PANAMA CITY — Two Deane Bozeman High School standouts made their college dreams official this past Friday signing to continue their athletic careers at Gulf Coast State College.
Softball player Addison John and baseball player Zac Flitcraft put pen to paper in front of teammates, coaches and family, each marking the next step in their journeys.
For John, the signing marked the moment her long-held childhood goal became reality.
“It’s like a blessing come true,” she said. “It’s been my dream ever since I was little to play college softball, and now realizing that I’m literally about to play college softball… it’s just a big blessing, really.”
John has a career .426 batting average, 126 hits, 90 runs and 47 RBIs.
Her path to Gulf Coast was shaped by early beginnings in the sport and the resilience needed to push through physical setbacks.
“I started off young, probably around 6, and along the way I had setbacks — I had knee problems and all kinds of things — but it didn’t stop me from playing,” she said. “My journey to get recruited was a little difficult, but everybody’s journey is different. I just knew this is what I wanted to do in the end.”
As she prepares for her first semester, John said she’s looking forward to more than just softball.
“I’m really excited to be out on my own — getting to live with new people,” she said. “I’ve only ever lived with my family, so being able to be in an apartment with new people, getting new friends, making a new family… I’m just really excited.”
She plans to major in stenography at Gulf Coast.
On the baseball side, Flitcraft’s signing represented both a personal milestone and a continuation of his roots in Bay County.
“It’s an honor, honestly,” he said. “I’ve always dreamed of playing at a higher level of baseball, and it’s finally coming true — my dream ever since I was little. I get to stay in my hometown where I’ve grown up my whole life, and I’m so glad for the opportunity God has given me. I can’t wait to see what else He has planned for me.”
His journey featured adversity early on, including a major elbow injury that sidelined him during a pivotal developmental year.
“It’s definitely been a long journey,” he said. “Coming into my freshman year here — new school and everything — and then tearing stuff in my elbow and fracturing my elbow, it was a big setback. But coming back from that, growing, and getting a lot better over the years with the help of all my coaches… it’s just been great.”
Flitcraft credits both his high school team and travel ball experience with helping him elevate his game.
“Travel ball has helped me grow and see what high-level baseball is all about,” he said. “I’m very thankful for everything.”
Flitcraft has a .384 batting average, 118 hits, 111 runs, 82 RBIs and 7 home runs. He said the culture at Bozeman played a major role in shaping his development.
“It’s really shaped me a lot and shown me what it’s like to be on a team and have that connection,” he said. “I can’t even put into words how grateful I am to have played with these boys and the ones who’ve graduated. It’s been an honor.”
He praised longtime head coach Jeff Patton for his impact.
“Coach Patton, one of the best coaches I’ve ever had, has taught me almost everything I know. I’m so grateful for him,” he said. “Coach (Bryan) Norman coming in this year — I can’t wait to see what he has planned for us,” he said.
At Gulf Coast, he expects to contribute primarily in the outfield and potentially on the mound and looks forward to the experiences that come with college baseball.
“Just getting to see the competition and go explore other colleges — seeing the nice fields and seeing what God has planned for me next,” he said.
Banji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bozeman’s Addison John and Zac Flitcraft sign to continue athletic careers at Gulf Coast
Reporting by Banji Bamidele, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
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