BRADENTON, Fla. – Penn State softball infielder Leanne Matthews was selected to participate in the inaugural Florida Gulf Coast League for five weeks this summer.
Matthews will play for Impact Softball. The players reported last week on June 14 with a three-day mini-camp before the first day of competition on June 18. Impact Softball is scheduled for 24 total games, plus the league's All-Star Game and Championship series. Check out the full schedule here.
"I'm excited to be part of the first ever Florida Gulf Coast Softball League," said Matthews. "Since our season got cut short, this is a great opportunity for me to sharpen my skills and grow in the game of softball. I'm also excited to meet girls from other college teams."
In a shortened 2020 season, Matthews made 15 appearances with 10 starts at second base. The freshman from Concord, N.C. totaled five hits, two RBI and scored three runs. In her collegiate debut against Cal on Feb. 7, she subbed in from the dugout and went 2-for-3 at the plate to help the Nittany Lions rally for a comeback victory.
The softball league consists of seven teams: Fastpitch U, Impact Softball, Lynx, Pioneers, Rivermocs, Bradenton Slice, and Manatee Squeeze. Players represent more than 56 schools and all divisions of collegiate softball. All seven teams have individual owners and players were selected through applications and recruiting.
Due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions, all players and training staff have daily temperature checks and a full-time athletic training staff is on hand. Spectators are allowed in certain areas but are not allowed to have contact with players or staff and must follow safety guidelines.
For more information on the Florida Gulf Coast League, visit its website here.
