CLERMONT, Fla. — As the 2025 softball season starts, the East Ridge Knights have a lot of optimism going into the season. That is because junior Veronica Peterson returns, who led the team in many stats last year.

"My mindset is to get on base and figure out any way I can," said Peterson.

What You Need To Know

  • East Ridge junior Veronica Peterson prepares to kick off softball season with her team

  • Last year, she led the Knights in several stats

  • A family member that inspired her to play the sport, and her dad is the team's head coach

  • Peterson plans to continue improving her craft at Bethune-Cookman University

Last year, Peterson did plenty of that. She led the team in both batting average and on base percentage. She has been running around the bases, scoring runs since she was six years old. It was a family member that she idolized that inspired her to play the sport.

"I always looked up to my cousin. Whatever she did, I wanted to do," she said. "I always went to her rec games, so ever since she started playing softball, I did too."

Peterson already knows where she wants to continue improving her craft after she is done at East Ridge, even though she is only a junior.

"I decided to go to Bethune-Cookman University," said Peterson.

She made the decision in October of last year. The reason she made the commitment this early in her high school tenure was because the recruiting process was very stressful for her.

"I feel like getting that weight off my shoulder very early and being able to just enjoy the game not having to worry about anything, just having fun with my teammates," she said.

Softball isn’t the only sport Peterson plays at East Ridge.

"I’ve run track, weightlifted, basketball, and I run cross-country," Peterson said. "The past three years, we were 3-time district champs. We have been to regional and states ever since my freshman year."

By running cross-country, Peterson uses that to get away from the grind of softball.

"Gives me that feeling point that I don’t always have to be on the field," she said. "I can go on a course and go run, and even just run with my dad or a couple of my friends, and it’s a good feeling."

But it’s softball that creates a strong bond with her dad, because he is also the head coach of the team. They have practiced infield drills a lot during Peterson's lifetime.

"Like 2,000 or 3,000…more than that. It’s probably near 10,000 because even on the weekend we come and field," said Peterson. "When we are on the field it’s go time, he’s my coach, I’m his player, we are ready to go, we are ready to win. When we go home, we are family, dad and daughter."

Peterson’s dedication to the game has pointed her in the right direction for success, and she believes that will help her after she is done at East Ridge.

"I think the work ethic and determination my parents instilled in me has really shaped me as a person," she said. "I think my success comes from that and drive me more into my softball career."

The 2025 state finals will be held at Legends Way Ballfields in Clermont, which is less than two miles from East Ridge High School.