HS Softball: Cards’ Leffler signs with Florida State

As her family looks on, Pine Grove's Callee Leffler signs a letter of intent to continue her academic and softball careers at Florida State University. (Photo courtesy of Pine Grove Athletics)

PINE GROVE — Callee Leffler has known for years where she wants to play her college softball.

Pine Grove’s star center fielder made it official Wednesday, signing a national letter of intent to continue her academic and softball careers at Division I power Florida State University. The Seminoles ranked among the top five in the nation last season before finishing 49-12 and No. 10 in the final poll.

Leffler gave her verbal commitment last year as a junior and never wavered from her top choice.

The Seminoles are one of the premier programs in the country, consistently ranking among the top 10. Under head coach Lonni Alameda, Florida State won the 2018 NCAA Division I Women’s College World Series Championship and finished as national runner-up in 2021 and 2023.

“I feel relieved and also very grateful for all the people who supported me through the process,” Leffler said. “I’m really happy that my dream is coming true.”

When she was 10, Leffler met Alameda at a camp in New Jersey. Since then, the Lefflers have sent videos of Callee’s progress to Florida State.

A five-tool player who can hit, hit with power, run, field and throw, Leffler plays for the Newtown Rock Gold Garvey 18U travel team. She has excelled against top competition, both at the high school and travel levels.

This past spring, Leffler was the driving force in helping Pine Grove capture the program’s second and her first PIAA Class 3A softball championship. The Cardinals outlasted Bald Eagle Area 4-3 in 13 innings June 13 at Nittany Lion Softball Park to clinch the gold.

For the 2025 season, Leffler batted .536 (45-for-84) with 10 doubles, 11 triples, eight home runs and 29 RBIs. She stole 36 bases and scored 60 runs. She had a .655 on-base percentage, with 29 walks and no strikeouts. Leffler also had a 1.000 fielding average.

For her career, Leffler has a .555 batting average on 126-for-227 with 23 doubles, 32 triples, 20 home runs and 81 RBIs. She has scored 137 runs and stole 77 bases. She has walked 58 times and struck out just four.

Pine Grove finished last season 27-2, and Leffler was voted the Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches Association Class 3A Player of the Year.

Leffler, who plans to major in speech therapy, said Florida State had everything she was looking for.

“First, academics,” she said. “Second, the family culture of the team. When I stepped on campus for a visit, it felt like a second home.”