By Kyle Coppola
Student Athlete Highlight Giselle McCormick Lake Minneola High
Our spotlight this week shines on the remarkable journey of Lake Minneola High School’s freshman catcher, Giselle McCormick. McCormick is just a freshman and she is showcasing her talent on both local and international stages.
Fresh off an awe-inspiring performance last fall in Tokyo, Japan, where she represented the Puerto Rico national team at the youth softball world championships, McCormick has seamlessly transitioned into her role as the starting catcher for the Lake Minneola Hawks. Her experiences in Tokyo, facing off against some of the world’s best softball talent, have undoubtedly shaped her into the formidable player she is today.
(McCormick steps into the batters box for the first time in her high school career.)
Beyond the softball diamond, McCormick is an active participant in the local Health Science Collegiate Academy, a rigorous program that collaborates with Lake County Schools, Lake-Sumter State College, UCF, and South Lake Hospital/Orlando Health. This speaks volumes about her commitment to excellence not only in athletics but also in academics and community engagement.
As a freshman, McCormick’s performance on the field has been nothing short of impressive. With a .353 batting average, 6 hits, 4 runs scored, and 2 RBIs in just six games, she has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with. Considering the limited statistics available, it’s evident that McCormick is making a significant impact on Lake Minneola’s varsity program.
(Giselle McCormick showing off the Softball World Championship medal around her neck. She competed for team Puerto Rico in Tokyo last fall.)
Currently holding a 4-7 record, the Hawks may be facing a challenging stretch, but the upcoming spring break offers a chance for rest and rejuvenation. With McCormick’s extensive playing time last fall, it’s clear she has entered the 2024 season with both skill and determination.
Teaming up with fellow freshman Kaydence Schutte, who takes the mound as the starting pitcher, McCormick forms a dynamic duo that promises excitement and growth. While the team navigates the early challenges of the season, the chemistry between McCormick and Schutte is sure to strengthen, laying the foundation for a thrilling future.
Lake Minneola’s roster reflects a youthful energy, comprising mostly sophomores and freshmen. As the season progresses, this young group is poised to mature and evolve, making McCormick’s journey and the team’s development an easy favorite to follow. With each game, Giselle McCormick and her teammates are not just playing softball; they are crafting a story of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. We eagerly anticipate witnessing their continued improvement and success in the years to come.
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.
