Softball Preview for Horizon West’s High Schools
23 February, 2023
Softball Season is Back for High School Athletes in HW!
HW Softball Teams are Making an Impression in CFL
High school softball in Horizon West has made its mark, in short order, on the state of Florida softball scene. Both the Horizon Hawks and Windermere Wolverines have gained reputations as some of the strongest programs around. As they begin their seasons this week, both teams have high expectations for the season. Mark your calendar for March 31, when the two teams throw down at Windermere High School.
Horizon Hawks Softball
In 2022, the Horizon Hawks softball team made a big splash in their inaugural season. The Hawks finished with a 17-9 overall record, were runner-up in the Metro Conference, and qualified for regionals. Coach Stephen Lenzi was named Metro Coach of the Year.
The 2023 Hawks have 10 returning varsity players. Some of the returning standouts from last season include MacKenzie Duncan who threw 130 strikeouts and held just a 2.08 ERA, Morgan Mayhew who stole 16 bases, and Lauren Rifenberg who posted a .488 OBP. This Hawks team seems to be on the fast track to earning a reputation as one of the most formidable softball programs in Central Florida.
“I’m really excited to start our second season. We surprised a lot of teams last year, but we are ready to elevate our players to be even better versions of themselves. We are going to take it one game at a time and respect all teams. No regrets. We are driving forward to our goal — to win states.” – Stephen Lenzi, Head Coach
Coaching Staff
- Stephen Lenzi, Head Coach
- Leah Stiles, Assistant Coach
Roster
- Lydia Gilfrey – SO
- Xaida Scott – FR
- Xoie Scott – SO
- Yeiliana Rivera – JR
- Paola Ramierez – FR
- Alyvia Silies – JR
- Jaralyn Linde – FR
- Lila Hernandez – FR
- Maddie Cintorino – JR
- Brooke Grafton – FR
- MacKenzie Duncan – SO
- Meyah Rogers – FR
- Ava Abel – JR
- Raquel Butkus – JR
- Jaycee Beattie – FR
- Addison Lamb – SO
- Daniela Paulino – SO
- Lauren Rifenberg – 22
- Daniela Gonzalez – FR
- Morgan Mayhew – JR
Schedules
Windermere Wolverines Softball
The Windermere Wolverines softball team finished the 2022 season with a 20-7 overall record and won the 7A District 5 Championship. They went deep into the state playoffs, exiting with a loss to Lakewood Ranch in the regional semi-finals. They will return with eight starters this season.
Coach Eileen Hannigan has her team well prepared to make another run in 2023. Like their baseball counterparts, the Wolverines roster has players bringing their talents to the college level. They include Kaitlyn DeFranco (Landers), Emilie Ching (FAU), Lexi King (Arkansas) and Carly Bunnell who is being recruited, but yet to make a commitment.
“I am excited for the growth of this team and what we are capable of. They are a strong group of talented athletes, but more than that they are amazing young women. Our goal is to be better every inning of every game and to accomplish more than any team has for the program in the first five years.” – Eileen Hannigan, Head Coach
Coaching Staff
- Eileen Hannigan, Head Coach
- Ian Portlock, Assistant Coach
- Keith Garbinski, Assistant Coach
Roster
- Carly Bunnell – JR
- Gabby Campopiano – JR
- Emilie Ching – JR
- Kaitlyn Defranco – SR
- Mollie Downes – SO
- Abby Hilton – SR
- Daphne Johnson – SR
- Lexi King – JR
- Ariana Lara – FR
- Miranda Murch – SO
- Tessa Olofson – SO
- Julia Paulsen – JR
- Cami Pini – JR
- Sophie Shaik – SO
- Hazel Seppi – FR
- Addison Walker – SO
- Liz Wise – SO
Varsity Schedule
