Hannah DeMarcus Shines: Florida's Gatorade Softball Player of the Year!

Doral, Florida, USA - Pace High School’s Hannah DeMarcus is making waves in the world of high school softball after being named the 2025 Gatorade Florida Softball Player of the Year. This accolade marks a tremendous achievement for the 5-foot-8 sophomore right-handed pitcher, who boasts a phenomenal record of 23 wins and 3 losses alongside an impressive 0.32 earned run average (ERA).

DeMarcus‘ season was nothing short of spectacular, capped by an astonishing feat of pitching prowess. She recorded no-hitters nine times, including two perfect games. Notably, she struck out 418 batters in 175 innings pitched, leaving her opponents quaking in their cleats. Her strikeout total not only shattered the previous program record of 322 held by last year’s winner, Jayden Heavener, but also demonstrated her relentless dominance on the mound.

Unrivaled Accomplishments

Hannah’s skill on the field has been pivotal in leading the Pace Patriots to their fifth consecutive Final Four appearance and their third straight trip to the championship game, where they narrowly fell to Doral Academy, 1-0. Coach Lexi Alexander has expressed unwavering confidence in DeMarcus’s extraordinary talent and tenacity, ensuring that her future remains bright. Jay head coach Brian Watson lauded Hannah for her remarkable command of the strike zone, underscoring just how integral she has been to the team’s successes this season.

Among her standout performances, the highlight was undoubtedly her 33-strikeout no-hitter against Niceville on March 27, which showcased not only her talent but also her ability to handle pressure like a seasoned professional. Furthermore, DeMarcus’s achievements extended beyond the diamond. With a weighted GPA of 4.19, she has excelled in her academics, proving that she’s not just a gifted athlete but also a dedicated student. Adding to her accolades, she won a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Award for her integrity, leadership, and community service.

Beyond her individual awards, DeMarcus finished as the runner-up in the Florida Dairy Farmers Class 6A Player of the Year voting, just trailing behind Meagan Villazon from Doral Academy. This continues the trend of recognition for Pace High School’s softball program, as it marks the second consecutive year that a player from the school has claimed this prestigious title.

Florida on the Sports Map

The spotlight on Florida high school sports is not limited to softball. As FSU and Miami gear up for the College World Series Super Regionals, the excitement palpable among local sports fans continues to grow. Additionally, with NFL teams like the Jaguars, Buccaneers, and Dolphins scheduled to hold mandatory minicamps from June 10-12, the state is buzzing with athletic promise this summer.

In the wider context of high school athletics, Hannah DeMarcus embodies the remarkable talent nurtured within Florida’s sports programs, competing fiercely while maintaining an admirable commitment to community service and academic excellence. As she continues her journey into her junior year this fall, her influence on and off the field is sure to inspire future generations of athletes in Florida.

For more information about Hannah DeMarcus, visit the Gatorade Player of the Year page where you can learn about her incredible journey.

As we congratulate Hannah on her achievements, we look forward to seeing what the next season holds for this remarkable young athlete!

And while we’re celebrating our local talent, don’t forget to keep an eye on others making headlines across the nation—like Gabby Shadek from New Jersey, recognized for her own awe-inspiring feats in softball as reported by NJ.com.