, Clemson moved to the top of my list of schools that I was interested in.
When did the Tigers’ staff officially offer you a scholarship?
After hearing from Coach (John) Rittman, Coach (Kyle) Jamieson and Coach (Courtney) Breault on September 1st, I was invited on an unofficial visit for September 17th and 18th. During my visit I was offered an opportunity to join the team and a scholarship.
*** Scroll down to read more about Julia’s goals at college… and what she wants to do when her playing days are done.
