the first Titan pitcher to win the Gold Glove
Eastern Florida State College’s Avery Velazquez Shines as NFCA All-American!
Avery Velazquez has turned heads on the diamond in just her first year. The Ocoee, Florida freshman’s stellar blend of power pitching and batting coaxed her into the prestigious NFCA NJCAA Division I First Team All-America squad on Monday.
What Makes Avery Stand Out?
- Pitching Prowess – 24‑11 record, 1.22 ERA over 224⅔ innings, and a jaw‑dropping 188 strikeouts that even left the opposing batters wondering why they didn’t just switch to a different sport.
- Batting Brilliance – Hooked a .416 average, smashed 22 doubles, hit eight home runs, and racked up 69 RBIs. Talk about a double‑double!
- Historic Honor – The very first Titan to earn an NFCA All‑American nod and only the fifth in the program’s history. Talk about setting a new bar.
The Gold Glove and Utility/Player Accolades
Avery’s command wasn’t limited to the mound alone. She snagged the Joan Joyce Utility/Pitcher First-Team All-American award, a new moniker honoring the late NFCA Hall of Famer who paved the way for women in sports. And guess what? That’s not all – she’s also been on the NFCA All-Region South team, earned a spot on the All-FCSAA roster, and landed a place on the FCSAA All-Tournament squad this season.
A Season to Remember
EFSC wrapped up the year at a respectable 39‑22 overall, heading into the FCSAA Division I Softball Championship in Clearwater. Though they finished 1‑2, Avery’s season was an electrifying highlight reel that reminded everyone why college softball is buzzing.
With her natural talent, a sparkle of grit, and a moon‑lit smile that keeps everyone guessing her next move, Avery Velazquez is a baby Titan ready to light up the future of softball.
Avery Velazquez Rocks It—Florida Softball Goes Mainstream
Get this, sports fans! The fresh‑in class of 2024 from Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) just snagged her name on the All‑America list for the NJCAA Division I.
All‑American, Gold Glove & More
- All-America First Team – Only the third Titan to hit that milestone.
- NFCA All‑American – The same high‑flight honor from the National F‑Softball Coaches Association.
- Rawlings Gold Glove – First‑ever pitcher for EFSC to catch that award.
- All‑Region South (NFCA) – Early season nod that set the stage.
- All‑FCSAA & All‑Tournament (FCSAA) – A cornerstone for the team’s weekend win streak.
Pitcher & First‑Base Fire‑starter
Whew! Avery started her freshman season as a starting pitcher but also fielded first base with a jaw‑dropping .962 fielding percentage. She’s balancing the mound and the dug‑in like a pro.
Almost a Decade‑Long Gap
Last time a Titan made the first team was over ten years ago. Now the scores show a serious uptick in Thomas‑grade talent.
Regional Glory
Region 8 had the most Gold Gloves this year—five of nine go‑to awards went to the Titans’ kids. Talk about overkill juice!
Catch the Playbooks
Feel the excitement – it’s not just one nickname, it’s a storm of an entire season, with Avery championing the swing, sweep, and spit‑ter of every game. Keep an eye on this rising star—she’s setting the expectations for how the Titans will fly next season.
Fresh Out of the Press: Space Coast Daily News Rolls It All In!
Hey there, lunar lovers and sun‑shine seekers! The latest edition of the Space Coast Daily News just landed—literally—tossed in the warmth of that May 12, 2025 sunrise. The headline? “HOT OFF THE PRESS!” And we’re here to spill the coffee beans (or the rocket fuel) behind it.
What Makes This Issue Hot?
- In‑Depth Launch Coverage: The newest segment dives deep into the satellite launch that left Florida’s coast buzzing. Think live‑stream altitudes, countdown dips, and astronaut selfies.
- Community Spotlight: Meet the local high‑school club that built a mini‑rocket with recycled balloons—someday, they’re eyeing Mars!
- Weather Forecast: Predicting whether the day will be sunny or stormy so you can map out a picnic or campfire.
Why Brevard County Loves This Paper
The Space Coast Daily News is more than just ink on paper; it’s the pulse of our community. From space missions to surf spots, it keeps us all informed—and entertained. That’s why folks keep turning those pages like a scrapbook of the future.
Got Feedback?
Drop us a line, or if you’ve got a story of your own to spotlight, the local newsroom’s ready to give you the spotlight you deserve.
Stay current—and keep following the amazing, wild ride of the space coast!