Former Florida Gators Stars Elizabeth Hightower and Hannah Adams Embark on Their Professional Softball Careers with New Teams.
Elizabeth Hightower and Hannah Adams, two of the most distinguished players to don the orange and blue for the Florida Gators softball program, have officially begun exciting new chapters in their athletic journeys. These former Gator standouts, celebrated for their excellence on the diamond during their collegiate careers, are now taking their talents to the professional stage. With new teams and fresh opportunities, both Hightower and Adams aim to make lasting impacts at the next level while carrying forward the legacy of Florida softball.
Elizabeth Hightower, a right-handed pitcher whose presence in the circle often dictated the course of a game, was a cornerstone of the Gators’ success during her time in Gainesville. Known for her precision, poise, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, Hightower compiled an impressive resume that included All-SEC honors, numerous shutouts, and key performances in both the SEC Tournament and NCAA postseason play. Her ability to command the strike zone, mix pitches effectively, and neutralize opposing hitters earned her admiration from teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Hightower’s transition to the professional ranks represents both a continuation and an evolution of her journey in softball. Drafted by one of the premier teams in Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF), she brings with her not only a well-developed skill set but also the invaluable experience of competing at the highest collegiate level. The jump to the pros will naturally present new challenges: deeper lineups, veteran hitters, and the rigors of a longer season. Yet, those who know Hightower’s work ethic and competitive spirit have little doubt that she will rise to meet those challenges. Her calm demeanor, paired with an unyielding commitment to improving her craft, positions her well to thrive against elite competition.
For Hightower, joining her new team means more than just continuing to play the sport she loves. It means becoming part of a growing movement to elevate women’s professional softball. As the league expands and gains increased visibility, players like Hightower are at the forefront of shaping the future of the game. Her professionalism, leadership, and willingness to engage with fans and the broader softball community are traits that will serve both her and the league as they move forward together.
Hannah Adams, meanwhile, carved out her legacy at Florida as one of the most versatile and dependable infielders in program history. Primarily a second baseman, Adams was known for her defensive brilliance, smooth glove work, and knack for making difficult plays look routine. But it wasn’t just her defense that set her apart. At the plate, Adams delivered time and again, providing the Gators with consistent production, timely hits, and a keen eye that made her one of the toughest outs in the lineup. Her leadership qualities, both vocal and by example, made her a respected figure in the locker room and a fan favorite throughout Gator Nation.
Like Hightower, Adams’ path to the professional level is a testament to years of hard work, perseverance, and a deep love for the game. Selected by a rising WPF franchise eager to build a winning culture, Adams enters the league with both high expectations and a determination to make her mark. The pace and intensity of the pro game will demand the very best from her, but if her time at Florida is any indication, Adams is more than ready. Her adaptability, high softball IQ, and relentless drive to succeed are all attributes that suggest she will not only adjust to the pro ranks but excel within them.
Adams also embraces the larger significance of this moment in her career. As professional women’s softball continues to grow, she recognizes the opportunity to inspire young athletes and contribute to a sport that is striving for greater recognition and support. Her willingness to serve as an ambassador for the game, whether through community outreach, youth clinics, or media engagement, underscores the depth of her commitment—not just to her own success, but to the success of the sport as a whole.
For Florida softball, seeing two of its stars move on to the professional level is a point of immense pride. The program, under the guidance of head coach Tim Walton, has long been a powerhouse in NCAA softball, producing All-Americans, conference champions, and national title contenders. Hightower and Adams exemplify the standard of excellence that defines Gator softball, and their professional journeys serve as inspiration to current and future players who dream of following in their footsteps. Their progression to the pros also reflects the strength of the developmental culture at Florida, where athletes are prepared not only to win games but to excel at the highest levels of their sport.
The impact of Hightower and Adams extends beyond the field. Both players have been active in supporting causes important to them, and both have been visible in efforts to promote women’s sports and advocate for equity in athletics. As they take on new roles with their respective professional teams, they bring with them not just talent, but also the values that made them leaders in Gainesville. Their voices will be important as the sport continues to push for greater visibility, better resources, and increased opportunities for the next generation of softball players.
Hightower’s and Adams’ moves into the professional ranks come at a time when women’s sports, and softball in particular, are experiencing meaningful momentum. With the WPF working to establish itself as a premier destination for the sport’s best talent, the addition of players like Hightower and Adams signals a bright future. These athletes bring credibility, competitive excellence, and fan followings that will help the league continue to grow and thrive. They also provide compelling stories—of dedication, resilience, and achievement—that resonate with fans and help build the narrative of professional softball.
As they begin this new chapter, both players are focused on making immediate contributions to their teams. For Hightower, that means adjusting to the rhythms of professional pitching: learning the tendencies of opposing hitters, refining her pitch sequencing, and developing additional strategies to keep lineups off balance. It also means embracing her role within the team dynamic, whether as a starter, reliever, or mentor to younger teammates. For Adams, the challenges are equally multifaceted: adapting to the speed of the pro game, sharpening her offensive approach against advanced pitching, and anchoring the infield with the same reliability that defined her college career.
Their fans—especially those who followed their every game at Florida—will no doubt be watching closely as these two begin their professional journeys. There is excitement in seeing familiar faces step onto new stages, and there is pride in knowing that they carry the banner of Gator softball with them wherever they go. Both Hightower and Adams have expressed gratitude for their time at Florida, crediting the program, their coaches, and their teammates for helping to prepare them for this next step. That foundation, built on discipline, teamwork, and a passion for excellence, will serve them well as they take on new challenges and seek new achievements.
In many ways, the professional careers of Elizabeth Hightower and Hannah Adams represent not just personal milestones, but milestones for the sport of softball itself. As these athletes pursue their dreams at the next level, they help demonstrate the viability of professional opportunities for women in softball, inspire the next wave of players, and contribute to the ongoing growth of the game. Their stories are about more than wins and losses; they are about the pursuit of excellence, the joy of competition, and the power of sport to unite and inspire.
As their professional seasons unfold, there will undoubtedly be highlights, learning experiences, and moments that remind fans why Hightower and Adams were so beloved at Florida. Their journeys will be followed with great interest not only by Gator Nation, but by softball fans across the country who understand the significance of what these athletes represent. They are pioneers, competitors, and ambassadors—all at once. And as they take the field in their new uniforms, they do so with the knowledge that they are part of something larger: a movement to ensure that the game they love continues to grow, thrive, and inspire for generations to come.
