Bradenton’s IMG Academy softball team to make home debut. How to watch free
One of IMG Academy’s newest programs will make its Bradenton debut this week.
The Ascenders’ softball team hosts Palmetto High for its first home game at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Some standouts of the regional team, according to a news release, heading into the season include Avery Fallon, a pitcher and infielder from Pennsylvania who has previously competed with the Irish National softball under-18 team; Fenway Change, who grew up around IMG Academy and Ana Mercedes, who is a catcher and third baseman from Puerto Rico.
Softball director Joey Lye, an Olympic bronze medalist for Canada at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, is recognizing individuals who helped start the program in 2025. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Michele Smith is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Smith was on Team USA’s gold medal softball teams in 1996 and 2000.
Former Seton Hall standout Sara Haefeli is the regional team’s head coach. She has more than 10 years of coaching experience, and most recently was Lafayette’s assistant coach and infield coach in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Admission is free. IMG Academy is located at 5650 Bollettieri Blvd., Bradenton. The softball complex has two grass and two turf fields, eight covered batting cages and a Softball Center with locker rooms and coaches’ offices.
The softball program has two teams, a regional and national squad. The regional team is akin to a varsity level high school team, while the national team faces the nation’s top programs and at national tournaments.
The national team’s first home game is March 14, while the regional team begins play Wednesday.
For more information, visit www.IMGAcademy.com.
