Some of the world's top athletes call Gainesville home. It may result from having the University of Florida in our backyard or the elite coaching available. Whatever the reason, we have seen some exceptionally talented and hard-working athletes come out of North Central Florida.

Born and raised here in the Town of Tioga, ten-year-old Asa Bodlak, 'Ace,' hopes to one day represent his hometown in the major leagues!

This summer, Asa helped lead his 10U Cal Ripken Babe Ruth Gainesville All-Star team to a state title! Only once within the last 30 years has Gainesville brought home the 10U state trophy. They traveled to Virginia to compete in the National Regionals and made it to the final four, finishing the season 19-5.

During the 2024 all-star season, including five tournaments, Asa batted .409 with only two strikeouts in 74 plate appearances. In 29 2/3 innings, he has a 1.18 ERA (earned run average) with a 1.28 WHIP (walks + hits/ innings pitched) with 39 strikeouts. He also has a 65% strike percentage. Asa was honored to be chosen as the Gold Bracket MVP out of 21 teams in the 2024 All-Stars Warm-up Tournament at Champions Park and the 2024 USSSA North Florida Slugfest NIT MVP.

Asa plays for the Florida Hardballers' travel ball team during the fall and spring seasons. The Florida Hardballers Co-Founder, John Colacci, shared, "One of the most impressive things about Asa is his ability to stay calm under pressure. No matter the situation, he maintains his composure and executes with confidence. It's an important quality that sets him apart on the field."

Along with baseball, Asa enjoys playing basketball, flag football, and chess! As a third grader, he went 5-0 at the 2023 Florida State Scholastic (K-12) Championship and won a state title! Asa recently began 5th grade at The Frazer School. He loves living in Tioga with his mom, dad, and his four-legged sister, Scout.