LAKELAND, Fla. - The Fire softball season kicks off this weekend with a pair of doubleheaders in Lakeland, one against a new NAIA institution and one against a familiar foe.
"We are beyond ready to kick off the spring," said head coach Kayla Watkins. "We have been practicing since the fall with and against each other and are excited to face outside competition."
Opening Day is set for Friday, as Southeastern takes on Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College for the first time in program history. ABAC is coming off an appearance in the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series last season.
The following day, the Fire take on Thomas University, a team they went 2-0 against early on in the season last year. Southeastern racked up 21 hits in 14 innings. Leah Gonzalez knocked in a pair of RBI in the first game that led to a 5-3 victory. In game two, Hailey Brooks knocked in two runs to guide the team to a 4-1 victory.
"Our opening weekend happens to be a bit of a crossover with the SSAC which is historically a really competitive conference," said Watkins. "That should get the 2025 season of to a great start."
The Fire are coming off an elimination round loss in the NAIA National Tournament last season and will be looking to start strong as they embark on a new journey. The schedule is challenging, but the players and coaches are excited about what is to come.
Decorated shortstop Chapel Cunningham is entering her senior season. She set a program record with 91 hits last season. Cunningham added a few other accolades to her resume last year, including First Team All-Sun Conference and National Fast Pitch Coaches Association (NFCA) NAIA All-Region First Team. She also became just the seventh player in program history to be named an NAIA All-American.
Pitcher Edan Playa enters her sophomore season coming off an All-Sun Conference First Team award and a nod as an NFCA NAIA All-Region First Teamer. Playa ranked 16th in the NAIA last season with a 1.35 ERA, the lowest in the history of the program.
Other players named 2024 All-Sun Conference First Team include Nicole Wasserstrom, Hailey Brooks, Leah Gonzalez, and Ella Brooks.
"This group enjoys being on the field together and will be a total package on the field," said Watkins. "Specifically, we return a lot of speed from last year's lineup as well as tremendous depth defensively. They are going to be fun to watch."
The Fire take on ABAC on Friday in a doubleheader at 1 and 3 p.m., and Thomas on Saturday at 12 and 2 p.m.
You can see the rest of the 2025 schedule by clicking HERE.
