News Summary
The University of Kentucky softball program has signed six talented recruits to join the team, enhancing their tradition of excellence in collegiate athletics. Head coach Rachel Lawson expressed enthusiasm about this new class, which includes athletes recognized for their outstanding achievements in elite travel ball teams. Each recruit showcases significant potential to contribute to the program’s success as they prepare to kick off their competitive season in the spring. With strong support from the community, Kentucky aims to continue its legacy in collegiate softball.
Lexington, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky softball program has announced the signing of six talented players who will join the team in the fall of 2025. Head coach Rachel Lawson expressed excitement about this new recruiting class, which is expected to enhance Kentucky’s championship tradition and success. These recruits will kick off their competitive season in spring 2026.
All six signees represent a group of outstanding athletes who have demonstrated their skills on elite travel ball teams across the country, showcasing their potential to contribute to the University of Kentucky’s longstanding athletic achievements. Lawson highlighted that the program’s commitment to excellence is further bolstered by the addition of these highly regarded players, and the recruits have already expressed their enthusiasm to be a part of Kentucky’s rich sports culture, known as the Big Blue Nation.
Meet the Recruits
The following players are set to join the Kentucky softball team:
Maddy Anson
From Commerce Township, Michigan, Maddy Anson is an outfielder who bats and throws right. Anson has an impressive track record, including three All-Region honors and a district championship. In her junior year, she achieved 24 home runs—just five shy of the Michigan state record—and 62 RBIs. Academically, she has excelled as a Magna Cum Laude student for three consecutive years.
Abby Hammond
Abby Hammond, a pitcher hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, has already established herself as a formidable presence on the field. She has received the Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year award twice and boasts a remarkable career with over 1,132 strikeouts and a .571 batting average. Additionally, she has been recognized as the 2A State Player of the Year four times.
Katie Hirschy
Katie Hirschy, who plays both infield and outfield, is from New Palestine, Indiana. She has been part of two conference champion teams and played a significant role in her team reaching the Indiana high school runner-up in 2024. Her impressive performance includes a .364 batting average, 26 RBIs, and seven home runs during her junior campaign.
Gabbie Hensley
Gabbie Hensley, a catcher and infielder from Chattanooga, Tennessee, has contributed to her team’s success by winning back-to-back Tennessee state championships in 2023 and 2024. Hensley’s batting average is .390, complemented by a .939 OPS, and she has set multiple school records in her catching role.
Hailey Nutter
Hailey Nutter, another skilled pitcher from Clear Lake, Texas, has led her team to three district championships and recorded over 70 wins during her career. In her junior year, she achieved a remarkable 24-4 record, with 267 strikeouts and a .393 batting average that included two home runs.
Alexa Riddel
From St. Louis, Missouri, Alexa Riddel plays both infield and outfield positions. She has been recognized as a first-team all-conference player after hitting over .375 and contributing significantly to her team’s run to the final four in the state championships.
Support for the Program
The Kentucky Softball Designated Players Club operates as the official booster program, aimed at securing crucial financial contributions and community support for the development of the program. Through these efforts, Kentucky aims to continue building its reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate softball.
As the Kentucky softball program prepares for the arrival of these recruits, the hopes are high that they will bring their skills and dedication to the team, contributing to a successful future in the competitive landscape of collegiate athletics.
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Additional Resources
- University of Kentucky Athletics
- Google Search: Kentucky Softball
- WKU Sports
- Wikipedia: Softball
- On3 Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball
- EKU Sports
- Google News: Kentucky Softball 2025 recruits
