Three local softball standouts join team at historic Jacksonville university

Edward Waters freshman pose with a cake made to celebrate them joining the team for the 2025 season. From left, Macie Bourgholtzer, Jacksonville; Kyleigh Golden, Yulee; Jaela Palmer, Jaksonville; Carsen Chmiel, Fernandina Beach; and Ava Martyn, Yulee. Submitted photo

Last year’s softball squad at Edward Waters University: No. 23 is Riley Kapparis of Yulee, and EWU Head Coach Mike Ellison is in the front row, far right. Submitted photo

Ava Martyn celebrates her signing to Edward Waters University. Both were standout softball players at Yulee High School. Submitted photo

Ava Martyn fist bumps a Yulee High School teammate in a former season. Submitted photo

Carsen Chmiel celebrates her signing to Edward Waters University. Submitted photo

Carsen Chmiel bats for Fernandina Beach in a former season. Submitted photo

Kyleigh Golden celebrates her signing to Edward Waters University. Both were standout softball players at Yulee High School. Submitted photo

Kyleigh Golden pitches for Yulee High School in a former season. Submitted