Inspiration Academy softball wraps up a successful preseason going 4-2 against some of the best competition they could find.  

After beating local Hillsborough Community College (4-1) and the State College of Florida (17-2), the girls split in Berkeley Prep's preseason invitational. Beating a tough opponent, Academy of the Holy Names (12-3) before falling to Berkeley Prep (6-5).  

The team then headed to Fort Myers as they competed in the Paradise Cove Tournament hosted by Florida Southwestern College. All the top junior college softball programs around gathered to face off as they began their season. Here's what coach Anne Beard says about being invited, "it's an amazing opportunity to be able to come watch and compete against girls that are bigger and better than us. It's an amazing learning experience for the girls and definitely helps open doors for their future." 

Before the game one of the top collegiate softball umpires told us "Why shouldn't you be invited? You guys competed last year and you will again today. It is amazing that you bring your girls here for this experience and they most definitely deserve to be here." 

And compete with them they did as they matched up with Hillsboro Community College again and got the bats going. The girls totaled 11 hits to put up 11 runs, Avery Bouquin Emma Szabo and Amelia Mejias all put up multiple hits. In the circle Elle Hildreth dominated, as she gave up only 3 hits and 2 runs while striking out 8 hitters in the 11-2 victory.  

For game 2 in the Paradise Cove Tournament the girls got the matchup vs the division 1 junior college national champion Indian River State College. Indian River is highly regarded for their ability to cause havoc on offense utilizing their speed and aggression by slapping, bunting, and stealing almost every pitch. This was a strategy that led the Pioneers to a 57-10 record in 2024 and we got to witness it first-hand. "The Pioneers were relentless on offense and scored runs before anybody could adapt to what was happening. They put pressure on in ways I haven't seen before." said Director of Softball Brian Commerford. "We definitely took notes, as what they do offensively is a master class." Indian River pulled away quickly to win 12-0, but it's not every day you get to play with national champions. Head Coach of the Pioneers Dale Atkinson told us, "Your girls competed very well, and you have a lot of talent on your team, we look forward to watching your progress." 

After 6 games, 4 againts colleges, the girls look to start their regular season as one of the most prepared high schools in the country.  

Notable preseason stat leaders: 

Hits – Bouquin 8, Hildreth and Carnahan 6 

Home Runs – Hildreth 3, McInerney Bouquin Carnahan all with 1 

RBIs Hildreth and Carnahan with 10. 

Pitching (before Indian River) 

Elle Hildreth 16 innings 25ks 2.18 ERA 

Emma Szabo 13.1 innings 10ks to 1 walk, 2.62 ERA