Becca Owens, the head coach of the softball program, recently announced the signing of seven athletes to the team for the 2026-27 season. The recruits represent a robust array of talent and skills that promise to enhance the program’s competitiveness in the Sun Belt Conference.
Overview of the 2026-27 Recruiting Class
Coach Owens expressed enthusiasm about the new recruits, stating that each player possesses unique attributes that can lead to immediate contributions. Below is a breakdown of the signees.
New Signees
- Ava Voris – Pitcher from Mobile, Alabama (St. Paul’s Episcopal School)
- Ranked No. 30 nationally for the Class of 2026.
- Competed for the National Team and SoCal Athletics for three years.
- Notable statistics include a .534 batting average and 337 career strikeouts.
- Kaydee Brown – Pitcher from Dekalb, Texas (Dekalb ISD)
- Accomplished junior season with 280 strikeouts and a 1.3 ERA over 157 innings.
- Earned District MVP honors while maintaining a .475 batting average.
- Addy Ballard – Catcher/Utility from West Des Moines, Iowa (Valley HS)
- Hit .481 with 14 RBIs during the fall season.
- Recognized as a 2025 State Qualifier and Second Team All-State selection.
- Lauren Kyranakis – INF/Utility from Hoschton, Georgia (Hebron Christian Academy)
- Contributed to her team’s state runner-up finishes and region championships.
- Posted a .427 batting average and earned multiple All-Region distinctions.
- Madelyn Madden – Outfielder from Acworth, Georgia (North Paulding HS)
- Led her team to three Elite Eight appearances with All-State honors in 2025.
- Recorded a .407 batting average and 19 RBIs this season.
- Skylar Starks – Outfielder from Kennesaw, Georgia (North Cobb HS)
- Four-year varsity starter with significant contributions to her team’s regional titles.
- Maintained a .350 batting average and stole 30 bases in 2025.
- Jadyn Johnson – Pitcher/Infielder from Englewood, Ohio (Northmont HS)
- Two-sport standout with over 60 career home runs and a .400 batting average.
- Awarded multiple All-Conference honors and named Co-Conference Player of the Year.
Future Prospects
Coach Owens commended her staff for their efforts in assembling such a talented class, highlighting their commitment to recruiting outside the state. The diverse skill sets and achievements of these athletes are expected to enhance the team’s performance significantly.
The coaching staff eagerly anticipates welcoming the new recruits to the Panther family, looking forward to their contributions to the softball program in the upcoming season.
