By Kyle Coppola
Eustis Softball Player Katie Short Swings For The Fences With 4.7 GPA
Katie Short is a name synonymous with excellence both on and off the field. As a standout softball player for Eustis High School, Katie’s athletic prowess is undeniable, boasting a .281 batting average, 18 hits, and 18 runs scored. However, it’s her academic achievements that truly set her apart. With a remarkable 4.7 GPA, Katie’s dedication to her studies is as unwavering as her commitment to the game. But Katie isn’t just a student-athlete; she’s a trailblazer.
(Katie Short stands with her parents during the teams senior night.)
Recently earning her AA Degree from Lake-Sumter State College before even donning her high school cap and gown, Katie’s journey is one of determination and distinction. This is a very difficult task and very few students are able to accomplish it. But Katie Short is no ordinary student. Katie took graduating with her AA Degree as a challenge and she nailed every one of her tests, and made it happen.
Katie has also always been interested in animals her entire life. She has indicated that upon graduating in May, she intends to go to Southeastern University in Lakeland to continue her softball and academics career. Katie will be studying Pre-Vet where she plans on pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree. While at Southeastern University she will compete for the Flames softball program who are part of the NAIA.
Katie has been a valued member of Eustis High School during her time at the program. In addition to Eustis Softball’s rigorous conditioning, practice & game schedule, Katie has competed at the State level in weightlifting for all 3 years that she’s been at Eustis High School.
Katie placed in the top 8 in all years that she competed except for her senior year due to an injury. Katie also plays travel softball during the summer & fall seasons. (June-January) each year you can find the Short family traveling around to different areas of Florida and the country to support Katie.
(Katie Short stands with her Eustis teammates. Katie is third from the left.)
Katie also finds time to volunteer and works around our community doing different tasks. She is a truly great individual and that has come to be expected from Eustis Softball players over the years who are some of the most talented but also book smart athletes in Lake County. Coach Brittany Beall has transformed Eustis High School into one of the most dominant teams in Florida. Her players love playing for her and Eustis softball couldn’t be in a better position under her leadership.
We have no doubt that Southeastern University is getting an amazing athlete and an even better student with Katie Short. Southeastern University is a beautiful campus right in Lakeland. We wish Katie Short the best of luck, but she has some unfinished business this season as Eustis is attempting to win a state championship! Go Lady Panthers!
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.
