There's something in the water at Palm Harbor University. A softball fountain of youth. The Lady Canes roster this season is dominated by freshman.
“We’ve got 10 young ladies that all have a lot of ability, a passion for the game and they’ve stepped in and played a lot of innings for this year,” Palm Harbor University coach Kerry Katchuk said.
The youngsters aren’t just taking up space on the roster, they are contributing. Combined, the Lady Canes freshmen are hitting .322. One of those freshman, Mia Buffano, leads Pinellas County in home runs and has already committed to the two-time defending national champs Florida.
Land O' Lakes also has a freshman early college commit - pitcher Callie Turner, a University of Tennessee commit.
Cambridge Christian has them beat by three grades. The Lancers start a sixth-grade catcher. What are most 12-year-olds doing?
“Homework,” said a giggling Olivia Elliott.
Elliot does homework and bats clean-up for Cambridge. She also catches a Division One pitcher in Alea White, a UCF commit.
Sure there is a physical and mental difference for the younger players, but there are upsides to an injection of youth on a softball team. One plus, these youngsters are going to be around for a long time.
"There's a lot of excitement, a lot of energy, very coachable kids," Katchuk said. "It's just a lot of fun to be around. It's just a lot of new energy."
Tune into Your Sports on BHSN Channel 47/HD 1147 tonight at 6 to see the youngsters in action.