GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Neely Peterson of Santa Fe College Softball has committed to continue her playing career at Florida Gulf Coast University. 

FGCU is a member of the Division I Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN). Head Coach David Deiros is the founding father of FGCU softball, and completed his 19th season in 2021. Deiros was hired in 2001 to build the program from the dirt up, and he has since guided the Eagles to 16 seasons with a winning record, nine campaigns with 35+ wins and a win percentage of .654 (689-364-3).

Peterson transferred to SF from Colorado State University and made her impact felt for the Saints, both offensively in the batter's box and from behind the plate.

The sophomore catcher from Wesley Chapel, Fla. was a Mid-Florida Conference First Team and FCSAA Second Team selection. 

No. 13 was a two-time Region 8 Player of the Week, and also a one-time NJCAA Player of the Week (4/14). 

Peterson carried a ten-game hitting streak from March 28 - April 13, and turned it up from the dish to hit for a .444 average during MFC play. 

The catcher's solo home run proved to be the game-winner in a 2-1 victory against then No. 3 College of Central Florida, and she also had a walkoff hit against Pasco-Hernando State College on April 1.

Defensively, Peterson displayed a strong arm and caught 14 baserunners stealing for a .286 runners caught stealing percentage. She posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in 367 chances.

So far, Peterson is one of four Saints to have been announced to sign at four-year schools, as included below. 

Current SF Softball Commitments to Four-Year Institutions

Neely Peterson - Florida Gulf Coast

Gabrielle Mathre - Georgia Southwestern - Story

Cris'Deona Beasley - FAMU - Story

Ashlyn Rogers - Georgia Southwestern - Story