Gulf Breeze seniors sign Division I scholarships

Jason Thompson/Gulf Breeze News Eye of the Tiger Jackie Kasler (center) signed a tennis scholarship with Auburn University Thursday. Also shown are (from left): GBHS tennis coach Sally Nowling, parents Jim and Corine Kasler and brother Ryan Kasler. In the span of one hour Thursday, a pair of GBHS seniors signed Division I scholarships. Ben Lively signed to play baseball at the University of Central Florida, while Jackie Kasler, a threetime state tennis champion, signed to play at Auburn.

Lively to UCF

Lively was the first of the two to sign, choosing Central Florida over schools like Mississippi State, Southern Miss and Florida Atlantic.

The UCF coaching staff, some who recently transferred from LSU, as well as the facilities were the two main reasons Lively chose the Orlando-based school.

“We're extremely proud of Ben and what he's been able to accomplish,” baseball coach Randy Renfroe said. “Talking with some of their coaches, it seems like it will a great fit for Ben. He should be able to pitch right away.”

Jason Thompson/Gulf Breeze News Knight time Ben Lively (seated, center) signed a baseball scholarship with the University of Central Florida Thursday. Also pictured are (seated from left): grandfather Jim Lively and parents Eddie and Ginny Lively. Standing (from left): uncles Stephen and Stan Lively, aunt Wendy Smith, sister Emily Lively, grandmother Joyce Lively and coach Randy Renfroe. Lively was, arguably, the biggest reasons the Dolphins played in the regional tournament for the first time in 29 years last season. He allowed 13 earned runs and 11 walks and 24 strikeouts in his first seven appearances.

In his last eight appearances, Lively was 5-1 with two saves. He allowed only seven earned runs in 35 innings, with only eight walks and 42 strikeouts.

“We’re going to go farther than last year,” said Lively, who’s also drawn the attention of several pro teams. He is the son of Eddie and Ginny Lively.

Kasler to Auburn Kasler had several Southeastern Conference schools looking at her, but opted to stay ‘on the Plains’ of Auburn.

“It’s not too big and not too small,” said Kasler, who’s lost only one match in two years at GBHS. “I loved the Southern tradition and that’s what Auburn gives you.”

Kasler said the coaching staff was also a big factor in her decision. “I spent two days with the coaches and I just knew,” Kasler said. “The coaches were number one.”

Kasler is already the most decorated female athlete in GBHS history. She and junior Jen Pfeifler have won the 2A state doubles championship the last two years. Kasler was also the 2A state singles champion in 2008.

“This is an important day for Jackie, for our team and our school,” tennis coach Sally Nowling said. “Hopefully this year, we’ll be bringing more trophies from state.”

Behind the play of Kasler and Pfeifler, GBHS took home the 2A state runner up trophy. It was the highest team finish in school history.

Kasler plans to major in veterinary medicine. “They have a great vet school,” said Kasler, who made all A’s this past nine week grading period.