Hear Them ROAR!

by Jeremy Goldman

The Winter Springs High School girls’ softball team recently clinched the FHSAA Class 5A state championship, winning the coveted title for the first time in six years.

In May, the Bears prevailed in a nail-biting showdown over Niceville High School, with a final score of 4-3 at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood. At one point, the Bears led by a score of 4-0, but the top-seeded Niceville Eagles rallied with three runs. Ultimately, Winter Springs was able to hang on and bring home the state title. 

The win was especially satisfying for the Bears because in the 2024 season, they lost 8-2 to Niceville in the Class 6A regional quarterfinals. The Bears used that disappointing experience as motivation when they faced the Eagles this year, avenging the loss in true champion fashion. 

Overall, Winter Springs was 24-8 for the 2025 season and remained undefeated in their district. 

Head Coach Farrah Gordon praised the girls’ team effort as well as the talents of shortstop Alondra Maldonado – who was the team’s only senior. 

“From the beginning of the season to the end, we all just kept going. It was a whole new level,” says Coach Gordon. “Alondra was one of our leaders and a pivotal part of our recent championship.”

Alondra, who graduated from Winter Springs High School in May, is planning to continue her softball career at Rollins College.

 “Our journey to the goal was full of dedication and hard work from the whole team and coaching staff,” says Alondra, “and I wouldn’t have wanted my senior season to end any other way.”