Regional All-American Catcher/1B, NCAA D1 All-Conference Hitter with Power, Team Captain *SIGNED IN Australia 2024-25*
Name: Neely Peterson
Height: 175cm
Weight: 72kg
DOB: May 30, 2001
Date Available: August 1, 2024
Will Pay FlightBats: R
Throws: R
Positions: 1B, C
Positions (alt): 1B, C
College: Santa Fe College; Florida Gulf Coast University
Personal
Pop Time: 1.7, controls run game very well with a strong arm and quick transition.
Hitter: Will hit to all sides of the field, can hit for power and average.
I played first base along with catcher my whole career prior to college. During my time at the Division 1 level, my skills were most needed behind the plate, however I am not opposed to jumping back in at first base if it means I am more valuable to a team.
As a teammate I lead by example and look to bring out the best in all of my teammates. I am always looking to learn from and teach my teammates. I am a leader on and off the field and consider myself to be very knowledgeable about the game. As a catcher, I have been known for handling the pitching staff exceptionally well by keeping them calm and confident and being able to work well with and help grow the younger players around me. I take a lot of pride in my defensive abilities and keep the field calm from behind the plate. I consider myself to be a very passionate player and love to keep the energy up at all times.
Career highlights
FGCU: All ASUN-First Team, Unanimous Preseason Catcher of the Year, ASUN Tournament MVP, Team Captain for 3 years, ASUN Tournament Team, Single Season Record Holder for Runners Thrown Out in a Season (.667), Career Record Holder for Stolen Base Against % (.704), ASUN Conference Champion (Walk off homerun in championship game) .301 Avg, 10 doubles, 4 HR, 36 RBI
Santa Fe: First Team All-Conference, NJCAA Player of the Week x3, Batted .339 with 42 hits in 124 at-bats, .444 batting average and .889 slugging percentage in Mid-Florida Conference play, Hit 8 doubles and posted team-highs in home runs (11), RBI (35), and slugging percentage (.669), Scored 31 runs, Had an on-base percentage of .415, Put together a ten-game hitting streak, Posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in 367 chances, Caught 14 runners stealing.
Coaching
From the times that I have had opportunities to coach, I consider myself to be a coach that relates to players as I have had many ups and downs in my softball career. I think it is just as important to understand the game as much as it is to be able to play it. I place a high emphasis on the mental side of the game as well as the physical. I always try to make my lessons fun for players so that they remember the game is supposed to be enjoyed.
Overseas Goals
Playing overseas has been a dream of mine since I began to play in college. I have always had a deep passion for traveling and educating myself on various cultures. I love the game of softball and being able to combine the sport with traveling is my #1 priority. Being able to continue my career and grow the game overseas would be a dream.
My collegiate career has just come to a close in May. Since then I have stayed consistent in my offseason routine, taking BP, working out and catching bullpens whenever I get the chance.
Articles/Recognitions
- FGCU catcher Neely Peterson returns to Gainesville for NCAA Tournament
- From doubt to dominance: FGCU catcher Neely Peterson’s inspiring softball journey
- Peterson’s walk-off homer lifts Eagles past North Florida in ASUN Softball Championship
- Eighth-Inning Walk-Off Homer Crowns FGCU as Softball Champion
- Peterson Tied for FGCL Lead In Home Runs, Second In Doubles
- Six Eagles Earn All-ASUN Honors
- Santa Fe’s Neely Peterson named NJCAA Softball Player of the Week
Playing Experience
Coaching Experience
YEAR | ROLE | ORGANIZATION | LEAGUE/DIVISION | DETAILS |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018-20 | Catching Coach | Private Individual Lessons | Youth | Youth catching coach for local kids, gave private lessons teaching the ins & outs of being behind the plate from physical skills to the mental side of the position. |
2021-24 | Camp Coach | Florida Gulf Coast University Camps | Youth, High School | Worked with youth players ages 10-18 on all softball skills such as hitting, fielding, throwing, base running, and the mental game. |
Stats
College/Amateur Batting
Years | Team | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | CS | AVG | OBP | SLG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | Colorado State University | 14 | 25 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | .160 | .250 | .200 |
2021 | Santa Fe College | 44 | 124 | 31 | 42 | 8 | 0 | 11 | 35 | 15 | 15 | 2 | 0 | .339 | .415 | .669 |
2022 | Florida Gulf Coast University | 45 | 107 | 9 | 23 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 6 | 31 | 2 | 0 | .215 | .257 | .346 |
2022 | FGCL Pioneers | 20 | 51 | 13 | 18 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 0 | 0 | .353 | .476 | .667 |
2023 | Florida Gulf Coast University | 50 | 122 | 10 | 26 | 10 | 0 | 6 | 21 | 16 | 24 | 0 | 0 | .213 | .301 | .443 |
2024 | Florida Gulf Coast University | 56 | 163 | 15 | 49 | 10 | 1 | 4 | 36 | 11 | 25 | 3 | 0 | .301 | .354 | .448 |
Testimonials
These Testimonials Have Been Verified
Neely has proven to be one of the best defensive catchers in the country over the last three years at FGCU. She develops great relationships with her pitching staff and makes them better with her positive communication, framing, and blocking. Most importantly, she controls running game as well as any catcher I’ve ever seen. She is a strong hitter who has developed a strong eye at the plate and power to all fields. She will be an incredible asset to any team that takes her—she is a great competitor and even better teammate.
Neely is the epitome of a great teammate and was always well respected by her peers because of her calming demeanor and knowledge of the game. She was a coach's dream and led by example on and off the field. Her work ethic and level-headed approach in regard to preparation are just two of the things that led to a successful college career. I am so happy I had the privilege to be a small part of her journey. I look forward to what she will bring to the game now that her college days have come to an end!
Additional Info
Playing preferences: Europe Semi-pro (ie. Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, France etc.), Europe Pro (Italy, The Netherlands), Australia Semi-pro (State Leagues), Australia Pro (Australian Baseball League), New Zealand Semi-pro, Asia Pro (Japan, Korea, Taiwan)
Living preferences: Private living arrangement (apartment to self), Shared living arrangement, own bedroom, Shared living arrangement, shared bedroom, Give me a floor, pillow and a mat to sleep on, Host Family
Return home: I can stay as long as it takes to complete a season
Prior engagements: No
Recent injuries/illnesses: No
Traveling with a companion: Perhaps for a short term visit
Educational background: Bachelor’s Degree in Communication & Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership & Management