Varsity 4 All-News4JAX softball: Confidence, dominance began years ago for Matanzas ace Leah Stevens

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Leah Stevens was a little bit nervous that night. Now, the Matanzas ace softball hurler looks back on the game that started it all for her and remembers it fondly.

Stevens shooed away the nerves, settled in and never looked back. Four years later, Varsity 4 All-News4JAX softball player of the year was nearly untouchable in the pitcher’s circle.

And it all starts with that game on March 1, 2022 at Creekside.

Varsity 4 All-News4JAX players of the year

“Just that excitement of that game really kind of opened my eyes to what our high school season could look like,” she said.

“I feel like that one game was kind of how our entire season was this year. My senior season was kind of just as exciting, and we had multiple games that went to extra innings, we won by one run or something. So, I feel like that excitement kind of carried on and was the embodiment of this senior year.”

Stevens went on to whiff a career-high 24 in a 7-6 win in 10 innings over the Knights three years ago. That outing was just her third varsity game, and first against an upper tier opponent. As Stevens puts a bow on her high school career and preps to head to the University of Florida to play softball, she circles back to just how important that game was for her and everyone at Matanzas. Most of the Pirates team are from that area in Palm Coast and have history that stretches back to their childhood days. It showcased that the small program in a two high school county could hang with the best schools around.

“I think it kind of just shows that talent is everywhere. And just because we’re a small school or we’re kind of in the middle of nowhere, we can still have really good players and we use the players that we,” Stevens said.

“So, I think it’s really important that in the softball community here, Matanzas and in Flagler County, that all these girls are really being interested in softball and that they are growing up here and coming and playing high school sports.”

The emotions of that game that helped put Stevens on the map — the excitement, the nerves, the thrill — flickered throughout a sensational 2025 season for the Pirates.

They were one of the last four local teams left standing in the state playoffs, joining Baldwin, Paxon and University Christian who all reached the regional finals. The Pirates finished 23-2, the best showing in program history.

Stevens was at the forefront of that. She was voted as the Class 5A player of the year and finished as runner-up in voting for the state’s Miss Softball award.

She said the potential of 2025 started in the circle for her during that game against Creekside three years ago.

No doubt that game against Creekside was a bit of foreshadowing of what was to come. Matanzas won three games in extra innings this year, including a 2-1 game in the regional semifinals against a strong Middleburg team. Stevens blasted a homer over the centerfield wall in the bottom of the first and then doubled in the walk-off RBI in the bottom of the eighth. In between, she mixed in 19 strikeouts.

Matanzas was elite with Stevens in the circle. It was 10-1 in games this year decided by one or two runs. The lone loss came in the regional final at Niceville, a game that Stevens actually fired a no-hitter but was charged with an unearned run in a 1-0 game, her fifth no-no of the season.

The accolades are nice, Stevens said, but it was the Pirates in their entirety that made this season so special. Six Matanzas regulars hit .324 or better, and there were contributions from freshmen to seniors.

“I feel like having depth in multiple different areas so that our fielding could be on point, people could be moving around wherever they’re needed,” she said.

“And to have a really stacked lineup that we could have speed at the top and the bottom, we could have power hitters kind of all throughout, that was really important to have talent all around and just depth.”

All-News4JAX softball, first team

Position, player, school, class, notable

P Kadence Compton, Fort White, Sr.

Will go down as one of the best players in Indians history. Went 14-6 with 0.86 ERA, 189 Ks in 138.2 IP. Hit .403 with six homers, 19 RBI and 12 runs scored. Career .407 hitter with 20 HR, 105 RBI. Headed to Indian River State College.

P Hayley Hinds, Paxon, Sr.

Three-year starter for the Golden Eagles, she had her best stuff in her final season to power 19-6 finish that ranks as best in program history. Lefty went 16-6 with 162 Ks, 1.49 ERA in 145.2 IP. Hit .346 with 17 RBI, 10 extra-base hits (9 doubles, triple, HR). Southern University signee.

P Charlotte Maddox, Oakleaf, Sr.

Two-time All-News4JAX first-team selection. Four-year player for the Knights who had career best numbers in Ks (141), IP (124.2), ERA (0.84) and earned runs allowed (15). Hit .378 with 20 RBI. Dartmouth signee.

P Leah Stevens, Matanzas, Sr.

All-News4JAX player of the year. Gators signee. Went 17-1 with 249 Ks in 108.2 IP. Opponents hit just .079 against her. At the plate, hit .500 with 12 RBI, HR. Class 5A player of the year and runner-up for Miss Softball honor.

C Stella Lynton, Atlantic Coast, Fr.

About as good of a first season of varsity ball as any player in the area. Hit .446 with 13 extra-base hits (9 doubles, 4 triples). Scored 30 runs and drove in 20. Didn’t commit an error all season while playing catcher and in the outfield.

IF Kendall North, Baldwin, Sr.

One of the most experienced players in Indians history. Started playing varsity in sixth grade. Hit .448 with 43 runs scored, 24 RBI, 20 extra-base hits (11 doubles, 6 triples, 3 HR). Career .369 hitter with 131 RBI. Indian River State signee. Two-time All-News4JAX selection.

IF Amelia Oreair, Episcopal, Jr.

Led Eagles in the Triple Crown categories (.453, 32 RBI, 7 HR) as team went 22-6. Has boosted her average more than 200 percentage points from two seasons ago.

IF Baleigh Shields, Baker County, Jr.

Led Wildcats in all the major offensive categories (.519, 42 hits, 4 HR). Added 19 RBI, 29 runs and boosted career average to .445 for 20-5 Wildcats. Two-time All-News4JAX selection.

IF Olivia Sikes, Fleming Island, Sr.

Stellar across her four seasons, she hit .558 with team-leading 43 hits, 17 doubles, 27 runs and 27 RBI. Struck out just one time. Superb in the field, she made just two errors in four seasons. Brown University signee.

OF Carly Dall, Creekside, Sr.

Second team All-News4JAX last year. Hit .344 with 5 HR, eight doubles and 25 RIB. A career .339 hitter. Also shined as a pitcher, going 11-5 with 58 Ks, 2.29 ERA in 91.2 IP. Headed to St. Johns River State College.

OF Chloe Gotto, Bishop Snyder, Jr.

Second team All-News4JAX selection last year at Baldwin. Hit career-best .593 with 33 RBI, 17 extra-base hits (12 doubles, 3 triples, 2 HR). A career .433 hitter with 133 RBI, 14 HR. Committed to Saint Leo.

OF Miranda Harmon, Nease, Sr.

An on-base machine, she hit .471 in her final season and scored 28 runs. Had 11 RBI and 32 hits. Career .459 hitter who averaged 1.5 hits per game. Signed with University of West Florida. Two-time All-News4JAX selection.

UT Kerra Clarida, Middleburg, Sr.

Three-time All-News4JAX selection. Hit .426 with 31 RBI, 28 runs and six homers for 19-9 Broncos. Four-year starter hit .396 in her career with 33 HRs. Georgia Southern signee.

UT Jazmine Ramos-Merced, Baldwin, Jr.

Powerful third baseman hit .366 with career-bests in HRs (10) and RBI (37). Has belted 27 homers over last three seasons. Committed to St. Johns University. Second-team All-News4JAX last year.

UT Riley Valent, Episcopal, Jr.

Went 21-6 as main arm for the Eagles, whiffing 177 in 177.2 IP and logging 2.88 ERA. Hit .322 with 26 runs, 24 RBI and 14 extra-base hits (6 doubles, 5 HR, 3 triples). Could also play shortstop.

Second team

Position, player, school, class, notable

P Kelsea Bass, West Nassau, Fr.

First season was very good against a wicked tough schedule (11-10, 1.18 ERA, 99 Ks in 142 IP).

P Morgan Brown, Atlantic Coast, So.

Went 13-3 with four shutouts, 1.90 ERA, Whiffed 120 in 110.2 innings. At the plate, hit .377 with 20 runs scored, 18 RBI. Major reason why Stingrays went from 12-14 to 22-6.

P Dixie Tessier, University Christian, Jr.

Hit a career high .549 with 40 RBI and 15 doubles. In the circle, she went 17-4 with a 1.72 ERA and 148 Ks in 89.2 IP as Christians reached the regional finals. Committed to Catawba Valley.

P Rylee Walker, Baker County, Sr.

Lead arm for the Wildcats, she went 12-4 with 74 Ks in 86 IP and 1.71 ERA. Went 33-16 with 1.81 ERA in her career.

C Jaela Palmer, Paxon, Sr.

Hit .422 with 38 hits, 35 RBI and 11 extra-base hits (6 doubles, 3 triples, 2 homers) as Golden Eagles reached the regional finals. Second-team All-News4JAX selection last year, too.

IF Ryleigh Booth, Mandarin, Sr.

Led the Mustangs in hits (36), average (.444), doubles (12) and stolen bases (13). A career .362 hitter with 62 RBI. Will play in college at Tallahassee State.

IF Lucie McDonald, Bartram Trail, Sr.

Excellent final season for the Bears. Four-year starter hit .417 with 30 RBI, 27 runs scored and 17 extra-base hits (10 doubles, 5 HRs, 2 triples). Added 10 stolen bases. Headed for Middle Tennessee State.

IF Rylan DeGrande, Menendez, Jr.

Best season of her career. Hit .426 with 30 runs scored, 29 hits, 23 RBI and 14 extra-base hits (8 doubles, 6 HRs). Committed to Valdosta State.

IF Juliet Fogel, Matanzas, Sr.

Hit .448 with 21 RBI and 10 extra-base hits (4 doubles, 3 triples and 3 homers) as Pirates went 23-2 and reached the regional finals. Signed with St. Johns River State College.

IF Summer Stearns, Providence, Jr.

Another strong season in what has been an excellent career. Hit .451 with 22 runs scored, 16 RBI and 12 extra-base hits (7 doubles, 3 triples, 2 homers).

OF Haleigh Faulkner, Palatka, Sr.

Huge season at the plate for Panthers slugger. Hit .524 with 8 HR, 28 RBI. Had team-best 44 hits. Hit .432 in her career with 58 RBI, 12 HR.

OF Sariyah Jackson, Paxon, Fr.

Another integral part of best season in Paxon history. Hit .500 with 14 doubles, 17 RBI and 46 hits. Had 18 stolen bases

OF Maleah Rouse, Paxon, Fr.

Excellent first season. Hit .532 with 34 RBI and smacked nine homers as Golden Eagles went 19-6 and reached the third round of the playoffs for the first time.

UT Caitlyn Boshell, Bishop Snyder, Fr.

Excellent first season at the plate and in the circle. Hit .412 with 35 RBI and 17 extra-base hits (11 doubles, 6 HRs). Whiffed 158 in 110.2 IP and had 2.53 ERA.

UT Presley Brinkley, Creekside, Jr.

Hit career best .366 with 28 RBI, 32 runs scored and seven homers for the 18-10 Knights.

Honorable mention

Position, Player, School, Class

IF Lola Aberly, Bishop Snyder, Fr.

UT Hailey Allen, Bartram Trail, Sr.

C Riley Applebee, Episcopal, Sr.

C Regan Barnett, Orange Park, Jr.

IF Jaydyn Beall, Oakleaf, Sr.

P Lily Bennett, Middleburg, Sr.

P Elle Burns, Providence, Fr.

OF Emma Campbell, Creekside, Jr.

IF Amiah Carrubba, Clay, Fr.

IF Aleda Cashwell, Bolles, Jr.

IF Zophia Clark, Palatka, Sr.

IF/P Crissie Clayman, Episcopal, Jr.

IF/OF Hailey Cunningham, Creekside, So.

P Sydney Davis, Nease, So.

IF Emily Davidson, Episcopal, Fr.

OF Emmie Dawley, Sandalwood, Jr.

IF/P Meghan Dawson, Menendez, Sr.

OF Skye Deans, Atlantic Coast, Fr.

UT Nichole Deschamps, Ridgeview, Jr.

OF/C Leighton Dostie, Bolles, Fr.

IF/P Brooke Edmonds, First Coast, So.

P/IF Kassidy Edwards, Paxon, So.

C Casey Eliason, Nease, Jr.

IF Marley Elliott, Harvest Community, Sr.

OF Ava Farnham, Bishop Kenny, Sr.

OF Mallory Ficklin, Middleburg, Jr.

OF Makaila Fry, Baldwin, Fr.

IF Maylee Gabey, Suwannee, So.

UT Kyleigh Golden, Yulee, Sr.

OF Rylan Gray, Baldwin, Sr.

IF KK Hagan, Middleburg, Sr.

OF Emma Handley, Union County, So.

IF Teagan Harter, West Nassau, So.

C/UT Dylan Hetrick, Wolfson, Fr.

C/IF Addyson Hinds, Bradford, Jr.

UT Abby Jackson, Bishop Kenny, Jr.

C Chloe Johnson, Baker County, Jr.

UT Morgan Kelly, Fort White, Sr.

IF Peyton Kirk, Ridgeview, Sr.

OF Anisten Kurlander, Fleming Island, Sr.

OF/P Mila Lackowski, University Christian, 7th

OF Makiyah Lester, First Coast, So.

IF Kimber Long, Columbia, Sr.

UT Ava Lowman, Fletcher, Fr.

UT Madden Lutze, Beachside, Fr.

IF Ashlyn Madine, Fleming Island, So.

IF/P Lily Maguire, Atlantic Coast, Fr.

OF McKenzie Manhart, Matanzas, Jr.

IF Courtney Manning, Union County, Fr.

IF Ava Martyn, Yulee, Sr.

P Grace Masterson, Baker County, Fr.

IF Mallie Meadows, Beachside, Sr.

OF Sakiya Merriex, Columbia, Sr.

P/OF Sophia Mulkey, Bishop Kenny, Fr.

UT Rylee Murallo, Fernandina Beach, Jr.

IF/OF Elissa Murdock, University Christian, Jr.

IF Makayla Oxley, Mandarin, So.

IF Zoe Pascoe, Orange Park, Sr.

UT Alexis Peacock, Peniel Baptist Academy, Sr.

C Addison Peterson, Suwannee, Fr.

IF/C Gracianna Peck-Headley, Mandarin, Fr.

IF Hayden Peebles, Baldwin, So.

C Tatum Pocol, Beachside, So.

P/IF Josie Raulerson, Columbia, So.

C Kaelye Rouw, Clay, So.

P Sadie Russo, Clay, Fr.

UT Ashley Sampselle, Matanzas, Sr.

C Peighton Self, Hilliard, Sr.

IF/OF Madison Seprish, Sandalwood, Jr.

OF Ella Springer, Christ’s Church Academy, Fr.

UT Luisa Taylor, Columbia, Jr.

C Amberlea Wagner, Keystone Heights, Jr.

C Emma Ward, Middleburg, Jr.

P Gracie Watley, Suwannee, Jr.

OF Raven Watson, Baldwin, Sr.

P Aoife Weaver, Ponte Vedra, Jr.

OF Mika Wesley, Middleburg, Sr.

IF Nakaela Williams, Trinity Christian, Sr.

P/OF Ryleigh Williams, Tocoi Creek, Fr.

OF Sarah Wisniewski, Wolfson, Fr.