SBLive's 2023 all-state Florida softball team: 12 schools represented among the 13 selections

The 2023 high school softball season was filled with tremendous moments and spectacular performances on both an individual and team level in the Sunshine State.

Some players built off their dominant seasons from the year before and made the list in back-to-back seasons while others had true breakout years making a name for themselves.

Here is SBLive's all-classification, all-state softball team in the state of Florida for the spring of 2023. 

Our guiding criteria:

1. Individual performance and accolades.

2. Success of team held considerable weight in selections.

3. A player was only eligible at one position.

SBLIVE’S 2023 ALL-STATE SOFTBALL TEAM

Pitcher: Katelynn Oxley, Bartow, Jr. (5A)

The Florida Gator commitment was clutch whenever she stepped onto the mound for the Yellow Jackets and was especially huge in the Class 6A state semifinals/championship. Oxley went 23-2 this season with a 0.50 ERA and fanned 307 batters in 154.1 innings pitched in leading Bartow to the Class 6A title. 

Pitcher: Jasmine Francik, Melbourne, Jr. (6A) 

Though the Bulldogs couldn’t reach states, there’s no denying the greatness of Francik whenever she stepped on the mound. Francik led the state in no hitters (8) and strikeouts (411) along with her 19-4 record and incredible 0.19 ERA. 

Catcher: Hannah Taylor, Hernando, Sr. (3A) 

The Eckerd College signee provided a huge pop at the plate for the Leopards and was among the leaders in home runs at the plate. Along with making no mistakes at catcher, Taylor belted 17 home runs along with 50 runs batted in and had an astounding .546 batting average. 

Infielder: Shelby McKenzie, Pace, Jr. (5A) 

The first baseman was a long ball threat every time she stepped up to the plate. McKenzie, a Florida State commitment, batted .577 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI’s along with 13 doubles and 45 runs scored. 

Infielder: Jaysoni Beachum, Florida State High, Jr. (3A) 

Beachum, a Florida State commitment, had herself a solid senior campaign at third base for the Seminoles. The senior only committed one error all season long and batted .394, with nine home runs, 23 RBI’s and 35 runs scored. 

Infielder: Julia Knowler, Fort Myers, Sr. (5A)

Knowler could play within the infield or pitch on the mound and had a strong senior season for the Green Wave. The Clemson commitment batter .620 with nine home runs, 33 RBI’s, 10 doubles, 49 hits and 33 runs scored. 

Infielder: Nicole Mergen, Park Vista, Jr. (7A) 

The West Florida commitment was one of the state’s top power hitters all throughout the 2023 season. Mergen, who could play within the infield or on the mound, batted .528 with 17 home runs, nine doubles and 48 runs batted in. Also was 4-0 on the mound with 22 strikeouts. 

Outfielder: Ana Roman, Hagerty, So. (6A) 

Roman played centerfield for the Huskies and committed just one error out in the field. The sophomore batted .408 at the plate, hitting 16 home runs, 32 RBI’s, 31 hits, five doubles and 35 runs. 

Outfielder: Cassidy McLellan, Lakewood Ranch, Sr. (7A) 

The senior outfielder proved to be one of the best in around on the South Suncoast and the state. McLellan, a University of Florida commit, batted .568 with six home runs, 50 hits, 43 runs, 22 RBI’s and 13 doubles. 

Outfielder: Julia Girk, Parrish Community, Jr. (5A) 

Girk was the team’s lead off hitter and proved to be one of the best when it came to getting on base. The outfielder notched 47 hits, scoring 37 runs with a .573 batting average for the Class 5A state champion Bulls. Girk only committed one error in the outfield and is an Appalachian State commit. 

Outfielder: Cha’miya Williams, Liberty County, So. (1A)

Just a freshman for the Bulldogs, Williams had an impressive season for the Class 1A state champions in the outfield. Williams batted .486 with 117 plate appearances, hit 10 home runs, drove in 29 runs, scored 58 times and notched 52 hits. 

Utility: Jayden Heavener, Pace, Jr. (5A) 

One of the most feared pitchers in all of Florida, Heavener was also stout in the batter’s box as well. The junior hurler went 18-2 with a 0.22 ERA, 300 strikeouts and six no hitters. She also batted .459 with seven home runs and 33 RBI’s. 

Utility: Morgen Talley, Clearwater Calvary Christian, So. (3A)

The sophomore utility player was the Warriors’ go-to-pitcher on the mound. Talley helped lift Calvary Christian to the Class 3A state championship by belting 10 home runs, 31 RBI’s on 37 hits and went 12-2 on the mound, 1.11 ERA, 174 strikeouts. 

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.