JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – “This team is special. This team is very, very special,” said Grace Shaw-Rockey, a freshman outfielder for the University of North Florida (UNF) softball team.
With only seven games remaining in the regular season, the Ospreys are looking to improve their already impressive record of 36-12. They have lost just one conference game this season and started ASUN play with a remarkable 12-0 record, marking the best start in program history. These achievements have consistently placed them in the D1Softball Mid-Major rankings.
“We want to get to that point where you think of ASUN softball, you think of North Florida,” said Jeff Conrad, the head coach.
Currently atop the ASUN standings, UNF was the first team to secure a spot in the conference tournament. The Ospreys are seeking their third ASUN championship title game appearance in four seasons.
“One of the things when I took over the program that I really wanted to change was we didn’t have these rebuilding years,” Conrad said. “We hadn’t made the conference tournament in back-to-back years in like 10 years. We’ve made it now for consecutive years.”
Building team chemistry has been a priority this season, which the players attribute to their success on the field.
“I think we all really had a moment where we really bonded in the fall,” said senior catcher Mackenzie Woods. “We’ve always had great talent at our program, but I think the one thing that held us back was our chemistry throughout the years. I think we really grew a big love for each other, and I think that’s really led to the success.”
While the team’s success is a collective effort, several players have also achieved individual accolades. Mackenzie Woods surpassed her former teammate to become the winningest player in program history. Freshman Grace Shaw-Rockey is making an immediate impact, currently tied for the best batting average on the team at .403.
“I love being able to have the opportunity to step on this field every day,” Shaw-Rockey said. “I love the people I’m surrounded with. I grew up dreaming of this, so to have this turn into a reality is just amazing.”
The standout player on the team is two-way star Allison Benning, who leads in most batting and pitching categories.
“I really enjoyed being able to play loose and play free here,” Benning said. “I just feel like I’m able to be myself, and I feel like my coaches and teammates always have my back.”
“She’s been a program changer,” Conrad said of Benning. “We thought she had the ability to do that, and she’s lived up to every bit of that.”
Benning added, “Having him believe in me so much to bring me here and having the confidence in me has really been something that I don’t take for granted at all. I’m just super honored to be a part of this great program.”
Now UNF is hoping for their first ASUN Tournament title for their first NCAA Regional appearance in program history - and they’ll do it together.