By Kyle Coppola
Eustis Senior Puts Heart Into Everything
Ledger Pleasant
As Ledger Pleasant enters his senior year at Eustis High School, he is much more than just a baseball player. He is a star on and off the field, and his remarkable journey from 2022 to 2023 has left a lasting mark on the Eustis baseball community.
With an impressive GPA of 4.57 and a batting average of .373 from the previous season, Ledger has become a player coaches might dream of having on their team. His improvement has been nothing short of extraordinary, transforming from a .211 hitter to a .373 powerhouse in just one year.
Playing as the team’s shortstop, Ledger had a fantastic summer participating in various tournaments, showcases and camps at prestigious institutions like Vanderbilt University, Florida State University, the University of Central Florida and more. It came as no surprise when he was voted Eustis High’s Baseball MVP in 2023, highlighting his dedication and bright talent.
But Ledger Pleasant isn’t just about baseball; he is equally committed to making a difference for others in the local community. He spent time helping his father cook for Teacher Appreciation Week at Leesburg Elementary School where his mother works. He also lent a hand at The Big House, a multi-use sports complex in Tavares, alongside its owner, former MLB player Chet Lemon.
Beyond volunteering, Ledger has a passion for mentoring young players, working with coaches Tony Thomas and Dave Westgate to impart his knowledge of the game. When not on the field, he enjoys hunting, boating and spending quality time with family and friends.
As Ledger looks forward to the 2024 season, his dreams extend beyond baseball. He aspires to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business or civil engineering, underscoring his determination to excel both in sports and academics. Schools at the D1, D2 and D3 NCAA levels are scouting him, recognizing his all-around potential.
Former Eustis Athletic Director Thomas Kupec lauded Ledger as more than just a ballplayer. “He is a student who excels academically, an active member of the community through his volunteer efforts and a tremendous asset to Eustis High School.”
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
