School softball season is quickly approaching — opening day is Thursday, Feb. 8 — and offseason magic has reworked a few of these groups. With out additional ado, listed here are Michella Chester’s preseason Energy 10 picks.
1. Oklahoma
Together with returning Nicole Could and Kierston Deal within the circle, the Sooners are bringing in Kelly Maxwell (Oklahoma State switch). Maxwell is the Division I lively chief in profession strikeout price (10.54 per seven innings), a two-time All-American and somebody who already has quite a lot of Staff USA innings beneath her belt. She gave up six earned runs in 4 innings throughout two appearances towards OU final season and has a 5.47 ERA towards the Sooners in her profession, in comparison with a 1.38 ERA towards the remainder of Division I. However, strive discovering a pitcher over the previous few years whose splits towards Oklahoma aren’t equally skewed.
Get to know 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐱𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥.
Meet Kelly on and off the sphere on episode 4 of Championship Mindset, stay on https://t.co/RrgGf7q5rm and ESPN+ ‼️
🖥 https://t.co/43dDSW8gbM
📺 https://t.co/M30RY8FlYB#ChampionshipMindset | @MidFirst pic.twitter.com/TU1z1c0Q21— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) February 2, 2024
The Sooners will play in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Louisiana and California in three invitationals after which are scheduled to play their first recreation on Love’s Discipline March 1.
2. Tennessee
Tennessee made program historical past final season by successful the SEC common season and match titles in the identical 12 months. The Girl Vols extended the profitable run all the best way to the Girls’s School World Collection, their first look since 2015.
Can they repeat with a lineup returning nearly intact except for shedding ace Ashley Rogers?
Tennessee returns 18 gamers from final 12 months’s Girls’s School World Collection group that completed 51-10 (19-5) and received the SEC regular-season and match titles in the identical season for the primary time in program historical past.
Junior catcher Sophia Nugent is the newest to reach in Knoxville as an Oklahoma switch. The California native made 50 appearances with 18 begins final season for the three-time defending nationwide champions. Nugent batted .274 with 5 doubles, seven house runs and 23 RBIs. The Vols recruited her onerous out of highschool. “She is an excellent catcher. She has a very good arm and in addition swings an enormous bat,” Weekly mentioned. “Will probably be good to plug her in the course of the order.”
Switch Laura Mealer from Center Tennessee State batted .388, 12 HR and 20 doubles. Freshman Bella Faw has immediately turned heads at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The Georgia native would be the seemingly starter at shortstop as a rookie.
Twins Alannah and Gabby Leach are following within the footsteps of older sisters, Aubrey and Kelcy, in taking part in for Tennessee. Aubrey stays on employees as a graduate assistant. The twins each bat left, throw left and play the outfield. They will bunt, slap and swing away.
Gottshall completed 16-2 with a 1.65 ERA, 130 strikeouts and 22 walks in 110.0 innings final season after transferring to Tennessee from Bowling Inexperienced. Pickens burst onto the scene as a rookie earlier than enduring some struggles because the season wore on. The SEC Freshman of the Yr completed 9-7 with a 3.05 ERA, 99 strikeouts and 37 walks in 87.1 IP.
Graduate senior Kiki Milloy is arguably probably the most dynamic participant within the nation. The All-American centerfielder batted .406 and slugged .929 final season whereas main the nation in house runs (25) and stealing 40 bases in 41 makes an attempt.
Senior Zaida Puni and junior McKenna “Boo” Gibson every drove in 60 runs final season. Puni batted .363 and slugged .725 with 14 house runs and 14 doubles whereas Gibson batted .362 and slugged .718 with 15 house runs and 11 doubles.
Sophomore Taylor Pannell was hitting .357 by seven video games earlier than injuring her shoulder hitting a house run. Pannell and Nugent are anticipated to supply much more energy to the order.
3. Stanford
Large Ten Participant and Freshman of the 12 months Taryn Kern transferred from Indiana so as to add an enormous energy bat to the Stanford lineup. She broke three single-season IU program information: house runs (23), RBI (65) and runs scored (68), and led the Hoosiers in batting common (.404), on base share (.578) and slugging share (.942).
🥎 2023 WCWS: See the total bracket from final 12 months’s match
The Cardinal rebuild formally reached its pinnacle a 12 months in the past, when Jessica Allister led her alma mater again to the Girls’s School World Collection after a decades-long absence. As she did, the Cardinal additionally re-established the Stanford softball approach: Closely reliant on dominant pitching, strong protection, and the offensive items able to coming by when wanted.
The one cause NiJaree Canady didn’t take house an All-American trophy final season was as a result of she fell simply wanting the inning minimal after lacking a while with a mid-season damage; the Nationwide Freshman of the Yr turned in one of many extra spectacular performances in current reminiscence by a rookie pitcher.
Don’t overlook Gold Glove-winning catcher Aly Kaneshiro and her work behind the plate. The addition of Kern to the offense is a difference-maker, giving what was typically a light-hitting Cardinal batting order a power-hitting cornerstone. Kern’s addition makes the remainder of the lineup higher — she’s the identify opponents will circle, giving different hitters an opportunity to see higher pitches.
4. Florida State
Makenna Reid will enter her sophomore season because the unquestioned ace after an excellent 2023 freshman season. Coach Lonni Alameda introduced her alongside rigorously, however Reid exemplified poise in a number of outings with excellent numbers.
The lack of Josie Muffley at shortstop can be almost unimaginable to switch, however newcomer Isa Torres might finally fill that function as a former All-Central Texas Defensive Participant of the Yr as a shortstop. The Noles even have the No. 3 incoming 2024 freshmen class within the nation to bolster their roster.
5. Texas
The Longhorns have 5 seniors — invaluable names within the bunch — however pairing one other lauded freshman class with sophomores Reese Atwood, Leighann Goode, Citlaly Gutierrez, Ashton Maloney and Viviana Martinez makes this really feel like a group on the rise.
Texas ranked thirty second in group ERA a season in the past and forty seventh in weighted on-base common, trailing six of eight WCWS groups within the former and 7 of eight within the latter. With freshman Teagan Kavan becoming a member of Estelle Czech, Gutierrez, Mac Morgan and Sophia Simpson, it’s as deep as nearly any employees on the market. However to get from an excellent regional ceiling to a deep run in OKC, competitors must translate into outcomes that push the pitching effectivity into the highest 20.
6. Georgia
The Bulldogs return nearly everybody. A loaded Georgia group believes it has all the products to win the SEC and make a deep postseason run. The 2024 offense can be ran by Jayda Kearney and Sara Mosley.
Senior outfielder Jayda Kearney, Georgia softball.After Shelby Walters made a direct impression to the pitching employees final season, Georgia added one other ACC arm by the switch portal. Junior Lilli Backes was the ace of the North Carolina employees final season with a 2.79 ERA and 156 strikeouts. Backes will give the Dawgs one other beginning choice outdoors of Walters and Madison Kerpics.
Offense isn’t an issue at Georgia. The Dawgs hit 92 house runs final season, but additionally have pace within the lineup as properly. Kearney, Mosley, Sydney Chambley and Sydney Kuma are threats on the plate, and the Dawgs added ACC Freshman of the Yr Sarah Gordon from Louisville as a switch. Though balls are nonetheless anticipated to depart the yard in excessive quantity at Jack Turner Stadium, they received’t be crusing over as many timber: some have been lower down as a part of a ballpark renovation at present happening.
7. Clemson
Clemson pushed three-time defending nationwide champion Oklahoma to the restrict within the second recreation of NCAA tremendous regionals final season in Norman, earlier than falling 8-7 in a nine-inning traditional. It marked the second-straight season the Tigers reached tremendous regionals. For a program coming into simply its fourth full season of competitors, the bar has been set excessive for Clemson.
The Tigers have acquired important contributions from transfers over the previous couple of years, and they’re hoping to get the identical in 2024 with Lindsey Garcia (Auburn) and Alex Brown (North Carolina) arriving. Garcia is seeing time within the infield and outfield through the fall. The graduate senior batted .280 with 45 hits, 30 runs scored, 10 house runs and 43 RBIs at Auburn final season.
Brown is loads aware of the ACC. The junior infielder led UNC final season with a .399 batting common and 63 hits. She batted .434 in ACC play.
Valerie Cagle is the largest star on Clemson. And the Tigers return all the large items of the employees whereas including the freshman arms. Cagle has been the ace because the program’s first season of existence. The fitting-hander was 25-8 with a 1.56 ERA, 188 strikeouts and 35 walks in 193.0 innings final season. She led the nation in Wins Above Alternative at 13.6, which was a full 4.2 factors increased than No. 2. (knowledge courtesy of 643 Charts & Synergy Sports activities).
Millie Thompson has developed into an ace in her personal proper. The senior lefty completed 14-3 final season with a 1.82 ERA, 72 strikeouts and 15 walks in 92.1 IP. Junior right-hander Brooke McCubbin got here on robust on the finish of the final season, ending 5-1 with a 1.34 ERA in 73.1 IP. Senior right-hander Regan Spencer was 5-0 with a 1.73 ERA in 32.1 IP.
Offensively, veterans Cagle, McKenzie Clark and Alia Logoleo type a robust returning core on the plate for Clemson. Cagle batted.469 with 19 house runs, 15 doubles, 50 runs scored and 57 RBIs final season. She slugged .887 and had a 1.452 OPS. Clark batted .335 from the leadoff spot with a 1.069 OPS final season. The senior had 13 house runs, 11 doubles, 56 runs scored and 38 RBIs whereas additionally rating eighth within the nation in Defensive Runs Saved at 7.72.
8. Duke
Duke’s roster returns largely intact from a group that completed 48-12 and 19-5 within the ACC (second place) final season. The Blue Devils solely misplaced one participant.
The newcomer anticipated to have probably the most instant impression is right-handed pitcher Dani Drogemuller. The graduate switch from Pitt arrives with a profession ERA of three.97, 306 strikeouts and 147 walks in 310.0 innings pitched for the Panthers. Drogemuller’s finest season was in 2022, when she completed 8-13 with a 3.51 ERA in 28 appearances.
The remainder of the pitching employees returns, led by aces Cassidy Curd and Jala Wright. Curd was one of many prime freshmen within the nation final season, and got here by in important begins for the Blue Devils. The sophomore left-hander completed 18-3 with a 1.65 ERA, 159 strikeouts and 52 walks in 127.1 innings pitched. Curd had a 0.91 WHIP and her batting common towards was simply .146. She threw a no-hitter towards Clemson within the ACC championship semifinals.
Each main offensive piece outdoors of designated participant Deja Davis returns within the order. The Blue Devils have positioned extra emphasis on energy and conditioning to enhance their energy numbers. They hit 65 house runs final season with a .511 slugging share.
Speedy sophomore outfielder D’Auna Jennings batted a team-leading .462 with 80 hits, 48 runs and 21 of 24 in stolen bases. Her batting common and hits have been single-season program information and ranked sixth nationally.
Ana Gold, Gisele Tapia and Aminah Vega have been the highest run producers for Duke final season, with all driving in a minimum of 50 runs. Tapia, a graduate senior, batted .362 with 12 doubles and 50 RBIs.
9. UCLA
The Bruins noticed a swift exit within the Los Angeles Regional after shedding to Grand Canyon and Liberty regardless of being the No. 2 nationwide seed.
The largest change when taking a look at this roster is the pitching employees. There isn’t any Megan Faraimo. The previous Bruin ace left her legacy however as UCLA usually does, there’s usually the subsequent nice UCLA pitcher ready within the wings. It certain feels like Kaitlyn Terry has that potential. The freshman from Glendale, Arizona has shortly made an impression this fall. Terry is a real two-way participant.
UCLA additionally added Large West Pitcher of the Yr Jada Cecil from UC San Diego. Addison Mettler seems to be on the identical path that Megan Grant and Jordan Woolery have been final season and ranging from the start. Mettler has unbelievable energy from the left aspect and initiatives to spend so much of time at first base. She will additionally play behind the plate.
Maya Brady is the star energy within the lineup. As spectacular as her .448 common and 1.381 OPS have been, Brady’s protection at shortstop could have been probably the most spectacular a part of her 2023 marketing campaign. After shifting in from the outfield, Brady confirmed extra confidence in her skill to learn hops and present of her athletic skill, which helped the Bruins.
🌟 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐥-𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐬 🌟
Shortstop Maya Brady and utility Megan Grant have been awarded Preseason All-American standing by Softball America.@BradyMaya: First Staff@ChefMeganCookin: Second group#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/mPt6GyVCq0
— UCLA Softball (@UCLASoftball) January 30, 2024
The highest of the lineup may even embody Grant and Woolery as soon as once more. The 2 mixed for 25 house runs and 100-plus RBIs final season. Grant discovered a variety of success because the group’s leadoff batter later within the season, a spot that has been a revolving door for UCLA the previous few seasons. In the meantime, Woolery’s energy, and feels like Mettler’s as properly, will function safety for Brady. Woolery is slated to play third base extra as she did towards the tip of the season. Mettler and Grant might oscillate at first and DP function, Grant can play the outfield as properly.
Sharlize Palacios is again after a freak damage towards Arizona State ended her season late in April. She may even present energy within the coronary heart of the order.
10. Arkansas
Arkansas reloaded with extra transfers that ought to maintain the offense buzzing.
A lineup that included Hannah Gammill, Cylie Halvorson and Rylin Hedgecock has added Bri Ellis from Auburn and Nia Carter from Iowa. Carter led the Large Ten Convention in hits final season.
The “Bogle Bombers” nickname reveals no indicators of abating, although the largest query is how Arkansas will exchange Chenise Delce within the circle. The seemingly reply? By committee. Sophomore lefties Robyn Herron and Hannah Camenzind are anticipated to tackle extra innings, and the Hogs added two transfers (Reis Beuerlein and Morgan Leinstock) to spherical out the six-member employees that’s equally cut up between righties and lefties.