Lynn University softball athletes excel beyond the field

From home runs to honor rolls, Lynn University's softball team commits to success on and off the field. The program built a history of athletic achievements with 50 Sunshine State All-Conference honors, four All-American athletes and three alumni playing professionally. Equally impressive are the team's academic achievements. In Fall 2024, the softball team earned a collective GPA of 3.52, with 17 athletes maintaining a GPA above 3.5 and six achieving a perfect 4.0. 

Excelling as a student-athlete requires discipline, dedication and exceptional time management. Lynn's softball athletes train and practice three hours a day, six days a week. During the softball season, which lasts from February to May, the team puts in the extra work to compete through several weekend games. 

To help the team balance sports commitments with academic priorities, Softball Head Coach Cassidy Pickett structures a schedule that allows athletes to complete all their training in the morning. The training schedule gives each athlete the freedom to focus on their classes and extra-curriculars throughout the rest of the day. "Lynn's block scheduling has made organizing practices tremendously easier," said Pickett.

Since joining Lynn in 2021, Pickett elevated the program by fostering a strong team culture. While softball is the primary focus, the team centers its values on community, service, spirit, respect and academic achievement. "My mission is to help these athletes become the best version of themselves in every way," said Pickett. "Their value goes beyond their playing time and athletic performance." Pickett encourages the Fighting Knights to be well-rounded individuals that develop in areas outside of softball. In addition to supporting their individual goals, Pickett is invested in ensuring each team member's overall wellness.

Mental and emotional well-being plays a crucial role in the team's success. The athletes meet with a sports psychologist to strengthen their resilience, improve communication and navigate challenges. During the fall semester, softball players have weekly sessions and continue meeting at least once a month during the spring season.

For junior Onnalee Floriano, the softball team is a source of encouragement and accountability. "The softball team is like a second family and a huge support system," said Floriano. After dealing with an injury within her first two years, her teammates and coaches motivated her to recover and return to the game. Their support was instrumental in shaping her as a student-athlete.

With a great team behind her, Floriano thrives academically, earning a place on the dean's list in her three years at Lynn while majoring in biology with a forensics concentration. In addition, Floriano's professors recognized her dedication and selected her as a supplemental chemistry instructor, assisting biology students to excel in their studies. Beyond the classroom, she actively participates in academic organizations as a Women in STEM club member and an officer in the forensics club.

Third-year student-athlete Isabella Rittle exemplifies the type of growth Pickett wants to see from each of her players. The softball team continues to teach Rittle lessons about teamwork, leadership and overcoming adversity on and off the field. "I believe leading by my actions and hard work is important," said Rittle. "Several people have worked hard for me, so I must work hard for them."

Rittle's determination extends into the classroom, pursuing a bachelor's in sports management through Lynn's accelerated degree program. To achieve academic success, Rittle actively engages with her professors and takes advantage of the resources the College of Business and Management offers by attending guest speaker sessions and connecting with industry leaders. Looking to further her development, Rittle also plans to pursue a master's degree at Lynn.

The softball athletes' spirit and continuous efforts do not go unnoticed. Coach Pickett believes the team's greatest strength is its people. "The softball team's culture, maturity and performance have grown tremendously," said Pickett. "You can see and feel the difference."