Softball Inks First Spring Signee

MIAMI SHORES, Fla.—The Buccaneer softball team added its first new player of the spring signing season as Hunter Mars, a four-year varsity starter on the Lemon Bay High softball team, officially signed to play at Barry University in the fall.

For her career with the Lady Mantas, Mars has been in the top three in batting average, has been All-Area, All-County and All-State. She has also had the privilege of being a part of an undefeated season, two District Championships and a Regional finalist squad.

As a junior, she led coach Kim Pinkham’s Lady Mantas to the regional finals and a 22-6 record. She hit .326 with six doubles and a triple, scoring 17 runs and driving in 17 from her leadoff spot. She was named All-Area, All-Charlotte County and Second-Team All-State by Miracle Sports.

This year, the Mantas are 20-2 and on top in 5A District 13. Mars has stepped up her game, hitting .443 with 21 runs scored and 18 RBI. She has three doubles, three triples to slug .557 and carries a .463 on-base percentage.

Since she was 15, Mars has played travel ball with coach Mike Morgan's Tropic Wave, advancing with them three times to the NSA Nationals in California.

She joins fall signees shortstop Cheyanne Head from Canada and utility player Nicole Szelest from East Lake High in Tarpon Springs, Fla., in the Bucs’ recruiting class.

Mars plans to major in international business.

Pictured in the above photo are:

Back row L to R: LBHS Principal Bob Bedford, LBHS Athletic Director Tom Catanzarite, LBHS Head Softball Coach Kim Pinkham, Travel Ball Coaches Mike Morgan, Shawn Carvey and Doug Knight

Front Row L to R: brother Cole Mars, father Frank Mars, Hunter Mars and mother Mary Mars