Two of the best softball pitchers in the state of Florida will play for Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools.
On Tuesday, Gainesville High School All Area selection Leanna Bourdage announced her commitment to play softball at Texas A&M.
The rising junior only pitched 24.2 innings last year due to an injury, but she walked only four and struck out 57 batters. She allowed just five earned runs and finished with a 1.42 earned run average (ERA).
“I am so blessed to be given this opportunity to play for the Aggies,” said Bourdage, who led the ‘Canes to a regional final appearance. “I chose this university because of its many resources, family feel, coaching staff and its traditions. One of my main goals is to win the WCWS [Women’s College World Series], and I am positive that this goal can be achieved with the incredible Texas A&M program. I’m so thankful to all those who have helped me up to this point. I couldn’t have done it without them! Once an Aggie always an Aggie!! Gig ‘Em.”
Although she only had 38 at-bats, her ability to switch sides at the plate paid dividends as she batted .400 with 14 hits and six runs batted in. She led the team with 10 stolen bases.
Two years ago, as a freshman, Bourdage helped lead the Hurricanes to their first state championship game appearance since 2016 by striking out 14 batters in the FHSAA Class 5A state semifinals. GHS (24-5) finished as state runners-up after losing a heartbreaker in extra innings in the title game.
She finished the year with a 0.57 earned run average and 251 strikeouts, including a no-hitter with 18 strikeouts in the 2024 district championship game against Middleburg.
“It is always an exciting step in the process when a player makes a commitment to play at the next level,” said GHS softball coach Chris Chronister. “Leanna has spent many years working very hard towards this goal, and I couldn’t be happier for her to accept an offer to play at a great softball school like Texas A&M. I know she will continue to hone her skills over the next couple of years so she will be ready to make an impact on the field when she gets there.”
Rising junior Addison Allaire, who has led Trenton to back-to-back state titles, committed to the University of Florida two weeks ago.
Allaire, who was the Florida Dairy Farmers Player of the Year for her classification in 2024 and in 2025, finished 12-2 in the circle with a 1.42 ERA as a sophomore. She allowed just 21 walks with 184 strikeouts in 98.1 innings pitched.
The All Area selection dominated the two games in the state tournament in Clermont, tossing 12 innings and allowing just one earned run in the state semifinals, followed by no walks and 19 strikeouts as the Tigers (19-6) repeated as state champs.
Allaire also hit .361 with a team-leading seven home runs, with 15 runs scored and 16 runs batted in. She was also second on the team with a .478 on-base percentage and a .708 slugging percentage.
“It’s always been my dream to play at Florida, but I really knew when I got on the golf cart to see campus with Coach [Tim] Walton,” Allaire said. “I couldn’t be happier and I’m so grateful for this opportunity. Go Gators!”
As a freshman, she led the Tigers to the Class 1A state title game by striking out 18 batters in the state semifinals.
Allaire finished the season with a 13-2 record and a 0.99 earned run average. She recorded 213 strikeouts and only 24 walks in 99 innings pitched.
“Watching Addison Allaire grow over the last five years into the person, athlete, and leader she is today has been an absolute honor,” said Trenton coach Kevin Benson. “Her commitment to continue her softball career at the University of Florida is a testament to her relentless work ethic, passion for the game, and unshakable drive to be the best. The Gators are getting not just an elite pitcher, but a competitor who elevates everyone around her. The Trenton Tiger softball family and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Softball fans will get a treat this spring as GHS and Trenton will play twice in 2026, which means a likely showdown in the circle between the two SEC commits.