News Summary
The UCF Softball Complex is showcasing the Orlando Monarchs of the Women’s Professional Fastpitch, featuring former UCF Knights players. The Monarchs engaged in a series against the Atlanta Smoke, highlighting the skills of alumni like Kaitlyn Felton, Stormy Kotzelnick, and Sona Hallajian. With significant contributions in the series, their performance not only emphasizes their talent but also UCF’s strong legacy in developing professional athletes. Former players, including Jada Cody, continue to impact the league, further raising UCF’s profile in women’s sports.
Orlando, FL – The UCF Softball Complex is the backdrop for a thrilling display of talent this summer, hosting the Orlando Monarchs of the Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF). Former UCF Knights players are taking to the field, with Kaitlyn Felton, Stormy Kotzelnick, and Sona Hallajian representing their alma mater at the prestigious venue.
This new chapter for the Monarchs began as they engaged in a three-game series against the Atlanta Smoke, featuring fellow ex-Knight Jada Cody. The two teams had an exciting start, splitting the first two games, while the third was canceled due to inclement weather.
Kotzelnick, who signed with the Monarchs after finishing her UCF career, played a significant role in the team’s 8-2 victory over the Smoke in Game 1. She contributed as the go-ahead run, showcasing the skills that led her to have a .271 batting average, 41 runs scored, and 42 RBIs in her two seasons at UCF.
Felton, known for her impressive performance during her four years at UCF—where she recorded 35 wins and a 3.28 ERA—pitched a complete game in the same match, further demonstrating her prowess on the mound. Meanwhile, Hallajian is now in her second professional season with the Monarchs, where she has continued to excel following her time at UCF as a versatile two-way player.
The Orlando Monarchs are an expansion team in the WPF, having played their inaugural season under this league in Texas before moving to the UCF Softball Complex for the ongoing 2025 season. The Monarchs have quickly made their mark in the league, further enhancing UCF’s prominence in the realm of professional softball.
Cody, who made a notable return to the UCF Softball Complex, holds the record for 182 wins—the highest by any Knight softball player. She left her mark at UCF with record-setting statistics, including the most doubles (55) and impressive rankings in home runs (39), RBIs (175), and batting average (.330). During the second game of the series, Cody played a critical role for the Smoke, securing a win with three RBIs.
The matchup between the Monarchs and the Smoke will continue, with another three-game series scheduled from July 11-13 in Atlanta, wrapping up with a final contest at the UCF Softball Complex from July 26-28.
Beyond the Monarchs, former UCF player Sarah Willis is also making her mark in the professional softball landscape, currently playing her second season with the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and the Bandits. In total, 11 former Knights are participating in professional softball this summer, including the debut performances of Felton and Kotzelnick, who are among the first UCF alumni to compete in the WPF alongside Hallajian and Gianna Mancha.
Notably, UCF softball alumni have a rich history in professional play, having previously participated in the now-defunct National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league prior to its dissolution in 2021. The involvement of these athletes in professional softball not only highlights the quality of training and skills developed at UCF but also reinforces the institution’s commitment to advancing women’s sports.
As the summer progresses, the impact of these former Knights on the field serves as a testament to UCF’s legacy in shaping professional softball talent and fostering athletic excellence.
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Additional Resources
- Black and Gold Banneret: A Softball Summer
- KBTX: Barbara Joins Women’s Professional Fastpitch
- New York Times: MLB Pro Softball League Overview
- Orlando Sentinel: UCF Knights NCAA Softball Tournament
- Extra Inning Softball: Team Connect
- Wikipedia: Women’s Professional Fastpitch
- Google Search: Professional Softball Teams
- Google Scholar: Women’s Softball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball
- Google News: Professional Softball 2025
