Boca Raton, Florida is the center of the Collegiate Softball world right now.
This weekend (February 6-9), the Florida Atlantic Owls hosted the 2025 Paradise Classic, featuring top squads from across the Power 4 and Group of 5 levels. The field this weekend consisted of the following programs: FAU, Clemson, Ole Miss, Georgia State, Kansas and Missouri State.
The Owls dominated on their home diamond, going an undefeated 6-0 on the weekend. From no hitters to dingers to walk offs FAU saw it all early in the season.
In 2024, Florida Atlantic was the hidden gem of the College Softball world. In year two of the Jordan Clark era of FAU Softball, the Owls clinched the Regular Season American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship, and secured the program’s tenth NCAA Tournament appearance on a 41-16 season. Florida Atlantic finished the season with the 26th win percentage in the NCAA last season, at 71.9%.
While FAU Softball was surely a powerhouse, the most impressive part about Clark’s squad was how much fun the girls were having. The Lady Owls did it all, from TikTok dances to cardboard cut outs, and a lot of in game chants and chirps, the energy surrounding them was infectious.
A beautiful afternoon welcoming back our 2024 squad to award them their hard-earned championship rings. ❤️ 🦉 💙#WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/iSrB1NCjYj
— Florida Atlantic Softball (@FAUSoftball) February 8, 2025
FAU’s biggest off season win came from the rejuvenation of the circle. After graduating First Team All-American P Trinity Schlotterbeck, the Owls were in big need of securing an ace in the off-season. Florida Atlantic returned the elite workhorse starter/closer duo of Gabby Sacco and Ainsley Lambert, who have already impressed in their early season outings. Sacco, a 22 game starter in 2024, threw a 5 inning, 5K no hitter against Missouri State in her second bump day of the year. Junior Jaden Martinez has stepped into the weekly rotation in stride, already tossing a 1.45 ERA, alongside 14 K’s. Martinez was thrown into the fire early, holding #25 Clemson to 4 hits on the day.
While the Owls have definitely reloaded in house, but their spotlight portal pitcher add has already shook the AAC. FAU added junior pitcher Autumn Courtney from Queens University. Courtney started 32 games for the Royals, throwing down an impressive 1.58 ERA and 257 K’s, en route to being named as the ASUN Pitcher of the Year in 2024. Autumn has been just as good as advertised, walking down batters every chance she gets. In 3 circle appearances, Autumn is boasting a .39 ERA with 30K’s and allowing only 5 hits.
Coach Clark’s squad has flown out the gate, with no signs of stopping any time soon. The Owls, who are now ranked inside the Top 25 (#19), will host their second invitational of the season this weekend, in the Joan Joyce Classic (2/13-16). FAU will face the following squads this weekend: Minnesota, Villanova, NC State, Dartmouth, Louisville.
