By Kyle Coppola
Mount Dora’s Addison Ganus Commits to Savannah State University
Mount Dora High School senior Addison Ganus, one of Lake County’s standout senior softball players and a respected leader and role model in the community, has committed to play at Savannah State University, an NCAA Division II program.
Addison is a versatile first baseman and pitcher. She shared her decision in a heartfelt social media announcement, expressing deep gratitude for the journey that led her to the Tigers.
“I am beyond blessed and grateful to announce my commitment to Savannah State University to play NCAA Division 2 softball and further my academic and athletic career,” Addison says.
“First of all, thank you to God for guiding me through every step of this journey,” she continued. “I want to thank my family, friends, and everyone who has supported me along the way. To my family, thank you for the early mornings and late nights at the ballfields, the sacrifices you made, the money spent, and for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Addison also extended appreciation to her friends “for the unwavering support,” and to her teammates “for being a part of this journey with me and for sticking together through the highs and lows.”
She highlighted the coaches who shaped her development.
“A huge thank you to the coaches who have helped me throughout the years,” she says. “Each of you has played a role in shaping the ballplayer and person I am today.”
Addison specifically thanked her travel coaches, Coach Frank and Coach Joe Joe, along with the TCAA Wildcats. She thanked Coach Glover “for always having faith in me and pushing me to be the best I can be,” Mount Dora High head softball coach Stive Colas “for allowing me to lead and helping me learn how to use my voice on the field,” and Marissa “for your constant support, honesty, and for pushing me to be better.”
“Coach Hallman, thank you for the opportunity to play softball at the next level and believing in me!” she added. “I’m so excited for this next chapter and to represent Savannah State University. Go Tigers!!”
Head Coach Stive Colas expressed what it meant to coach Addison.
“I’m beyond proud of Addison,” Colas says. “I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow since 10U at Mount Dora Babe Ruth, and now being part of her journey as her coach has truly been a blessing. Addison is a vital part of the Lady Canes program, and her leadership speaks for itself. Addie leads by example, never asking for recognition, always putting the team first. Her selfless ability to step into multiple roles, without hesitation or complaint, made my job as a coach easier and elevated everyone around her.”
“Savannah State, you’re getting something special,” she added. “You’re not just getting a player you’re getting a leader, a competitor, and a young woman who understands sacrifice, accountability, and what it means to be part of something bigger than herself. Addie’s impact will be felt far beyond the field.”
Throughout her high school career, Addison has been a dominant force, boasting a career .427 batting average and recording 86 strikeouts as a pitcher in her most recent season.
Savannah State University is located in Georgia. They compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
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.
