For 13 years, Carson Roden has been defined by the her work as a pitcher. Now, as a senior at Eustis High School, she is leading the Panthers back into the FHSAA playoffs, adding another chapter to a career already decorated with state hardware and incredible numbers.

Carson was on the team that helped Eustis capture the FHSAA state championship in 2024 and finished as runner-up in 2025. She has compiled a 41-9 record with 410 strikeouts during her high school career. Her steady presence in the circle has been central to the Panthers’ postseason push once again.

“I started playing softball when I was four years old,” Carson says. “That means I’ve been playing for 13 years. My dad, Kevin Roden, got me into the sport.”

Her high school journey has not been an easy one. As a sophomore, Carson broke her hand but she didn’t let that slow her down. Carson rehabbed and vowed to return stronger and more determined than ever. And what a run it’s been for the senior she’s among the areas most dominant pitchers and has Eustis in position for another State Championship run.

One of her best memories happened during the state championship team’s regional final game in 2024, “My sophomore year I had to be put in during the regional championship game when our starting pitcher began to struggle. I went in and shut the other team down and to this day, they still tell me how important I was, especially in that moment.”

That moment helped propel Eustis to the state championship where the team would win it all.

But Carson’s favorite high school memory came during last year’s state runner-up finish.

“The experience of staying in a hotel with my whole team and the semi-final game where we beat a team that we previously lost to earlier in the season was pretty memorable,” she says. Another cherished moment was a spring break trip to Key West to play against the local high school team. It’s a trip Eustis has made a few times allowing the team to bond and become closer.

This particular season tested the Panthers early, but Carson has been impressed with how the group responded.

“What I enjoy most about this year’s team is how we came together to overcome some obstacles at the beginning of the season that we could’ve just let take control over us,” she says.

Carson credits her development to strong influences. She looks up to Coach Tyra Bowers as “one of the strongest women I know” and a major role model for the entire team. Her parents, Katie and Kevin Roden, have also been there to support her every step of the way.

“My parents are the most influential people in my life,” she says. “They always push me to be my best but are also there for me if I need them.”

Softball has shaped Carson beyond the diamond. “It has taught me what it means to be a good teammate and simply how to be a good person in life,” Carson says. “It has also taught me how to have a good work ethic and to always push myself to be my best at all times.”

Her personal mantra reflects that drive: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Carson also excels outside of softball. She carries a 3.5 unweighted GPA and 4.2 weighted GPA, has logged more than 100 hours of volunteer work, and is active in the school’s Key Club. She also competed on the weightlifting team all four years and placed third in her weight class at FHSAA State Finals this year.

When she’s not on the field, Carson enjoys shopping with friends, beach days and pool time. After graduation, Carson will continue her softball career and academic pursuits at Palm Beach Atlantic, where she plans to study Education.

“Playing for Eustis High School is an experience I wish everyone could have,” she says. “From the amazing coaches to the unimaginable bond the players have all the way to the unwavering support from not only the parents and family members but from the whole community is insane.”

Carson Roden and Eustis High will get set for the FHSAA Regional Quarterfinals this week as they host Palatka High on Wednesday at 7pm.