Search
Close this search box.

FWB Vikings Softball Team advances to regional quarterfinals after historic District Championship win

The Fort Walton Beach Vikings Softball team is set to compete in the Regional Quarterfinals against Fleming Island on Wednesday, May 8, at 6 p.m. at home, following their historic district championship win against Gulf Breeze High School on Thursday, May 2.  “The beginning of the season was a lot of trying to find our […]

Source: DJ Hearne Photography

The Fort Walton Beach Vikings Softball team is set to compete in the Regional Quarterfinals against Fleming Island on Wednesday, May 8, at 6 p.m. at home, following their historic district championship win against Gulf Breeze High School on Thursday, May 2. 

  • Head Coach Taryn Gray reflects on the team’s journey this season, their current 17-10 record, and the growth of her young squad.

“The beginning of the season was a lot of trying to find our identity and who we are,” Coach Gray said. “We’ve known that there are talented players on our team, but learning how to work and mesh it together as one was important.”

The Vikings’ lineup boasts a variety of skilled hitters and defensive players, with standout performances from Alyx Hall, who leads the team in RBIs, and Hannah Isham, who has the second-highest batting average. Ava Smith and Aubrey Davis have also been significant contributors, carrying high numbers in RBIs as well.

  • On defense, Anna Abernathy has been a key player, while Rilyn Douglas has delivered clutch hits, including a game-changing hit against Gulf Breeze. Allie Smith has been a reliable presence in left field, and pitcher Ava Smith has shown growth in her maturity and poise on the mound.
Source: DJ Hearne Photography

The Vikings’ roster is relatively young, with only two seniors, Ava Smith and Ally Johnson. Coach Gray believes the team’s success speaks to their competitive nature and team-first mentality. “I have a bunch of kids that want to fight for each other instead of themselves,” she said.

As the team prepares for their Regional Quarterfinal matchup against Fleming Island, Coach Gray’s message to her players is simple: “Stay the course. Keep everything simple. We’re going to play our game and as long as we take care of what we need to, good things will happen.”

Source: DJ Hearne Photography

The Vikings’ second-place ranking in the 5A district is a significant achievement, and Coach Gray acknowledges the importance of hosting the first round of the playoffs on their home field.

  •  “Winning our first district championship, we knew we had a chance for the second seed. It’s huge to be able to host on your own field,” she said.

Coach Gray also expressed her gratitude for her assistant coaches, Nick Gardner, Katie Quinn, Corey Church, and Brent Abernathy, for their hard work and investment in the team.

As the Fort Walton Beach community rallies behind the Vikings, Coach Gray’s message is clear: “Come out and cheer us on, make it special for these athletes and let’s see how far the Vikings can take this area.”

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“This is so impressive - congratulations on such a successful and growing program”
Respond
“I spent a week on the Pilot diving. I loved the trip but was traveling solo so had no dive partner. I was not a real experienced diver either. One...”
Respond
“Bless you, your sons, and all involved in honoring your husband. The perfect example of unconditional love. Your care and efforts in helping others will not be forgotten. Wishing you...”
Respond
“Thank you for the wonderful article and exposure for our efforts helping local cancer patients know they are not alone!”
Respond
““… the caliber of vacationers “ You live somewhere that others find desirable and it has been discovered. Get over it.”
Respond
“Bitter are you .what matters is it's saved to be a part of history for thr Fort Walton Beach family's and tourist.i don't care who built it .it's up and...”
Respond
“I came to Destin in 1988 and I was so happy to have made the decision to raise my children here. But to be honest, ever since Peter Boss started...”
Respond
“It was an AMAZING show from our community, and we are so grateful to Dr Dugan and the rest of the guidance department for securing such a worthwhile event for...”
Respond
“this was not a easy task as i'm am one of troop 544 but it warms my heart that he was there in his warm hug from a trusted adult.”
Respond
“You wanted more stores, more people and you allow golf carts to move about freely, then you complain because you have created a nightmare. UNBELIEVABLE.”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.