The 18U Santa Fe Inferno softball program, which was founded by Jason Nowling, just closed out its fall season with the best single-season mark in the history of the organization.

During the fall season, which began on October 10 and wrapped up on Dec. 7, the 18U Santa Fe Inferno team posted a 29-1-3 record, competing against elite programs across the country.

The historic run featured a roster that included University of Florida commit Addison Allaire of Trenton High School and rising star Rylee Swilley, who will be a freshman this spring for Santa Fe (Alachua).

The fall highlights included Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) Show Me The Money Champions, Michelle Smith Classic Champions, a 4-0 record at the Ray Seymour Invitational, a berth awarded to Alliance Fastpitch Nationals (Indiana – 2026), and a Berth awarded to Alliance Super Cup (Aurora, Colorado).

The challenging schedule firmly established Santa Fe Inferno, which won a national championship in July, as one of the premier 18U squads in the nation.

“It came down to toughness and buy-in,” said Nowling, who noted they have over 25 Inferno teams throughout the state, including a team out of Georgia (Ages 8U-18U). “We had a group that refused to quit and played for each other. Every weekend, someone different stepped up in a big moment. With Allaire and Swilley in the circle, we felt like we had a chance to win every single game we played.”

Allaire helped lead Trenton to its second straight state championship during the 2025 season.

The reigning Florida Dairy Farmers Rural Player of the Year tossed 98 innings this past fall with 183 strikeouts, while allowing just 14 walks.

She finished with a .786 earned run average, with a .520 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP), and a .113 batting average against (BAA)

Offensively, in 33 games, she batted .354 with a .538 on-base percentage (OBP), five home runs, 25 runs batted in and 23 walks.

“Addison is the type of player every coach wants in their program,” Nowling said. “She’s a leader, a competitor, and she brings a winning mentality every single day. She’s been in a lot of big games and understands how to handle pressure. Whether it was in the circle or at the plate, she embraced the responsibility of being one of our go-to leaders and consistently delivered for us.”

Swilley is ranked No. 1 in the country for her class (pitching) and the No. 2 overall player according to Line Drive Media and Extra Inning Softball, which are two of the top publications covering the softball landscape nationwide.

“Rylee impacts the game in every possible way,” Nowling said. “She’s an elite pitcher, an impact bat, and an outstanding middle infielder. She has high-level raw talent, plays the game the right way, and competes on every pitch. Her ability to affect the game on both sides of the ball is what separates her.”

This past fall, she batted .349 with three home runs. In 69 innings pitched, she had a 1.5 ERA and a 1.2 WHIP.

Area players Allaire and Leanna Bourdage of GHS, a Texas A&M commit, are so good it’s hard to imagine someone even better.

“They’re both outstanding players and highly ranked in their class as well,” Nowling said. “What gives Rylee a different level of value from a recruiting standpoint is that she’s a true two-way player who can change the game in multiple facets.”

Other players who stood out this fall were utility player Braylee Rano (2028) of FHSAA Class 2A state champion Calvary Christian High School (Clearwater), who led the team offensively with a .449 average, Northwest Florida State College signee OF/P (2026) Chamiya Williams of Rural state semifinalist Liberty County High School (Bristol), who hit .418, and Florida Gulf Coast University commit middle infielder/utility (2027) Bailee Gladden of 2A state runner-up North Bay Haven Academy (Panama City) who finished at .404.

“All three were consistent, tough at-bats and played a big role in our success,” Nowling said. “This team’s achievements go far beyond wins and trophies. I’d like to credit the season to the relentless work ethic, discipline, and commitment shown by every player on the roster. Their dedication, preparation, and belief in one another made this season possible. They earned every bit of this success.”

In addition to the rising stars on the roster, Nowling also praised Gainesville High coach Chris Chronister.

“Chris and I have been coaching together for over 15 years,” Nowling said. “He handles the pitch calling duties, best around hands down. I definitely couldn’t do it without him.”

With the fall season complete, Nowling said this Inferno squad is already looking ahead to the summer, “eager to build on the momentum and continue competing at the highest level.”

“For a program rooted in development and excellence, this season marked not only a record-setting fall, but a powerful statement about what’s still to come,” he said.

The high school softball regular season begins on Feb. 16, followed by summer travel ball in early June.

The 18U Santa Fe Inferno returns a lot of experience and players who have been in big games and big moments.

“If we stay healthy and continue to compete the way we did in the fall, we believe we have a chance to do something special again and make a run at another national championship in Indiana.”