By Jordyn Patrick
History has officially been made for the Eastern Florida State College softball program.
After years of building toward a breakthrough moment, the Titans are heading to the NJCAA National Tournament for the first time in program history, capping off a season defined by dominant performances, record-setting individual achievements, and a culture that players and coaches believe separates this team from any other.
In just his second season, head coach Andrew Zeger has helped transform the Titans into one of the nation’s top junior college programs. Following a strong 39-22 season just a year ago, Zeger believed the foundation was already in place. Key additions during the offseason only strengthened his confidence that this group had the potential to accomplish something special.
“I don’t think any coach ever expects to get there in year two,” Zeger said. “After last year going 39-22, I knew we had what we needed and this summer we got a lot of key additions. With them I felt super confident coming into this fall.”
That confidence carried throughout the season as EFSC consistently proved itself against top competition. The Titans developed an identity built around discipline and an unwavering trust in one another. Zeger emphasized throughout the year that the program’s culture has become one of its greatest strengths, with players constantly supporting each other through adversity and pressure-packed moments.
“We preach family, which means forget about me, I love you consistently,” Zeger said. “Anytime something goes wrong we can pick each other up and know we have each other’s backs.”
That bond has been especially evident during the postseason, where the Titans elevated their level of play with a national tournament on the line.
Sophomore second baseman Annalyn Duncan has been at the center of the historic run both offensively and emotionally. Hitting second in the lineup, Duncan rewrote the program record books this season with 91 RBIs, the most in a single season in school history, while also blasting 14 home runs.
For Duncan, the journey to nationals has been about more than wins and statistics. From preseason, the Titans openly discussed their goal of leaving a permanent mark on the program.
“This is something we’ve talked about from day one, etching our names and becoming a part of history,” Duncan said. “We knew if we put in the work we would get here.”
As one of the vocal leaders on the field, Duncan’s role at second base extends beyond defense. She helps direct communication across the diamond and brings an energy that teammates feed off throughout games. That confidence, she says, has steadily grown as the team continued winning and proving itself in big moments.
“Every single one of us has instilled confidence within each other throughout the season, especially the coaches,” Duncan said. “That changes how we play the game and how we’re going into nationals.”
The Titans have also been powered by the dominance of pitcher Avery Velazquez, whose debut season quickly became one of the best individual campaigns in school history. Velazquez shattered the program’s single-season strikeout record with 188 strikeouts. At the plate, she added another major threat to the lineup with 12 home runs while batting third in the order.
Inside the circle, Velazquez pitches with a calm confidence that has helped stabilize the Titans in pressure situations all season long.
“My mentality when I step into the circle is I want to dominate whenever the situation comes to me,” Velazquez said. “I always want the ball and want to prove that I can be there for my team.”
That trust between players became even more visible during EFSC’s run through the state tournament, where multiple players delivered key performances in critical moments. Whether it was timely hitting, defensive stops, or clutch pitching, the Titans repeatedly responded under pressure.
“During the state games everyone was stepping up because we wanted it so bad,” Duncan said. “Our love was just showing for each other through picking each other up and making plays for each other.”
Now, with the national tournament ahead, the Titans are determined to stay grounded in the same approach that carried them this far. Zeger has consistently reminded his team to trust the preparation and discipline that defined the season from the beginning.
“We just have to trust our discipline and trust our practices,” Zeger said.
“We got to nationals for a reason,” Duncan said. “So not changing anything and making sure we are consistent and making sure our mindset is ready to play these games.”
For a program that had never before reached this stage, the accomplishment already marks a turning point in EFSC softball history. But inside the Titans’ clubhouse, there is little satisfaction in simply qualifying. The belief that fueled their rise throughout the season remains just as strong entering the national spotlight.