FPD Softball Will Begin State Tournament Play Thursday

The Macon-based team enters the state championship tournament as a No. 2 seed after a successful regular season.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Softball

Expressive sports illustration of a softball player mid-swing, using navy and gold tones to convey high-energy tournament action. — The FPD softball team begins its quest for a state championship this Thursday, opening tournament play against Loganville Christian. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The FPD softball team is set to open its state championship tournament campaign this Thursday, October 15. The team will face Loganville Christian in the first round of the competition.

Why it matters

The players attribute their success to a newfound sense of family and increased team confidence. This strong momentum positions the group to compete for a state title for the first time in a decade.

The team enters the playoffs with a 20-2 regular season record and the No. 2 seed. Standout player Gracyn Fuller has maintained a 0.65 ERA over 86 innings while contributing 26 RBIs.

The players

Shaun Bridger

Shaun Bridger is the head coach of the FPD softball team who took over the leadership role in 2024.

Gracyn Fuller

Gracyn Fuller is a key FPD player serving as both a pitcher with a 0.65 ERA and a power hitter with five home runs.

Lyric Jones

Lyric Jones is a standout FPD softball player who leads the team with eight home runs this season.

The details

Coach Shaun Bridger has focused on a culture shift built on serving players and fostering accountability within the roster. This approach, supported by power hitting from Lyric Jones, who leads the team with eight home runs, has helped the squad secure the GIAA 4A/3A District 6 title.

2016: FPD won its last state championship.
2023: FPD softball finished with a 12-13 record.
2024: Shaun Bridger became FPD head coach.
2026-10-15
FPD begins state tournament play.

Season Trajectory

The team's current performance marks a significant improvement from their 12-13 record in 2023. By securing the No. 2 seed, FPD has fundamentally shifted their standing within the GIAA 4A/3A landscape.

FPD heads into the Columbus tournament as the No. 2 seed, giving them a favorable path to face top contenders. The team's ability to maintain high defensive output through Fuller and power hitting from Jones remains the critical metric for their playoff success.

The takeaway

The transformation of the FPD program highlights the impact that a culture focused on serving players can have on team cohesion. Fans and observers should watch how the team's accountability-based mindset holds up during high-pressure tournament play in Columbus.