The Lakewood Ranch High softball team practicing before schools were shut down.
Rachel Monroe- Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH FL.) - Due to Covid- 19, it is unknown whether the 2020 Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) softball team would have become the first in the school’s history to win a state title. The Mustangs at least have the consolation of finishing the year ranked number one in the nation by Extra Inning Softball.
Extra Inning was just one of the publications that expected the Mustangs to contend for state and national titles before the season was cancelled.
With ten seniors off to continue their softball careers in college, the 2020 class will leave behind a legacy in high school softball.
Head Coach T.J. Goelz has coached these ten all four years.
“The 2020 class has been called legendary by many and I fully agree with that assessment. They were a part of the culture change here and embraced the high expectations for the program. They won more games than any class, more All-State players, more Division 1 signees, and own almost all the records at the school and county level. They have set the bar for the level of effort and focus required to play for Lakewood Ranch Softball. They will be dearly missed,” said Goelz.
Accomplishments of the 2020 class include -
- 89-9 Win/Loss
- 3 District Championships
- 2 Regional Championships
- 2 Trips to States
- 1 State Runner-Up
- Ranked #1 in State & Nation most of 2019.
- Champions of the Oakleaf HS Tournament of Champions.
- 30-1 record in 2019.
- 8-0 in 2020. Undefeated in the District.
- Ranked #1 in State & Nation ALL of 2020.
Senior Payton Kinney, a four-year varsity pitcher headed to University of Connecticut, is grateful for her time as a Mustang.
“Playing for Lakewood Ranch softball has been one of the greatest experiences of my life," she said. "Although we did not get a shot a State championship this year, I’ve made some great memories at Lakewood Ranch that I will cherish forever.”
Despite the loss of the 2020 season, senior Avery Goelz has been selected as a nominee for the prestigious “Gatorade Player of the Year” award. This is Goelz’s second time being nominated for this award.
Stay tuned for more news on how to honor the legendary 2020 class and the team accomplishments through Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook@Lakewoodranchsb.
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