Who shined brightest on the diamond among Palm Beach County softball teams this spring? It's time to find out.
Meet The Post's nominees for softball Player of the Year, and to find out the winner, make sure to buy tickets for this year's Palm Beach County High School Sports Awards coming Wednesday, June 5, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. At the live show, the winner for softball Player of the Year will be announced, along with finalists for the award and Coach of the Year. Nominated athletes can register here. (app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a453b3b0b11746d684ea82b881c11f88)
Produced with support from Baptist Health Orthopedic Care, the Palm Beach County High School Sports Awards show is part of the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards, the largest high school sports recognition program in the country. This award is sponsored by Gradum GSwing.
Local softball fans can also find first-team, second-team and honorable mention selections for this season below.
Sam Basen, sophom*ore, Jupiter
Major contributor across the stat sheet on Jupiter's historic 15-8 run to the 7A state championship. Swung .394 for 21 runs on 26 hits with 14 RBIs, six doubles and four triples, topping roster with nine stolen bases and OBPS of 1.129. At third, pitcher and catcher, maintained .944 fielding percentage. In the circle, registered 2.83 ERA, striking out 24 through 17 innings
Sophia Camacho, senior, Spanish River
Short-handed offense for 2023 7A state champion Sharks led by third-year starter. Team-best .429 batting average and stat-sheet topping OPS of 1.200 accounted for 28 runs on 30 hits with 20 RBIs, 11 doubles and two home runs with 15 walks and six stolen bases. In the field at catcher, first and third baseman, FAU signee defended .952 of attempts with 25 assists.
Sophia Colangelo, senior, Cardinal Newman
Left Newman on best season yet in three years starting for the Crusaders. Saw 3A squad flip from 10-10 last spring to 15-5 in 2024 with .500 clip, scoring 27 runs on 28 hits with 20 RBIs, seven doubles and two triples with 10 walks and eight stolen bases. In the circle, registered 1.66 ERA giving up just 19 earned runs and 140 strikeouts through 80 innings for 10-4 record. Committed to Catholic University.
Sierra Cook, sophom*ore, Dwyer
Propelled Panthers back to 6A playoff after battling through another sticky schedule in 2024. Topped stat sheet with .362 batting average for 18 runs on team-best 29 hits with 16 RBIs and another team-leading 16 stolen bases. Only batter in lineup to contribute doubles, triples and home runs. Third baseman and center fielder defended .958 of 48 chances through 28 games.
Brynn Dion-Catasus, sophom*ore, Palm Beach Gardens
Hot hitter swung .390/.485/.585 for a team-best 35 runs on 32 hits with 29 RBIs, including three doubles, five triples, and a homer, accompanied by nine stolen bases. Runs scored by second baseman on Gardens' 22-5 season rank 15th in Class 7A.
London Gomes, sophom*ore, Jupiter
Scoring leader for Warriors with 29 runs on 19 hits with 12 RBIs and eight stolen bases. Drew 29 walks, contributing to team-best .560 on-base percentage. At second base, made 45 putouts, 13 assists and one double play.
Reese Khanna, sophom*ore, Cardinal Newman
One of Florida and Class 3A's most productive power hitters, regardless of class. Crusader lineup benefited from .594 clip for an overwhelming 38 runs on 41 hits with 37 RBIs. Ranked 10th statewide for 1.362 slugging percentage, created thanks to 11 home runs through 10 games, which ranks 14th in the state. Defensively, shortstop credited with 26 putouts, eight assists and three double plays.
Emma Lucchesi, senior, Jupiter
Lefty hitter maintained .355 batting average for 15 runs on 27 hits with 13 RBIs. Held down infield with .981 fielding percentage and 19 assists, highlighted by three putouts and two assists to upset No. 1 Wellington in second round of 7A playoffs and reach region championship as fourth seed. Committed to Florida Southern.
D'Yami Meredith, sophom*ore, Wellington
Youngster found stride returning to diamond after freshman year with Wolverines, taking over as scoring leader with 24 runs on team-high 23 hits with 12 RBIs, drawing 16 walks and leading lineup with nine stolen bases. Only player to compete in all 24 games of Wellington's run to 7A region semifinals.
Nicole Mergen, senior, Park Vista
Four-year starter went out with 1.11 ERA and 7-3 record and two saves through 14 appearances in the circle, touting OBA of .134 with 50 strikeouts through 63 innings. Brought another big year at bat with .386 batting average for 15 runs on 17 hits with 20 RBIs. Spent another season as team's top slugger with percentage of 1.045, bolstered by nine home runs to rank sixth and ninth in the stat categories for the state.
Angeline Mergen, sophom*ore, Park Vista
Followed up breakout freshman campaign with a solid sophom*ore year from offense to defense. At the plate, switch-hitter split team-high 24 runs with Isabel Golas, notching 35 hits and 15 RBIs with three doubles and three triples. In the field, utility defended .901 of chances with 17 assists and two double plays. Also contributed to efforts in the circle, going 4-2 with one save through seven appearances, striking out 21 batters through 31 innings.
Gracyn Needle, freshman, King's
Mid-Season Player of the Year for 2024 season struck out just once all season as Lions made 15-4 run to playoffs. Hit .594 to lead roster and .957 slugging percentage ranked 15th out of players in Class 3A, backing lofty numbers in postseason, going 7-for-9 with four doubles out of nine total on the year. Defensively, shortstop and catcher committed just one error through 17 games, defending .985 of chances to turn career-best five double plays.
Tori Payne, junior, Wellington
Continued stellar career in the circle to set personal record with ERA of 1.26. Winningest pitcher in Class 7A with 17 wins, ranking 15th in the state. Ranked sixth in Florida striking out 162 through 21 appearances, highlighted by best-ever 19-strikeout complete-game performance to down regular 7A playoff contender Viera, along with a four-strikeout outing to take the district title over rival Gardens.
Giselle Portanova, junior, Spanish River
Returned from historic 2023 season for another year dominating the circle, remaining perfect in the field through 23 games with nine putouts and 23 assists as Sharks went 16-9. Threw complete game against Park Vista to deny favored Cobras district championship, also chipping in one run on one hit in the 6-2 victory. Finished season with 2.38 ERA and 100 strikeouts.
Madison Quinn, senior, Palm Beach Gardens
One of two seniors tasked with keeping a young Gardens sound along the way to 7A region semifinals. Catcher touted .974 fielding percentage behind the plate and contributed to offensive efforts with 17 runs, 20 hits, and 21 RBIs, hitting .303.
Grace Rawn, senior, Seminole Ridge
Had best season on varsity diamond with Hawks since freshman season in 2021 on road to fourth consecutive district championship. Scoring leader racked up 32 runs on 32 hits − eight doubles, one triple and four home runs − with 24 RBIs and career-best 17 stolen bases. In Class 6A, USF signee accumulated 0.658 OBP to rank 12th in category. From outfield to infield, maintained .922 fielding percentage with 27 putouts, 44 assists and two double plays.
Kaylee Riles, junior, Wellington
Took over the stat sheet to lead categories for batting average, fielding percentage, and slugging percentage, recording averages of .395, .980 and .842, respectively, prior to season-ending injury. Also led Wolverines with three home runs against Oxbridge, Dwyer and Rockledge.
Bella Ruggiero, senior, Oxbridge
Florida State signee ended final season with ThunderWolves as home run leader for state, blasting 16 on 16-10 run to 2A playoffs. Took another No. 1 spot among stat state leaders with slugging percentage of 1.617. Swung a lofty .617 to lead team in batting average and account for 33 runs on 37 hits and a whopping 50 RBIs, third in the state.
Victoria Scott, junior, Palm Beach Gardens
Third baseman kept corner hot fielding .905 of 63 chances with 31 assists, turning four double plays to lead roster. At the plate, laid down 26 runs on 29 hits with 28 RBIs, nine doubles, three triples, and a home run with .358 clip and OPS of 1.022. Committed to FIU.
Sasha Seidel, sophom*ore, Jupiter
Top hitter and slinger for the Warriors. Offensively, led roster hitting .413 for eight runs on 31 hits with 30 RBIs, 10 doubles and two triples. Stat leader for Class 7A in the circle with 0.97 ERA ranking seventh, 189 strikeouts ranking fourth and 13 wins through 15-8 run ranking eighth.
Sydney Shaffer, junior, Palm Beach Gardens
Third year in the circle saw righty strike out 111 and give up just 10 runs through 96 innings, holding opposition to .170 batting average to go 11-1 on the season. Sought-after ERA of 0.73 ranks 15th in state and third in division. Committed to University of South Florida.
Reagan Towns, junior, Palm Beach Gardens
Shut it down at shortstop for Gators with 30 putouts, 19 assists and two double plays. Offensive stat line of .388/.465/.588 came with 28 runs on team-leading 33 hits with 22 RBIs, highlighted by team-best 10 RBIs split with younger sister, Shea, plus two triples and a home run.
Lindsey VanRavenswaay, senior, Palm Beach Central
Saw Broncos back to the win column this spring hitting .442/.631/.744 for 21 runs on 19 hits and 17 RBIs. Third baseman defended .915 of chances in infield with 21 assists. Committed to Eastern Florida.
Aubrey Wurst, senior, American Heritage-Delray
Led squad of mostly middle schoolers to 3A regionals from the plate to the circle for 11-4 finish. Offensively, touted .525 clip for 21 hits, four doubles and a triple with an on-base percentage of .580. Maryland pitcher signee's arm forged 10-3 record and incredible 0.15 ERA to rank second in Florida, regardless of classification, and 12th in the country. Fourth and final year with Stallions included career-best 216 strikeouts and just two earned runs through 95.2 innings.
More first team selections
Big schools
Sabrina Diaz, senior, INF/P, Forest Hill − Recorded 22 hits with seven doubles, three triples, two homers and 23 RBIs; team-leading .931 slug helped fourth-year team member top stat sheet with OBPS of 1.549; in the field, defended .971 of 34 total chances with 29 putouts and four assists
Isabella Golas, junior, INF, Park Vista − Defended .913 of chances in the field with team-best 27 assists and four double plays; contributed to offensive efforts hitting .354/.418/.439 for 24 runs on 29 hits with 14 RBIs
Yasmin Gonzalez, junior, CF, Seminole Ridge − Stunned from center field with 34 putouts; offensively, racked up seven doubles, four triples, and home run with .387 clip
Shea Towns, freshman, P/UTIL, Palm Beach Gardens − Freshman campaign highlighted by defensive impact, fielding .970 of 67 chances with 57 putouts and touting 1.51 ERA in circle with 42 strikeouts through 46 innings; complemented offense with stat-line of .373/.442/.573 for 15 runs on 28 hits and 23 RBIs
Hailey Vassalotti, senior, Seminole Ridge − Accumulated .408 clip for 20 runs on 29 hits, plus team-high 29 RBIs split with Gonzalez; defensively, managed .947 fielding percentage; signed to Boise State
Small schools
Caroline Duncan, freshman, P, King's − Registered 1.56 ERA and 88 strikeouts through 17 games for 14-3 record; offensively, hit .298 to chip in two home runs for Lions
Mackenzie Gerst, junior, SS/C, Dr. Joaquin Garcia − Top player for Bulldogs' inaugural season .426 batting average for five doubles, five triples, and one homer, leading team with 27 runs and 29 hits; defensively, fielded .968 of 94 chances with 73 putouts, 18 assists and three double plays
Kaiya Glucksman, sophom*ore, 2B, Oxbridge − Third year on varsity highlighted by .430 batting average for 17 RBIs; split team-best 41 runs with Gabrielle Edwards; through 24 games, succeeded on 18 of 18 stolen base attempts
Ava Johnston, junior, SS/2B, Dr. Joaquin Garcia − Stuffed stat sheet with 41 RBIs to lead stat category for Class 4A and rank 14th in Florida; through 23 games, swung .406, slugging .956 to rank 14th in division while nine home runs ranked third; held down infield with .924 fielding percentage for 56 putouts, 17 assists and four double plays
Morgan Katz, senior, C, American Heritage-Delray − Could be counted on to get on base for stallions with OBP of .660, hitting .579 for 21 runs on 22 hits with four doubles, three triples, and a home run; led team with 10 walks and 10 stolen bases
Lily Stone, freshman, SS/2B, King's − Posted near-perfect season in the field with just two errors and 35 putouts; at the plate, swung .545 for team-leading 32 RBIs on four doubles and five triples
Second team
Maeve Adams, sophom*ore, 1B/P, Cardinal Newman
Annabelle Brisco, freshman, P, Dr. Joaquin Garcia
Carla Brown, senior, P/INF, Glades Day
Ashley Daniels, senior, 3B/C, Olympic Heights
Gabrielle Edwards, senior, OF, Oxbridge
Kiersten Farkas, sophom*ore, INF/P, Forest Hill
Holly Frankl, junior, OF, Palm Beach Gardens
Alaina George, junior, 1B, Spanish River
Hailey Goode, freshman, RF, Seminole Ridge
Annabella Hamilton, junior, OF/INF, Palm Beach Central
Madelyn Horner, freshman, C/CF, Cardinal Newman
Madison Jennings, senior, SS, Oxbridge
Nariyah Jones, senior, P/1B, Park Vista
Ella Mae Lipp, freshman, 3B, Dr. Joaquin Garcia
Isabella Martinez, senior, INF, Seminole Ridge
Maya Moro, senior, UTIL, Seminole Ridge
Alexa Muller, senior, 3B, Oxbridge
Murphie Ockunzzi, sophom*ore, 3B, Forest Hill
Kaman Reno, junior, 1B/C/OF, Palm Beach Gardens
Kelsie Riggan, senior, OF, Wellington
Olivia Sanford, senior, SS, Glades Day
Tamsin Scarrett, senior, UTIL, Spanish River
Arianna Sheerer, junior, SS/OF, John I. Leonard
Karis Taleff, sophom*ore, 3B, Cardinal Newman
Lauryn Thompson, senior, Atlantic
Maryn Thompson, senior, 3B, Glades Day
Kaylee Wilt, senior, SS, Somerset Canyons
Kiersten Zimmerman, sophom*ore, CF, King's
Honorable mention
Glades Day: Reilly Baltazar, Kinley Seider, Kristabella Flournah, Armani Powe; Forest Hill: Alyssa Navarro, Lauren Fritz, Tyrah Baker; Dr. Joaquin Garcia: Kylie Zimmerman; Jupiter: Riley Lewis; Leonard: Bryanna Ariza Mercedes, Shadia Duarte, Yanina Varela; Oxbridge: Taylor Priske, Ashlyn Nevarez, Ila Trueblood; Palm Beach Central: Ashley Diaz; Palm Beach Gardens: Finola Evans, Santaluces: Jasmine Brooks; Suncoast: Stella Rineheimer; West Boca Raton: Gabrielle David, Madison Luft
Coach of the Year
Mark Boretti, Wellington
After losing a core of seniors that saw the program on 20-3-1 run to the final four of the 7A state championship in 2023, returned just three seniors and coached up five juniors, four sophom*ores and five freshmen for a 20-4 finish in 2024. Despite injury for catcher and hot hitter Kaylee Riles ahead of playoffs, the Wolverines still defended their status as district champions and earned the No. 1 seed for Region 3 prior to a second-round upset from 7A state runner-up Jupiter.
Emilee Smarr is a high school sports reporter for The Palm Beach Post. She can be reached at esmarr@gannett.com.
