2024 Official Unofficial Softball Roster

Thanks for this, Sandman70. It should get some good discussion going.

 

Thanks sandman70. Lots of talent for there. I'm pretty sure McLlellan plays OF.

 

Good to see this because I've been watching for the 2024 Baseball Roster to appear. The last few years they usually post a roster update a few weeks after classes get going but then take it down until fall ball. Hoping baseball posts something soon.

 

That’s the most talented roster that we’ve had in quite some time.

 

the key is always pitching

 

I’ve asked for an updated official roster from softball communications a number of times without success. Thanks so much for providing this. I think it’s a plus for it to be out there.

 

Anyone have a projected starting lineup since I assume this is who we roll with.

 

I kind of doubt even Coach Walton has a projected starting lineup yet. There will be a lot of competition for playing time this year. Falby will be in either CF or LF, Otis will be in the OF, Wallace will be either at SS or 2B, Erickson will be in the lineup somewhere and I honestly think the rest of the slots are up for grabs. From everything I've read about her, Alyssa Hovermale is an excellent third baseman and a quality hitter. Mia Williams will probably find a spot somewhere. I think she gets a shot at SS, with Wallace's natural position being 2nd. Kowalewski, Wilkie and Erickson battle for the catcher position, with Erickson able to play 1st or RF if needed. Ava Brown will get a chance to win a position when not pitching (assuming she's healthy and having played 1st base most of her time in HS and travel ball). If Pollard is fully healthy, I expect her to win a position somewhere. And then you have veterans Walsh, Kistler, Goddard and Goelz trying to earn back a spot in the regular lineup, and newcomers McLellan and Barnard trying to prove they belong. Should be interesting to see how it works out.

 

Brooke Barnard was the #11 ranked player in the 2021 class. She lost her brother and father to COVID. She is a Florida girl. Maybe a new venue will turn her around.

 

There’s going to be a lot of talented players that won’t be starting. Hopefully Coach is able to spread the playing time around where warranted and keep everyone engaged.

 

This looks like it will be the most talented bench we’ve ever had. I’ll take a crack at my guess for lineup to start the season with keagan starting, but I feel like this lineup will change a ton throughout the year.

CF Falby
SS Skylar
LF Otis
DP Walsh
C Erickson
2B Pollard
RF Goddard
3B Williams
1B Goelz

Pitcher Keagan

A few thoughts:
- I feel like some of the upperclassmen may get a shot at first, but I could see this lineup changing a lot during the year
-3B is interesting. I’m not sure if Mia could even play there, but I like skylar at short and hope that Pollard can stay in the lineup. Barnard may show that she needs to be in the lineup but hoping Mia can show out and earn a spot.
- Ava or Keagan may work their way into the lineup at first base especially if they show a good bat, but I feel like Goelz will get the opportunity to start the year. I do like having her defense there.
- hopefully Goddard is healthy and shows more flashes of what we know she is capable of because I feel like she could really hold down one of the outfield spots if so. I really didn’t know if Otis was more of a LF or RF but just figured she’d hold one of those spots down.
- not sure if Walsh can hold down a spot in the middle of the lineup but really hope she comes along this year
-Kistler, Barnard, Wilkie, hovermale, McClellan, kowaleski is a solid bench

I may be way off on all of this but I like doing stuff like this lol go gators

 

While we could probably use one more pitcher, the roster is otherwise wonderfully balanced! Just great…

 

The lineup posted above is what I have projected as well. While Brown and Rothrock may both be capable of hitting, with the lack of depth we have in the circle, I don’t think you can risk them hitting. Walton can’t have them get hit in the wrist by a pitch, or turn an ankle running the bases. All their focus, particularly this off-season and in the early season, needs to be 100% focused on pitching.

I think there is another portal period before the season and if Walton lands another quality arm, then it may be worth the risk.

 

2024 Softball Roster - Florida Gators


Just Posted

 

Up to 19 on the roster with a graduate transfer and 4th pitcher. Not great stats but maybe she can eat up some innings against overmatched opponents to give the three freshmen pitchers a periodic breather.
Mackenzie Wooten - Softball - Florida Gators

 

Wooten was the one I struggled placing from the lake day pictures. I mistook her for Barnard. Glad to have another arm on the team.

 

This is the first I've read anything about Mackenzie Wooten. Nothing official that I can find about her or Olivia Miller. Kind of strange, but glad to see another pitcher on the roster.