Varsity 4 All-News4JAX softball: Columbia’s Ryleigh Stone shines in championship season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Ryleigh Stone stood in the pitcher’s circle in the final inning of the season and made history for the Columbia softball team.

Ending the year with the ball in her hand in the biggest moment of her career wasn’t exactly how she expected this season to go. Stone, the Varsity 4 All-News4JAX player of the year just wanted to find a way to contribute for the Tigers.

Well, her contribution was helping steer Columbia to a state championship as a 15-year-old freshman.

“I didn’t,” Stone said. “But that’s where my mindset was. I was like, even if I don’t get to be the number one pitcher, I’m going to contribute.”

Stone did more than just contribute.

Not only did Stone find a way to contribute, she was the one in the circle when the Tigers hung on to beat Lake Wales for the Class 5A state championship last May. Stone was excellent in that game, whiffing nine and getting out of a bases loaded situation in the final inning to lock down a 3-2 win, and just the program’s second state championship. Stone finished 15-1 in the circle and hit .406 for a Columbia team that is positioned to be good for a long time. The state championship is the school’s first since 2013.

Stone liked softball at an early age, spending a year playing rec ball when she was 8. But that eventually gave way to cheerleading and gymnastics before the tug of softball eventually pulled her back.

“I’m pretty sure I was just passing the softball fields one day and I said, ‘I want to play that [again],” she said.

That passing glance at softball soon became a full entrance back in the sport. Stone said she just fell in love with being on a field.

Varsity 4 All-News4JAX players of the year

“When I went out there, I just wanted to do everything,” she said. “I was a pitcher, catcher; I can still catch. I love doing that. I didn’t get to do it a lot because I’m a pitcher. I just wanted to be able to do everything, and I wanted to work at everything. Pitching is a thing you have to work on daily. And I was like, ‘that’s fine. I’m going to do this. It was a lot of hours in the yard. Sometimes, I did not want to do it, but got it done, and it worked out.”

Did it ever.

Stone’s only loss of the season came to perennial power and Class 6A state runner-up Bartow in a 4-0 game in late March. The Tigers wouldn’t lose again, ripping off 16 consecutive wins to polish off a stunning 29-3 season. Stone said that she didn’t expect a season like this when it started, but once the Tigers got rolling the momentum surged across the team.

“I did not [expect a championship season], but I was hoping,” she said. “And after a few of our good wins, and even when we lost to Trenton and Santa Fe, those were the best teams and we had lost only by a little against Trenton. So, I had an idea we could do this.”

Varsity 4 All-News4JAX softball first team

All-News4JAX softball, first team

Position, player, school, class, notable

P Morgan Brown, Atlantic Coast, Jr.

Second-team selection last year. Finished 17-5 with 2.10 ERA, 150 Ks in 143 IP. At the plate, hit .337 and had three doubles.

P Lily Hubbard, Baldwin, Jr.

Really emerged in the circle this season. Went 15-5 with 2.00 ERA, 143 Ks in 136.1 IP. At the plate, hit a career high .372 with 13 extra-base hits (10 doubles, 2 HRs, triple), drove in 23 runs and scored 22 times.

P Grace Masterson, Baker County, So.

She saw her workload take a big step up and she delivered. Went 13-2 and whiffed 112 in 84 IP for the 24-3 Wildcats.

P Ryleigh Stone, Columbia, Fr.

Breakout first season for Class 4A state champs. Hit .406 with 26 hits, 13 RBI and a homer. In the circle, went 15-1 with 125 Ks, 1.22 ERA in 109 IP. Whiffed nine in complete game five-hitter to beat Lake Wales in title game.

C Makiyah Lester, Paxon, Sr.

Hit .538 in huge final season. Pounded out 45 hits and had 13 RBI. Had 25 stolen bases. On defense, threw out five of 11 runners trying to steal.

IF Alannah Lord, Columbia, Fr.

Freshman season for the books. Hit .446 with 44 runs scored, 37 RBI and 17 extra-base hits (10 doubles, 5 HRs, 2 triples) as Tigers won state title. Earned Class 4A player of the year honors.

IF Jazmine Ramos-Merced, Baldwin, Sr.

Two-time All-News4JAX selection. Led Indians in the Triple Crown categories (.519, 31 RBI, 10 HR). Finished career with 43 HRs. Career .407 average (206 for 506) with 185 RBI, 43 2Bs.

IF Josie Raulerson, Columbia, Sr.

Huge final season for Class 4A state champs. Hit .432 with 5 HR, 37 RBI, six doubles and two triples. Scored 18 runs. Career .400 hitter with 16 HR, 90 RBI.

IF Baleigh Shields, Baker County, Sr.

Three-time All-News4JAX selection. Hit .518 with career-bests in hits (43) and runs scored (39) in final season. Had 27 stolen bases. Career .464 hitter with 75 RBI, 14 HR.

OF/C Chloe Gotto, Bishop Snyder, Sr.

Hit .432 with 23 RBI, 12 extra-base hits (8 2Bs, 3 HR, 3B). Hit .512 in two seasons with the Cardinals. Two-time first-team All-News4JAX selection. Second-team pick in 2024. Saint Leo signee.

OF/C Stella Lynton, Atlantic Coast, So.

Excellent catcher but shined in the outfield, too. Hit .457 with 36 runs scored, 27 RBI and 14 extra-base hits (7 doubles, 6 triples, HR). Perhaps even more impressive was the number of times that she struck out (none).

OF/IF Lauren Rosepiler, West Nassau, Sr.

Improved across the board in every category. Hit .446 with 26 runs, 33 hits and 10 for extra bases (4 triples, 4 doubles, 2 HRs). Unbelievable contact hitter. Struck out just six times in her career.

UT Hannah Jones, Tocoi Creek, So.

Leading force for the best season in Toros history (24-3). Finished 20-2 with 227 Ks in 133.1 IP, 0.68 ERA. At this plate, hit .282 with 14 RBI, four doubles and six runs scored.

UT Madden Lutze, Bolles, So.

Rising star is poised to be one of the area’s best players. Hit .487 with six homers, 27 RBI and team-bests of hits (38) and runs scored (38). Had 16 stolen bases. Whiffed 216 in 133.2 IP and three four no-hitters including three in a row.

UT Emily Davidson, Episcopal, Jr.

Primary position was catcher. Hit .423 with 33 RBI for 19-6 Eagles. Scored 28 runs. Had 17 extra-base hits (8 2Bs, 5 3Bs, 4 HRs). Threw out 14 runners. Career .369 hitter with 64 RBI. FACA District 4 Class 2A player of the year.

UT Dixie Tessier, University Christian, Sr.

The pitcher and 1B hit .348 and had five doubles en route to Class 1A state championship. Career .420 hitter with 76 RBI. Went 11-0 in the circle with 0.78 ERA, 71 Ks in 63 IP. In career pitching, was 29-6 with 249 Ks, 1.98 ERA in 180.1 IP.

Second team

Position, player, school, class, notable

P Caitlyn Boshell, Bishop Snyder, So.

Hit .329 with 7 HR, 27 RBI, 16 runs scored. Very strong in the circle this season, too (12-6, 221 Ks in 138.1 IP).

P Kassidy Edwards, Paxon, Jr.

Career season at the plate (.458, 38 RBI, 12 2Bs, 7 HR) and scored 19 runs. Finished 12-7 with 2.28 ERA, 180 Ks in 104.1 IP.

P Aoife Weaver, Ponte Vedra, Sr.

Four-year player for the Sharks. Career-best .488 average with 35 RIB, 3 HR, 39 hits. A career .407 hitter with 104 RBI. Went 8-7 in the circle with 56 Ks in 84 IP.

C Kaitlyn Robbins, Creekside, Jr.

Breakout season. Led team in batting (.429), RBI (29) and HRs (5). Added six doubles and five triples and scored 29 runs.

IF/OF Aleda Cashwell, Bolles, Sr.

Spent six seasons on varsity and graduates as a .403 hitter. Surged in final season (.487, .570 OBP, 9 2Bs, 8 HR, 30 RBI). Headed to Rollins.

IF Rylan DeGrande, Menendez, Sr.

Hit .426 with 20 RBI, 12 extra-base hits (6 HR, 4 3Bs, 2 2Bs), scored 27 runs for Falcons. Excellent four-year starter. Hit .388 with 16 HR, 85 RBI in her career. Signed with Valdosta State. Two-time second-team selection.

IF Teagan Harter, West Nassau, Jr.

Hit .438 with 17 extra-base hits (15 2Bs, HR, 3B). Drove in 16 runs and had seven stolen bases. Made just three errors at shortstop and finished with .967 fielding percentage.

IF/OF Maleah Rouse, Paxon, So.

Hit .503 with 38 RBI, 7 HR and 13 doubles. Scored 18 runs for 17-8 Golden Eagles. Has a .519 average, 16 HRs in her first two seasons.

IF Summer Stearns, Episcopal, Sr.

Hit .403 with 14 extra-base hits (8 2Bs, 3B, 5 HR). Scored 32 runs. Very strong at shortstop (.933 fielding percentage). Headed to Elon. Two-time second-team All-News4JAX.

IF/C Madisyn Strickland, Middleburg, Sr.

Big bat for the Broncos. Hit .288 with nine HRs, 25 RBI and 15 runs scored. Just one error in 100 chances (.990 fielding percentage). Signed with Florida Gateway.

OF Claire Cinnamond, Episcopal, Sr.

Lockdown centerfielder played error-free ball. Hit .4-0 with eight doubles, 23 RI and 30 runs scored. Headed to Covenant College.

OF/IF Sinai Tunsill, University Christian, 7

Huge contributor for Class 1A state champion Christians. Hit .521 with 29 runs scored, 18 RBI, 12 stolen bases, seven doubles. Excellent in the field, too (.938 fielding percentage)

UT Presley Brinkley, Creekside, Sr.

Four-year starter who had an excellent all-around final season. Hit a career-best .427 with three HRs, 22 RBI and 26 runs scored. Headed to Santa Fe College.

UT Emily Delgado, Columbia, Sr.

Catcher is a four-year player who had career-highs in homers (7), hits (33) and RBI (31). Hit .375 this season for 29-3 Tigers.

UT Chloe Johnson, Baker County, Sr.

Best season at the plate in her career. Hit .367 with six HRs, 34 RBI and seven doubles for 24-3 Wildcats. Career .301 hitter. Headed to Santa Fe College.

UT Carmen Overstreet, Yulee, Jr.

Hit .434 with four homers, eight doubles, 20 runs scored and 19 RBI. Committed to University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Honorable mention

Position, Player, School, Class

C Regan Barnett, Orange Park, Sr.

P Kelsea Bass, West Nassau, So.

P Saige Bialek, Ridgeview, Sr.

IF Peyton Brown, Wolfson, So.

C Evey Bryant, University Christian, Fr.

P/UT Elle Burns, Providence, So.

IF/P Sawyer Butacan, Trinity Christian, 8^th

C/IF Gus Campbell, St. Augustine, Jr.

IF Emma Cano, Atlantic Coast, Sr.

OF/UT Jenna Clair, Hilliard, Fr.

P Sydney Davis, Nease, Sr.

IF/OF Emmie Dawley, Sandalwood, Sr.

OF Skye Deans, Atlantic Coast, So.

UT Nichole Deschamps. Ridgeview, Sr.

OF Alanna DeJesus, Mandarin, Sr.

IF Leanne Dicks, Union County, Sr.

C Leighton Dostie, Bolles, So.

P Rylee Dynesius, Christ’s Church, Fr.

OF Skye Fourman, Tocoi Creek, Jr.

OF Teryn Freeman, Bolles, So.

OF KK Fry, Baldwin, So.

OF Siena Gallant, Tocoi Creek, Sr.

OF Yarianis Gonzalez, Clay, So.

C/IF Andi Gooch, Bartram Trail, So.

IF Aubree Green, Menendez, Sr.

IF Ly’nasia Green, Baker County, Sr.

UT Georgia Griffin, Christ’s Church, 6th

IF/OF Mady Grumbly, Bishop Snyder, So.

UT Leelee Gwinn, Sandalwood, Sr.

IF Julia Hansen, St. Augustine, Sr.

P/UT Rebekah Harmer, Harvest Community, Sr.

UT Madison Heath, Sandalwood, So.

OF Maddie Hollis, Creekside, Jr.

OF Camdyn Hunt, Tocoi Creek, Sr.

IF Amaya Hyslop, Paxon, Jr.

OF Mallory Jackson, Baker County, Sr.

IF Michelle Jones, Bishop Kenny, Sr.

IF Kyleigh Kendall, Beachside, So.

P Kinley King, Columbia, Jr.

IF/OF Mila Lackowski, University Christian, 8^th

OF Anna Lamb, Trinity Christian, Sr.

P Madelyn Lasater, Trinity Christian, Sr.

IF Taigen Lebel, St. Johns Country Day, Fr.

IF Ava Lowman, Fletcher, So.

P Kadence Massey, Keystone Heights, Sr.

IF Lillyenne Mayhew, Union County, Sr.

OF/IF/P Josleen Mendoza, Atlantic Coast, Fr.

IF/P Lily Maguire, Atlantic Coast, So.

P Kadence Massey, Keystone Heights, Sr.

IF Josleen Mendoza, Atlantic Coast, Fr.

IF/OF Cassidy Morgan, University Christian, Fr.

C Rylee Murallo, Fernandina Beach, Sr.

IF Amelia Oreair, Episcopal, Sr.

IF MaKayla Oxley, Mandarin, Jr.

P Rommeney Patrey, Bartram Trail, So.

C/IF Gracianna Peck-Headley, Mandarin, So.

IF Izzy Pifer, Middleburg, Jr.

OF Addison Pleiss, Fleming Island, Fr.

C Tatum Pocol, Beachside, Jr.

C Makayla Pratt, Trinity Christian, 8^th

OF Kyleigh Rivera, Nease, Fr.

IF Kaelye Rowe, Clay, Jr.

IF Ally Satryan, Tocoi Creek, Fr.

IF Brooklyn Sawyer, Yulee, Jr.

P Tiffany Semack, Fletcher, Sr.

IF Madison Seprish, Sandalwood, Sr.

P Isabella Seymour, Creekside, Fr.

OF Addison Siebenaler, Ponte Vedra, Jr.

OF Jadah Stubbs, Christ’s Church

IF/OF Cali Taylor, Palatka, Jr.

OF Luisa Taylor, Columbia, Sr.

IF/P Piper Tessier, University Christian, Fr.

OF Ava Tolbert, Oakleaf, Sr.

P/IF Olivia Urbina, West Nassau, Jr.

P Riley Valent, Episcopal, Sr.

IF Addison VanArsdale, Wolfson, Fr.

IF Victoria Vazquez, Fleming Island, So.

C/UT Alondra Vincenty, Matanzas, Jr.

C Emma Ward, Middleburg, Sr.

OF Tenley Wilkinson, Palatka, Fr.

OF Camryn Williams, Flagler Palm Coast, So.

IF/P Emily Williams, Fleming Island, Fr.

P Naomi Winburn, University Christian, 8th

OF Sarah Wisniewski, Atlantic Coast, So.

OF Ashten Wolff, Episcopal, So.