News Summary
Kentucky Softball has signed McKenzie Oslanzi, the 2025 Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year, along with six new recruits for the 2025 season. Oslanzi, a transfer from Eastern Illinois University, brings impressive stats with a career ERA of 2.24 and significant strikeout numbers. The new recruits, featuring talented players from various states, are expected to enhance the team’s performance and uphold Kentucky’s tradition of success in NCAA softball.
Lexington, Kentucky – Kentucky Softball Embarks on 2025 Season with Key Signings
Kentucky Softball has officially welcomed McKenzie Oslanzi, the 2025 Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year and 2024 OVC Player of the Year, as a transfer from Eastern Illinois University. Oslanzi, who has two years of eligibility remaining, is expected to make a significant impact on the program starting in the 2025 season.
Oslanzi boasts an impressive career earned-run average (ERA) of 2.24, with 41 wins and over 280 strikeouts throughout her collegiate career, accumulating 377 innings pitched. In the 2023 season with Eastern Illinois, she dominated the pitcher’s mound, recording a 2.70 ERA, 20 wins, 11 complete games, and three shutouts, along with 132 strikeouts. Her exceptional performance contributed to Eastern Illinois making it to the NCAA Tournament’s Austin Regional.
In addition to her on-field accomplishments, Oslanzi garnered multiple accolades in her freshman season, including OVC Freshman of the Year and First Team All-OVC honors, alongside recognition as Second Team NFCA All-Region and a position on the OVC All-Newcomer team.
Alongside Oslanzi, Kentucky Softball has announced the signing of six new recruits who will join the program for the fall of 2025. These recruits are poised to enhance the team’s capabilities and carry on Kentucky’s tradition of excellence.
New Recruits for 2025 Season
- Maddy Anson, from Commerce Township, Michigan, is an outfielder who has been a three-time All-Region honoree, with an impressive record of 24 home runs and 62 RBIs during her junior year.
- Abby Hammond, a pitcher from Lexington, Kentucky, has earned the accolade of Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year twice. Hammond has an impressive career total of 1,132 strikeouts and maintains a .571 batting average.
- Katie Hirschy hails from New Palestine, Indiana, and is an infielder/outfielder who has contributed to her team as a two-time conference champion, accumulating a .364 batting average and 26 RBIs.
- Gabbie Hensley, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a catcher/infield player who has claimed the Tennessee state championship in both 2023 and 2024, showcasing a .390 batting average along with impressive defensive statistics.
- Hailey Nutter, a pitcher from Clear Lake, Texas, has been part of a three-time district champion team. In her junior year, Nutter achieved a record of 24 wins to 4 losses, amassing 267 strikeouts.
- Alexa Riddel, from St. Louis, Missouri, is an infielder/outfielder who excelled with over a .375 batting average in her last season and received honors as a first-team all-conference and all-district player.
According to Kentucky’s head coach Rachel Lawson, these talented players not only possess excellent skill sets but also demonstrate strong character, which will contribute significantly to the team’s championship aspirations. The newly signed recruits will begin competing in the spring of 2026, joining Oslanzi as she embarks on her first season at Kentucky.
The addition of McKenzie Oslanzi and the new recruits for the 2025 season reflect Kentucky Softball’s commitment to fostering a competitive team environment that emphasizes both athleticism and teamwork. As the program prepares for the upcoming seasons, it is laying the groundwork for continued success in NCAA softball.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Athletics: McKenzie Oslanzi Signs
- Wikipedia: Softball
- Kentucky Athletics: Kentucky Softball Adds Six Players
- Google Search: Kentucky Softball
- Kentucky Athletics: Kentucky Softball Signs Six Players
- Google Scholar: Softball Recruiting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball
- Google News: Kentucky Softball 2025
