Baseball and softball players to look out for on the plate

When people think of the West Orange area and athletics, there are two key pieces of gear that come to mind: a ball and a bat. 

The history of children picking up a bat at age 4 to play baseball and softball dates back decades in the area. The Ocoee Little League began in 1962; Dr. Phillips Little League began in 1971; West Orange Girls Club began in 1976; Winter Garden Little League began in 1986; and the Windermere Little League began in 1996. 

Many children started their careers at one of those leagues and now are playing on a bigger stage in high school. 

As the spring sports season rolls around, let’s take a look at baseball and softball players and teams to watch as their journey continues. 

BASEBALL

The First Academy’s 2024-25 roster completed the season with the title everyone chases — champions. TFA’s campaign ended with a 7-2 win over Trinity Christian Academy to win the Class 2A State Championship. It was the team’s second state title in program history. 

Although no other team captured the dream finish, many other programs made their way into the postseason brackets. Foundation Academy lost in the Class 2A Regional Quarterfinals 2-1 to Santa Fe Catholic, and West Orange, Olympia and Windermere high schools all fell in the Class 7A Regional Quarterfinals. 

But a new year means new players, growth from returning players, lessons learned and a fresh slate to attempt to make history. Here are some baseball players to watch as they swing their way into the season. 

Courtesy photo

Diego Diaz, Dr. Phillips 

Dr. Phillips’ senior Diego Diaz was on the Orange County All-Metro West team last season. Through the Panthers’ first six games this year, he has recorded a .278 batting average, .409 on-base percentage and two stolen bases. Diaz is No. 2 on the team in all of those statistics. The four-year varsity player recorded his best season as a junior and is working to achieve similar success this time around. In his junior campaign he played 24 games, posted a .425 batting average, 13 runs batted in, 18 stolen bases and nine putouts on 53 chances.

Aiden WIlliams, The First Academy 

The First Academy is off to another hot start, 3-0, after the team’s state-title finish. One of the younger faces on the Royals’ lineup who already has played an important hand is Aiden Williams. His on-base percentage is .556, and he’s tied on the stats leaderboard with one home run. The sophomore began his TFA career in eighth grade on junior varsity, now he’s a starter on varsity. Williams is a second baseman who’s had 11 total catches and on those he’s earned three put-outs, seven assists and one error. 

Samuel Grande, Olympia High 

Olympia High’s Samuel Grande already is making his presence felt his junior season. The three-year varsity player already has surpassed his previous season averages in the Titans’ first six games. His batting average is .421, with six runs batted in and 21 plate appearances. Grande stands at 6-foot-2, and as a third baseman, he’s recorded a .692 fielding percentage and six putouts with 13 total chances. 

SOFTBALL

Of the local teams, the Foundation Academy softball team had the most success in the 2024-25 season. The Lions recorded 11 runs on the board in the first two rounds of the state tournament, but ultimately, the team fell to Geneva 5-3 in the Class 1A Regional Finals. Horizon High concluded its season in the 6A Regional Semifinals, and Windermere Preparatory Academy and Windermere High ended in the quarterfinals of their respective classes. 

Since last season ended, there have been many changes in the coaching scenery for the new year. Windermere High hired its second coaching staff in program history and welcomed head coach Ken Janata to the dugout; former Horizon High head coach, Steve Lenzi, took over the position of West Orange’s team; and Horizon hired Jay Mudd as the new head coach. 

Here’s softball athletes to watch in the spring season. 

Ensley Smid, West Orange High 

West Orange’s Ensley Smid is making her career start on the Warriors’ varsity squad. The freshman has played in all three games this season, and she has placed herself on the stats leaderboard for the team. The outfielder has recorded a .375 batting average on eight at-bats, one run batted in, .444 on base percentage and .500 slugging percentage. She also doubles as a pitcher, and she’s averaged 4.2 innings pitched, allowing four hits. 

Kylie “KK” Konstand, Windermere Prep 

Freshman Laker Kylie “KK” Konstand has been on Windermere Prep’s varsity team since sixth grade. She’s ranked No. 48 by Extra Inning Softball’s Class of 2029 infielder rankings and was recognized for her 4.0 GPA. Outside of high school, she also plays for Fury Platinum X Higdon/Helton. Her fall stats were .456 average batting on 79 at-bats, 22 runs batted in, 34 runs and .547 on-base percentage. In Windermere Prep’s first two games this year, the 5-foot-4 player has averaged .400 batting and four runs. 

Riley Winters, Foundation Academy 

Foundation Academy’s Riley Winters is on a mission her senior season to break all of the school’s softball records. Through the team’s first two games she’s recorded one home run, a 10.50 earned run average, two RBIs and a .667 slugging percentage. The 5-foot-3 senior has played on Foundation’s varsity team since her sixth-grade year and is committed to Belmont University. Last year she was voted All-District Most Valuable Player, and she made all-state and all-academic.