Mike Johnson
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The University of Florida (UF) and its softball fans will never forget Elizabeth Hightower's name.
Raised in Jefferson County, Fla., Hightower has been the talk of the town after graduating from Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) and going to UF playing in their softball program.
Hightower, over the years, had done nothing less than expected by UF's Coach Tim Walton. Her freshman year, she threw three complete games and two complete-game shutouts. After 10 starts and 18 appearances, she posted up a four and one record with 55 strike outs and only walked a mere 19 batters. Out of all the pitchers in the South Eastern Conference (SEC), Hightower was ranked: 13th in Earned Runs Allowed (ERA) (19), Doubles Allowed tied for sixth (3) and Triples Allowed tied for first (0). Not stopping there, Hightower received many honors: SEC All-Freshman Team, SEC Freshman of the Week (April 9, 2019) and SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll. Hightower became the first UF freshman pitcher since Kelly Barnhill to record a complete-game shutout against a nationally ranked opponent (Arkansas Razorbacks).
The following season was no different for the upcoming rising star. Hightower worked hard to improve her talents and stats. Hightower pitched an one-hit shutout against Longwood University at the Bubly Invitational. It was the third complete-game shutout of her career. She had nine appearances and picked up three more starts, making her record in the Gators' circle four wins and zero loses. Her average in the circle was 24.2 innings. She held a 2.55 ERA with 30 strikeouts while limiting opposing batters to a .180 average at the plate. Hightower was ranked in the SEC for strikeouts looking (12) tied at 13th and games in relief (six) tied again at 11th place.
At the end of the 2021 season, Hightower's stats, records and awards hit an all-time high. Hightower received five different awards/honors, including: National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American Third Team, NFCA All-Southeast Region First Team, All-SEC Second Team, SEC Pitcher of the Week two times and D1 Softball.com National Pitcher of the Week.
She threw the first no-hitter of her career against the University of Southern Florida (USF) in the Gainesville Regional Championship game. It was only the fourth complete-game no-hitter for the Gators in National Colligate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament play. Hightower has also thrown two additional complete-game one-hitters and two more combined one-hitters in the 2021 season. She finished the 2021 Gainesville Regional with 13.1 innings pitched, not allowing any hits or runs in two appearances.
Hightower was one out of 54 players voted to the NFCA All-American Third Team along with two other Gators. After showcasing her talents in the Gainesville Regionals, even with being knocked out early, Hightower made the crowd see why she deserved it.