Who Plays ACC Softball?

Data Driven Roster Analysis for Players and Coaches

October 05, 2024

Are you a high school softball player with dreams of competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)? Or maybe you’re a parent, coach, or fan curious about the players on ACC rosters? Whether you’re aiming for a spot on a Division I team or simply want to know more about the talent pool in this prestigious conference, you’ll find the data here insightful.

This information is based on a review of ACC softball rosters for the 2024-2025 school year, giving you an updated look at where ACC players come from, especially with the recent expansion of the conference. For the first time, the ACC now spans all four major U.S. census regions—South, Northeast, Midwest, and West—thanks to the addition of California and Stanford. While Southern teams have traditionally dominated the conference, the inclusion of these West Coast programs is reshaping its geographic landscape. [Note: while SMU has joined the ACC for other sports, they do not currently have an NCAA softball team.]

Where Do ACC Players Come From?

The ACC recruits players from a variety of regions across the U.S., and the addition of California and Stanford highlights the increasing diversity in player origin. Here’s the breakdown of where players hail from:

  • Northeast: 9%

  • Midwest: 9%

  • South: 57%

  • West: 24%

With California and Standrod now part of the conference, the representation from the West has grown signficantly. While the South remains a significant source of talent, the Northeast and Midwest also have representation among ACC players.

Pitcher Distribution by Region

Across ACC rosters, 25% of players are identified as pitchers (including two-way players). The distribution of pitchers among regions is generally consistent with the overall player breakdown, but 39% of players from the Northeast pitch.

Most Represented Home States

Here are the top five states contributing players to ACC softball teams:

  • California: 20%

  • Georgia: 15%

  • Florida: 10%

  • Virginia: 9%

  • North Carolina: 8%

California, already a powerhouse in softball, has solidified its presence in the ACC with both Stanford and California now in the mix. Georgia and Florida continue to provide significant numbers of players to the conference, while Virginia and North Carolina round out the top five.

How Tall Are ACC Softball Players?

In the ACC, the average height of all players is 5’7”, with pitchers standing taller at nearly 5’8” inches on average. (SEC pitchers are even taller, averaging 5’9”.)

By home region, the heights vary only slightly, but players from out West are slightly shorter. Pitchers from the Northeast (averaging 5’9”) are more than an inch taller than those from other regions. Meanwhile, non-pitchers from the Northeast (averaging just under 5’6”) are nearly an inch shorter than those from the rest of the country. ACC softball players from the Midwest are also taller on average (5’8.5”) than non-pitchers from the same region (5’6”).

While non-pitchers are the same average height whether they’re playing in-state or out-of-state, pitchers recruited from other states average an inch taller than in-state pitchers.

Playing Out of State

About two-thirds of ACC softball players come from outside their home states to compete at this level. Here are the largest producers of out-of-state ACC players:

  • California: 16% of all out-of-state players

  • Georgia: 14%

  • Florida: 11%

  • Texas: 10%

  • New Jersey: 5%

California remains the most prominent state for out-of-state players, a testament to its deep talent pool. Georgia and Florida also supply numerous players, with many of these athletes choosing to play at other ACC schools outside their home states.

Remember, because Southern Methodist University doesn’t play D1 softball, there’s still no ACC team in Texas. Nonetheless, there are still over 20 Texans playing in the conference.

Breaking It Down by School

Different ACC programs have their own unique recruiting strategies, with some focusing on in-state talent while others cast a wide net. Here’s a breakdown of the home states by program:

  • Boston College: California (5), Georgia (4), Florida/Louisiana (3 each)

  • California: California (20), Arizona/Colorado/Texas (1 each)

  • Clemson: Georgia (12), Florida (4), California (3)

  • Duke: Florida (5), California (3), Texas (3)

  • Florida State: Florida (11), Georgia (2), Eight states (1 each)

  • Georgia Tech: Georgia (18), Five states (1 each)

  • Louisville: Kentucky (5), Indiana (5), Illinois (4)

  • North Carolina: North Carolina (9), Georgia (5), Texas (3)

  • North Carolina State: North Carolina (7), Virginia (3), Texas (3)

  • Notre Dame: California (11), Illinois (2), Indiana (2)

  • Pittsburgh: Florida (4), Pennsylvania (4), Texas (4)

  • Stanford: California (13), Texas (2), Arizona (2)

  • Syracuse: California (9), Texas (3), New Jersey (3)

  • Virginia: Virginia (12), North Carolina (4), Georgia (3)

  • Virginia Tech: Virginia (10), North Carolina (3), Florida/Indiana (2 each)

The range of states represented on ACC rosters reflects the conference’s national reach, with programs like California, Clemson, and Florida State recruiting heavily from their home regions, while Boston College, Duke, and Syracuse pull in talent from across the country.

What the Numbers Mean for Aspiring Players

While ACC softball rosters reflect certain geographic trends, it’s important to remember that talent can come from anywhere. Coaches in this conference are on the lookout for hardworking athletes, regardless of where they’re from.

For those aspiring to play in the ACC, understanding these numbers can provide insights into the recruiting landscape. Whether you're from a softball-rich state like California or Georgia, or a less-represented region, there’s always an opportunity if you have the talent, determination, and a good recruiting strategy.