IMG Academy softball began its first season with 24 student-athletes on the inaugural roster. Throughout the season, the team prepared for its first games, played its first home game, and learned what it meant to compete as a team. Take a look behind the scenes of this historic season:
Preparing for the First Season
Before the first game, the team spent weeks preparing together through practices, training sessions, and team activities. As players adjusted to a new program and new teammates, they also began building relationships on and off the field.
Director of Softball Joey Lye reflected on what the program's first game would represent.
"It's only going to come once, that first game in the history of the program. I could not be more excited,” she said. “Those are going to be big moments for our athletes, for our staff, for the academy as a whole."
For many players, joining the program meant more than competing at a high level. As members of the IMG Academy softball boarding school program, they trained in an environment that combined academics with strength and conditioning, nutrition, mental performance, and sport-specific development.
"I'm most excited to get all the resources of mental performance,” Brecka Malasky, class of 2027 said - “and make history for the first time for softball," Jolie Gawlik, class of 2027 added.
Several players also spoke about the positive environment created during preseason practices.
The preseason softball video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the team's first weeks together, including player interviews, early practices, and preparations for the inaugural season.
The First Home Game
After weeks of preparation, IMG Academy softball hosted its first home game.
Before taking the field, one player reflected on the opportunity to be part of the program's first home game.
"It's really cool that we get to say that we played the first game on this field. I'm ready to make history. I'm feeling good. I think our team's ready to play our first home game, so it's really exciting."
Students, coaches, families, and members of the IMG Academy community gathered to support the team during its home opener.
Following the game, Lye reflected on the atmosphere surrounding the day.
"That was an incredible first home game in the history of IMG Academy softball. There was so much excitement and so much energy. We had so many people from across campus, from across the community, families in town. I couldn't have asked for a better day."
The first home game video gives a closer look at the team's first home game, from pregame preparation to the final celebration with players, coaches, and families.
What It Meant to Be First
Throughout the season, players often reflected on the opportunity to help establish a new program and set the tone for future teams.
"I'm excited to start a new journey and to have the first experience with all these ladies, and just to learn new things every day and get better and leave better than I came," one player said.
Another athlete shared what being part of the inaugural roster means to her.
"We're one of 24 girls that are able to do this. Not a lot of people can say that they were the first people on the IMG softball team. Being able to start the legacy and the culture and eventually come back here as alumni and see how far it's grown, that's really cool to think about."
The inaugural season introduced IMG Academy softball and gave future teams a place to build from. As the program continues to grow, future student-athletes will build on the experiences and traditions established by its first roster.
Train With IMG Academy Softball
Families interested in learning more can explore the IMG Academy softball boarding school program and IMG Academy softball camps to discover year-round training, academic support, and athletic development opportunities.
