UMATILLA, Fla. — Three years ago, Umatilla High School junior pitcher Jace Carlson’s life was nearly cut short by a rare and often undetected heart condition. Today, he’s not only back on the baseball field—he’s living proof of the power of faith, perseverance, and community support.

Carlson’s medical journey began in middle school when he started experiencing strange blood pressure readings and persistent illness after practice. His mother Becca, knew something was wrong and took him to a doctor who took extra time during the examination. That extra care and time by the doctors would prove to save Jace’s life.

(Jace Carlson is all smiles these days. He has a lot to be thankful about and was given a second chance at life after a life-saving heart procedure.)

An echocardiogram revealed a rare defect in Carlson’s right coronary artery, a condition so uncommon it often goes undiagnosed until it’s too late. Jace was diagnosed with an Anomalous Right Coronary Artery. “The doctors told us he could play one more game—or 20—but eventually, the day would come when he just would die from this,” says his mother Becca.

Carlson was immediately referred to Nemours Children’s Hospital, where a cardiac team confirmed he needed life-saving heart surgery. The procedure was a success, and the Umatilla community rallied behind him. Hundreds reached out, prayed, and supported the family during Jace’s recovery. Though he couldn’t attend his eighth-grade graduation, Umatilla Middle School still called his name in honor. “Over 467 people reached out in this tiny town. Through all of this Jace maintained an A/B grade average and proud is not a strong enough word to describe how we feel about him.” says his mother.

(Jace had to have life-saving surgery on his heart to save his life. Luckily the surgery was successful and while it took a while for Jace to regain strength, he eventually returned and is starting for the Umatilla High Varsity baseball team.)

His return to sports wasn’t easy. Jace’s ribs had been broken open during the surgery and wired shut following the surgery, making even basic strength and conditioning a slow process. But with his coaches’ support and an unshakable faith in God, Carlson pushed through the pain and the setbacks.

“Jace is the ultimate team guy. He is first to the field and last to leave. He is the first one out on the field when a big play happens to congratulate his teammates and he is an very hard worker.” says coach Tanner Clark. “We call Jace (Curt Schilling) due to Curt fighting through the famous bloody sock game, he fought through the pain and didn’t give up. He’s just a fantastic person to have on our team,” says Coach Clark.

(For Jace, pitching in a Regional Championship is a full circle moment. This young man has been through so much in his life. To have this opportunity is incredible.)

Now, after years of regular checkups—at first weekly, then every six months—Jace recently received the news he’s been hoping for: he won’t need to return to his cardiologist for another two years. He worked his way into the varsity team’s starting rotation and has earned a start in the teams Regional Championship game.

Even more remarkably, Jace’s condition led to the early diagnosis of a heart issue in his sister, potentially saving her life as well.

His recovery hasn’t been without other challenges. Doctors also discovered a narrowed artery between his heart and kidney, which is now being managed with medication to avoid further surgery.

Through it all, Carlson has remained humble and grounded, crediting his faith in God and family for keeping him strong. His father Rick Carlson,  proud beyond words has been behind his son every step of the way.

(Chase is grateful for every day he gets to wake up and go play the game he loves.)

Jace even earned the opportunity to play for the Atlanta Blue Jays in 2025 for the summer season. He will travel to California, Arizona, and Alabama which is a massive opportunity for him.

The Carlson family now advocates for mandatory echocardiograms for young athletes, pointing out that surrounding Florida counties—many of which partner with AdventHealth—require the screenings, while Lake County does not.

“Jace was a ticking time bomb,” his mother said. “We were lucky. Other families weren’t. We hope that his story brings to light the importance of echocardiograms for young athletes. It’s not a very expensive thing and it can help save lives,” says Becca. The hope is that this becomes a standard part of preseason athlete physical screenings in Lake County in the coming years.

Carlson’s journey from the brink of death back to the pitcher’s mound is nothing short of inspiring. Tonight, Jace will take to the mound at home for an FHSAA Regional Championship matchup against Hernando High School for a shot at getting to the State Championships in Fort Myers. Umatilla will host game 1 and game 2 of the Regional Finals with Game 3 at Hernando High School if necessary.

This moment tonight has been years in the making. Jace Carlson was saved by God and an incredible team of doctors. He has been given the chance of a lifetime to pitch in the most important game at Umatilla High School in the past two decades. What a proud and beautiful moment in Lake County sports history. Go Bulldogs!