Elizabeth Hightower and Hannah Adams Begin Pro Journey with Florida Vibe, Proudly Representing Florida Gators on Opening Day

Two of the most decorated athletes in Florida Gators softball history are embarking on a new journey, one that extends their careers and carries the pride of Gator Nation into the professional ranks. Elizabeth Hightower and Hannah Adams, former stars for the University of Florida, officially kick off their professional season today as members of the Florida Vibe—a growing force in the women’s professional softball circuit.

As they take the field, the atmosphere is charged with excitement, nostalgia, and pride. These two athletes spent years donning the orange and blue, thrilling crowds in Gainesville with their passion, competitive spirit, and unmistakable skill. Now, they carry those memories and lessons into a new chapter, one that blends their college legacy with a new opportunity to leave an imprint on the game.

Elizabeth Hightower, a right-handed pitcher whose composure and command became hallmarks during her time at Florida, established herself as one of the most reliable arms in the Southeastern Conference. Over the course of her collegiate career, she accumulated impressive accolades: All-SEC honors, multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament, and a key role in helping the Gators maintain their reputation as a national powerhouse. Known for her poise in the circle and her leadership on and off the field, Hightower embodied what it meant to be a Gator.

For Hannah Adams, the journey has been equally impactful. A second baseman who anchored Florida’s infield with extraordinary consistency and grit, Adams was the kind of player who made the difficult plays look routine. Her bat was equally valuable, offering timely hitting, plate discipline, and clutch performances when the team needed it most. A true competitor, Adams left Florida as one of the program’s most respected and admired players—a quiet leader who always let her performance do the talking.

Now united again in professional softball, Hightower and Adams are part of a growing movement. The Florida Vibe, a team that has quickly gained traction in the national softball scene, is dedicated to creating more opportunities for women to play at the highest level beyond college. With a mission to grow the game and provide athletes with meaningful professional careers, the Vibe is becoming a cornerstone of a movement that’s reshaping the future of women’s sports.

Their opening day represents more than just the start of a season; it marks a moment of progress. For fans who have followed Hightower and Adams from their college days, this is a continuation of a story they’ve loved from the start. For young players across the country, it’s proof that dreams can extend far beyond graduation. And for the athletes themselves, it’s a reward for years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication.

Hightower, whose arsenal of pitches baffled even the best hitters in the SEC, now gets to test her craft against some of the top talent in the professional game. It’s a challenge she welcomes. Her demeanor has always been one of calm focus, but behind it lies a fierce desire to compete and improve. The jump from college to pro comes with a learning curve, but Hightower’s ability to adapt and elevate her game has never been in doubt. She thrives in big moments, and the professional stage is just another opportunity for her to shine.

Adams, too, is embracing the next level with confidence. Throughout her college years, she was known as a player who never took a play off—always hustling, always ready, always competing. That same work ethic is now on display in a new uniform, as she anchors the infield for the Florida Vibe. Whether turning double plays or coming through in clutch situations at the plate, Adams remains a model of consistency. Her professional debut is not just the start of a season—it’s a celebration of everything she’s worked for.

What makes this moment even more special is that they’re doing it together. Having played side by side for several years in Gainesville, Hightower and Adams share a bond that transcends the game. There’s a comfort in familiarity, a shared understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. Their chemistry as teammates is already well-established, and that cohesion will be a huge asset for the Vibe as the season unfolds.

The Florida Vibe’s roster is composed of players from across the country, many of whom starred at elite college programs. But few duos have the connection that Hightower and Adams share. Their presence adds not only talent but also leadership, experience, and a Gator toughness that can’t be taught. They’re not just representing their new team—they’re carrying the legacy of Florida softball into every at-bat, every pitch, and every play.

The support from Gainesville and the broader Gator community has been overwhelming. Former teammates, coaches, fans, and alumni have rallied around Hightower and Adams, celebrating their next steps and cheering them on as they embrace this new challenge. Social media is buzzing with well wishes, throwback highlights, and proud declarations of #GatorMade. It’s a testament to the impact these two athletes have made—not just on the field, but in the lives of those who watched them grow and lead.

For many, this debut also underscores a broader truth: Women’s softball is ready for the spotlight. The demand is there. The talent is undeniable. And with teams like the Florida Vibe giving players like Hightower and Adams a platform to compete, the future of the sport looks brighter than ever. This isn’t just about continuing a career—it’s about expanding what’s possible, for themselves and for the next generation of athletes.

The professional stage comes with its own pressures, but if there’s one thing fans know about Hightower and Adams, it’s that they don’t shy away from a challenge. They embrace it. From grueling practices to game-winning moments, from early morning workouts to postseason showdowns, they’ve faced every test with grit and grace. This new journey is no different.

And while today may be the first day of their professional careers, it’s certainly not the beginning of their story. That story has been years in the making, filled with victories, setbacks, growth, and triumph. It’s a story that started on college fields in front of roaring crowds and now moves to a new stage with a new team—but the heart of it remains the same. Passion. Pride. Purpose.

So as Hightower and Adams step onto the field wearing their new colors, one thing is clear: they are still representing the Gators. Every pitch, every swing, every hustle play—it all carries the mark of the program that helped shape them. They are ambassadors not only for the Florida Vibe but for Florida softball, a testament to what hard work, perseverance, and love for the game can accomplish.

To Elizabeth Hightower and Hannah Adams: congratulations on this new chapter. Gator Nation is behind you every step of the way. As you chase new victories and inspire future generations, know that the legacy you built in Gainesville continues to grow. Here’s to a season filled with success, growth, and unforgettable moments.

Go Vibe. Go Gators.