SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Lynnie France: The Softball Dynamo Who Made 400‑Foot Thunder
Think of any softball legend, and Lynnie France probably tops the list—she was literally a human giant, sending home 400‑foot shots that left fans trembling and announcers scrambling.
From Melbourne High to the Hall of Fame
- 1980 – Grads from Melbourne High School, proudly wearing the Bulldogs’ colors.
- Multi‑sport star: softball during high school and basketball on the muddy courts.
- College run: started at Valdosta State, then breezed onto Florida Tech‘s roster.
Why She Rocks
— A power‑hitter who could turn a rookie of the month into a penniless grader.
— Sporadic basketball wizardry—her lay‑ups were as smooth as her batteries.
— A legend whose mix of talent and charisma left everyone in awe.
Remember the Video
2012 footage captures Lynnie in her prime, flashing those legendary drives that echo even today.
SHERRI FRANCE – 2012 INDUCTEE
Sherri “Lynnie” France: The Queen of the Softball Diamond
When it comes to hitting the ball with more power than a super‑charged sports car, no one does it better than Sherri “Lynnie” France. Picture a bat that can send a softball skyward for a whopping 400 feet—that’s the kind of slam shots Lynnie’s known for, and she doesn’t spend that kind of energy on just one side of the field.
From League‑Winning Flyer to Hall‑of‑Fame Legend
- Retained a Fresh‑Air Playbook: Whether it’s a left‑hand toss or a right‑leg shot, Lynnie can tack it anywhere on the diamond.
- Fielding Hero: Not only does she hit, but she also drifts around the outfield like a breeze—making crucial catches that leave fans gasping.
- Hall of Fame: The U.S. Softball & Sports Association (USSSA) retired her name in its National Softball Hall of Fame. Cue the applause!
Not Just a Softball Pro
When she’s not smashing home runs, Lynnie brings her grace to Melbourne, Florida’s community. She’s the senior recreation supervisor at Grant Street Community Center, keeping the neighborhood buzzing with fun activities.
Two Decades of Sports Excellence
- High School Stardom: A 1980 graduate of Melbourne High School, Lynnie nailed it in both softball and basketball, helping the Bulldogs secure a Class 3A state title under coach Cassie Macias.
- College Courts: She first landed a scholarship at Valdosta State but later added Florida Tech’s Panthers to her résumé—averaging 28.5 points per game during the 1993-1994 season, leading Division II in scoring.
- Rebounding Powerhouse: With 14.7 rebounds per game, she ranked just fourth in the nation—a true double‑double beast.
From a forty‑foot hit‑maker on the softball field to a double‑double dominator on the basketball court, Lynnie French has rocked the sports world for decades. And thanks to her community work, Melbourne’s residents get to watch a legend keep the ball spinning—both on the field and in hearts.
Sherri France: The Softball Superstar Who’s Finally in the Hall of Fame
Once a powerhouse on the court and in the league, Sherri France has finally earned her rightful spot inside the USSSA National Softball Hall of Fame. It’s a moment that feels as sweet as a clutch home run in the 9th inning.
Championships That Made Her a Legend
- 1995 – UPI TPS: She smashed her way to a World Series title, earning MVP honors.
- 1998 – UPI Kinder: Added another world championship to her already sizzling résumé.
- 2000 – ABP Kinder Sharks: Once again crowned MVP, proving she still had the fire.
- 2003 – Armstrong Ceiling Lady Rebels: Another World Series win, solidifying her dominance.
- 2006 – Long Haul Enough Said Easton Tanel: She kept the team on a roll.
- 2009 – Kinder Sharks: Her sixth World Series title, and the year she was named to the All‑World Series team.
All‑World Series Honours
France has graced the All‑World Series team not just once – she’s been a part of the elite roster in 1998 and 2009. And let’s not forget the World Series MVP titles she clinched back‑to‑back in 1995 and 2000.
Black Softball Circuit: Hitting 400‑Footers
When it comes to home runs that make the crowd gasp, Sherri doesn’t hold back. She hit eye‑popping 400‑footers that practically landed in the sky. On top of that, she helped her team dominate the Black Softball Circuit World titles for three consecutive years – 2001, 2002, and 2003.
Recognized by the ASA
- Chosen for the Post‑1990s Amateur Softball Association of America Team of the Decade.
- Received an honorable mention on the ASA Women’s All‑Time Team, showing that her reputation truly spans generations.
From the courts of college to the diamond of professional swash‑bucks, Sherri France’s story is one of relentless skill, jaw‑dropping power, and a heart that never stops rolling. The Hall of Fame is now forever engraved with the name that, once again, proves legends are made of fire‑cracked talent. Cheers to a true softball legend!
Celebrate Space Coast Sports Legends
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- Phone: 321‑615‑8111
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