Whenever Parker Stubbs or Cylie Long steps to the plate, the result has become almost inevitable: another home run and another piece of history for Wakulla High.
The War Eagles’ power-hitting junior duo continued its record-setting season Wednesday, each delivering a home run in an 8-0 Class 3A regional win over Wolfson. The victory pushed Wakulla closer to its first state championship while underscoring the impact of a tandem that has rewritten the program record book.
“It’s great knowing you can at least put a run on the board,” Long said. “Just the feeling of the swing — it’s amazing.”
Stubbs and Long have combined for 24 home runs this season — 13 from Stubbs, who owns the single-season record, and 11 from Long. The previous mark of 10, set by Kaylee Walker, stood until April 22, when both players tied it against Middleburg. Stubbs broke the record outright on April 30 against Suwannee during the district title game.
“I didn’t think I would get close to it,” Stubbs said. “When I did break it, I was like, ‘Oh my God, I actually just made history.’”
Wakulla coach Sally Wheeler said she chose not to keep the milestone quiet, instead allowing her team to embrace it.
Wakulla (22-4) has hit 33 home runs this season, with production spread across a lineup Wheeler believes is capable of power from top to bottom.
“Every one of those girls can hit a home run,” Wheeler said. “It’s been fun.”
Parker Stubbs, Cylie Long built on chemistry, not competition
While their numbers stand out, Stubbs and Long insist their success is rooted in support, not competition. The two celebrate each other’s home runs as eagerly as their own, fueling a dynamic that has lifted the entire team.
“We’re both each other’s hype person,” Stubbs said. “Every time one of us hits one, we’re so excited for each other. It’s a good feeling knowing she’s right there behind me.”
The chemistry dates back to middle school, when the two first became teammates after growing up in the same community. Now, as juniors, they form a formidable one-two punch with a shared goal beyond personal accolades.
“We’re just trying to get further and win it all,” Long said. “Having someone like that pushing you makes it even better.”
Stubbs has already committed to USC Upstate, citing an instant connection with the campus and coaching staff during her visit, and then committed in December. Long is still weighing her options, taking time to find the right fit.
“I’m just trying to take it slow,” Long said. “I want to make sure it’s the right decision for me.”
For now, both are focused on something bigger: delivering a state championship to a program — and community — that has long embraced softball.
Chasing history for Wakulla
Wakulla has reached the state stage before, including a 2023 appearance, and Wheeler, a former player, understands what a title would mean.
“Wakulla County loves softball,” Wheeler said. “These kids work so hard every single day, and they’re just good people.”
Stubbs and Long, along with their teammates, are especially motivated to finish the job for a senior class that has come close before.
“That’s our goal,” Stubbs said. “We take it one game, one inning, one pitch at a time.”
With every swing, the War Eagles move closer — and with Stubbs and Long leading the way, history may not be finished yet.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Wakulla’s Parker Stubbs, Cylie Long fuel title chase with home run surge
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
