Mount Dora High School senior Kaleigh Casey has announced her commitment to the College of Central Florida, where she will continue her academic and softball career with the Patriots who are a National Junior College Athletic Association member or (NJCAA). Kaleigh is not just a strong athlete but also has a 4.0 GPA and a 5.1 Weighted GPA.

Kaleigh is a versatile pitcher and fielder. She has been a cornerstone of the Hurricanes’ softball program and is coming off a strong junior season. In the spring of 2025, she pitched 58.2 innings, striking out 88 batters. At the plate, she was equally productive, hitting .386 with 27 hits, 14 runs scored and five RBIs. She and teammate Addison Ganus tied for the team lead in doubles with six.

(Kaleigh had a fantastic spring 2025 season with Mount Dora. She will now have the opportunity to play with Central Florida the next few years.)

The senior says her decision to play at the next level comes with immense gratitude for those who supported her along the way.

“I want to first thank God, for without Him, none of this would be possible,” Kaleigh says. “You have truly blessed me with the best friends, coaches, and family a girl could ask for.”

She credited several coaches for shaping her game and guiding her through the recruiting process.

(Kaleigh stands at the front of College of Central Floridas Vintage Farm Campus.)

“I want to give a huge thank you to all of the coaches that have helped me through my softball journey,” Kaleigh says. “Thank you to Coach Colas for always pushing me and encouraging me in this process. Coach BJ, thank you for taking a young 10-year-old kid under your wing and believing in me all these years. My time on your team will always be some of the best years of my life. To Coach Jodi, thank you for all of the late night pitching lessons and life lessons over the years. You have inspired me to not only be a better player, but a better person by always keeping my faith in God above all things. Coach Megan, you will always be one of the most important people in my life. Thank you for helping me start this recruiting journey, and thank you for every lesson, every practice, and all last minute pep talks!”

Beyond the coaches, Kaleigh says she owes much to her teammates for making the game even more memorable.

(Not only is Kaleigh into athletics but also FFA as well where she recently showed off this incredible steer who weighed in over 1,230 pounds.)

“To my teammates, I am forever grateful for the amazing memories I have from practices, tournaments, and late night team hotel hangouts,” she says. “You have given me the most genuine and meaningful life-long friendships.”

She also reflected on the unwavering support of her family, especially her parents, who were with her through the grind of travel ball and high school competition.

“To my mom, even the early games and late nights didn’t seem so bad when it gave me the chance to have some of the best talks about anything and everything with you,” Kaleigh says. “All of the hotel stays and long drives were better when I had you with me. You and dad both gave me the best gift of all by giving me the chance to play the sport I love.”

(Kaleigh made it official and will be attending Central Florida in the fall of 2026.)

Kaleigh is thankful to College of Central Florida coaches Stephanie Walker and Megan Wiggins for giving her the opportunity to join their program.

“Lastly, I want to thank Coach Walker and Coach Megan for giving me this opportunity to live out my dream and play college softball at CF,” she says. “I promise you I will work hard to be the best teammate I can be! Go Patriots!”

Congratulations to Kaleigh Casey along with her family, friends, coaches and everyone who has helped her get to this point. We are very proud of her!