I mentioned a few Freshman and others followed with several comments. I like the old finance thing of 'past performance does not guarantee future returns'.
Same can be said of transfers. Great example: Brooke was good enough to be signed by OU but did not do too well in college, at three different schools with three different coaching staffs. Some great innings but inconsistent. But then you have players like Jaz. A transfer that worked out really, really well.
Great high school players can be great college players. Or they can be average college players. Or they can be less than average. Lots of variables.
Coach Ford has brought in a huge Freshman class. Part of building her team, bringing in players to play her style of ball. Usually ten is far too many in one year but it is only her second class and she wants plenty to pick from. I think Coach likes to 'season' her new recruits. Playing on her 'special teams' for a year at least. Has to be a really special player to start as a Freshman. But she is not shy about trying them out early and is willing to give them a shot - Maya is a good example.
And several transfers. Half the team new this past year and next year. All part of the process of building her team. That team in Norman is well known for their development program (and buying really, really good players!) and I think Coach has a pretty good chance of doing something similar in Aggieland. We'll see next year but a great tell will be in a few years once she has had a chance to bring in a couple more recruiting classes, of players she wants. But getting them to buy in to her system and program is the key - want to try to limit good players from leaving after a year or two to get more playing time. I like to look back at Baylee Klingler. Daughter of famous Houston QB. One year in College Station then went on to become a huge star at Washington and currently on the National Team. What a loss.
Leaders - Lefty is the obvious 'boss' of the team. Koko is Koko. Amari is quiet but a great player and person. She is one of my favorite players. Not loud, not flashy but just gets the job down. All three have been there their whole careers. A huge plus. But Jaz was a transfer and there for only one year but she was an outspoken leader so others can obviously come forward.
We lost about 75% of our hits, runs, RBI's and HR's from graduating starters.
I think Amari has a very good chance at the 2B position. A proven player. There are several infielders who are all gunning for that position. In my earlier post on this I mentioned the Sophomore and Freshmen - I was not discounting Amari. I am sure it will be a very spirited competition - and competition makes everyone better.
Gracyn did not get a lot of playing time and had few hits when she did. But good defensive catcher. I do not know DeeDee but if she plays anywhere like high school she might slot in behind the plate. Recall, though, the second sentence of this post about past performance not guaranteeing future returns! Another spirited competition. And I agree with another person on another catcher - I think Coach will probably draft one the end of this year for the 2026 season OR might even grab one in the Fall from the transfer portal. Depends on how Fall practice goes. But I think DeeDee will make the cut. Going out on a limb ... but that's the way I ride!
Hard to replace Jaz. What an arm! And she had only one error all year. Yes, Keely is in the running. Five trying for the slot. Obiously, whoever has the best defense/offense combination will get the nod. Keely's season BA was pretty low so a player with a really good bat and similar arm and glove will slot in. Might be a freshman. Might be Golden or Scout. If a Freshman, the numbers point toward Kelsey. Gosh, there I go again ... out on a limb!
As mentioned previously, Barbara was signed to replace Trinity.
Maya had a lot of looks last year, with 11 starts and 42 AB's. Coaching staff is really high on her, publicly stating that she has been successful at all levels of her career. But only 9 hits. I sure do hope the awesome HR in Austin gives her a ton of confidence and it carries over to next season. We'll see!
Seven pitchers to go with Lefty (barring any transfers or redshirts, of course). If only one of them is as good or better than Lefty we will be a lot better off next year on the mound. If two of them are as good or better we will be in great shape on the mound. And still have several left over. Pretty darn good odds! We will find out early next season when we play in the usual tournaments with five games each long weekend! I still think two Freshman pitchers might be redshirted. If so, I hope they knew that before they signed. But I think it would be best long term if two do.
I think there will be one or two Freshmen starting next year. Wrong or right, we have a lot of talent. Great coaching and support staff. The 12th Man. I see great things in the future!