Bailey Castro Florida Softball
Bailey Castro – Florida Softball Player of the Year
Bailey Castro is a native of Pembroke Pines, Florida. She is a junior left fielder for the University of Florida. While playing in the Gators’ softball program, she was a member of two teams that made the Women’s College World Series. In 2008, she was a first team selection. This year she was named to the All-SEC team, a SSC All-Tournament team, and the NFCA Southeast Region Coaching Staff of the Year.
Last season, the Gators won a national title in the Women’s College World Series. It was the third straight Women’s College World Series title for the Gators. The Gators also won their seventh consecutive SEC series, and were the top-ranked team in the nation. They are currently the second seed in the NCAA tournament.
The Gators are the only SEC team to make the WCWS four straight years. However, the Gators will have to replace a lot of power from last year’s hitters. Some of these players are leaving the team. There are five seniors. Others, including Kasf Fagan, Cheyenne Coyle, and Katie Medina, were kicked off the team for disciplinary reasons.
Tim Walton is the new head coach for the Florida softball program. He comes to the school with a track record of success, having led the Wichita State Shockers to their first-ever appearance in the NCAA tournament in 16 years. Although, Walton has proven seniors, he has added a number of freshmen to the roster. Alyssa Bache and Kelly Barnhill are the newest additions to the Gators’ roster. Both are known for their speed and power.
Bailey Castro is one of the most highly-regarded players in the program, with a reputation for hitting. She has been a two-time SSC Player of the Year. In addition, she was named to the National Collegiate Player of the Year team.
She has been named to the USA Softball Women’s National Team. She has 70 career home runs. Her home run total is the second-highest for a Gator in program history.
Bailey Castro has a degree in Psychology from the University of Florida, and a Masters in Organizational Leadership from the same university. She has also served as an assistant coach for the team. Currently, she is the founder and CEO of a travel organization for women’s softball.
When the Florida Gators softball team isn’t chasing the national title, they are chasing the SEC championship. This year, the Gators are the SEC East champions, and will play in the Super Regional against Arizona State or UCF in the championship series.
The Florida Gators start the season as the top-ranked softball team in the country. Their pitching rotation will be without an ace pitcher, but they should be able to maintain a solid ERA. The offense, which led the nation in Runs Batted In last year, will be counted on to help. Another factor in their offense will be the addition of Taylore Fuller and Kayli Kvistad.
Despite missing several key players, the Florida Gators still have plenty of talented players. With more talent on the roster, the Gators are sure to have their best season in many years.