Sports

Addison DeRoche Honored as Maine's Top High School Softball Player

Addison DeRoche, a future Florida State University softball player, has been named the 2025-26 Gatorade Maine Softball Player of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes her exceptional performance in athletics, academics, and community involvement. DeRoche, a pitcher from Cheverus High School in Portland, Maine, is a highly-touted recruit for FSU, having committed to the university on October 2, 2025. She is considered the top prospect in FSU's incoming class.

DeRoche's achievements on the field underscore her reputation as one of the nation's premier talents. During the selection period, the 5-foot-9 junior right-handed pitcher guided Cheverus High School to a flawless 15-0 record, earning them a spot in the Class A state tournament. Her pitching statistics were remarkable, including a perfect 12-0 win-loss record, 181 strikeouts, and only seven walks across 77 innings of play prior to the postseason. Beyond her pitching prowess, DeRoche also demonstrated her offensive capabilities, batting .485 with four home runs and an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of 1.685, while also drawing 18 walks in just 33 plate appearances. This is her third consecutive Gatorade Maine Softball Player of the Year award, and she is currently ranked as the fourth-best player nationally in the 2027 recruiting class by Prep Softball.

Despite still having another year of high school softball ahead of her before she begins her collegiate career, this latest accolade serves as a clear indication of the high-caliber talent that will soon be joining the Florida State program. Her consistent excellence and national recognition highlight the bright future she has in the sport.

Addison DeRoche's journey exemplifies the power of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Her accomplishments inspire young athletes to pursue their passions with unwavering resolve, reminding us that with perseverance, dreams can indeed become a reality. Her story encourages aspiring individuals to strive for their best, fostering a spirit of achievement and positive impact within their communities.