EUSTIS, Fla. — Ella Fleming isn’t your typical high school freshman.

The Eustis High School softball catcher has burst onto the Florida high school scene with the presence and poise of a seasoned veteran, earning recognition as one of the top freshman catchers in the nation.

(Fleming steps up to bat. She has been among the top options at the plate for Eustis. Fleming is having a breakout freshman year. Photo Credit Mike Doherty Images.)

Fleming, a cornerstone behind the plate for the Panthers, has produced a stellar debut season. She boasts a .346 batting average, with 27 hits, 14 runs scored, and 13 RBIs. Her offensive firepower includes four doubles and three home runs — numbers that place her among the most productive players in Lake and Sumter County and doing so as a catcher which is very impressive. Softball catchers are not often known for their batting prowess due to the physically demanding nature of the position, the specialized skills required, and the potential for injuries and fatigue that can affect hitting performance. But don’t tell that to Ella.

Her impact behind the plate and inside the batters box has made a huge difference.

(Fleming and Roden pray together before a recent game. The two have a close bond with one another.)

Fleming has handled 171 total chances with 160 putouts, guiding the Panthers’ defense and forming a formidable battery with junior ace Carson Roden. The two have developed strong chemistry that has anchored Eustis’ playoff run. Roden, who has pitched 124 innings and recorded 165 strikeouts, credits much of her rhythm and success to Fleming’s steady glove and sharp game-calling.

“Work hard, play hard, but most importantly, love the game you play,” Fleming said, summing up her approach to a sport that’s quickly become her calling card.

(Fleming has been among the top freshman catchers in the state of Florida. Photo Credit – Mike Doherty Images.)

The freshman phenom’s emergence has not only energized the Panthers’ roster but also caught the attention of many people including scouts and coaches who will be keeping a close eye on her the next few years. Fleming and the Panthers remain laser-focused on the present: returning to the FHSAA State Semifinals.

That journey continues Thursday night when Eustis hosts Crystal River in the Class 4A regional final.

With Fleming behind the plate and Roden in the circle, Eustis has all the pieces in place for another State Championship run. And with both returning next season, the Panthers’ future looks just as bright as their present.

(Perhaps we should begin calling Ella Fleming Queen. She certainly is becoming the queen of the catcher position in our area.)

For now, though, Fleming is staying grounded, doing what she does best: helping her team, loving the game, and letting her play speak for itself.