Players to Watch in College Softball This Season
Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady heads the list of collegiate softball talents to keep an eye on this season. After being named the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year last year, Canady made waves in the sport by transferring from Stanford to Texas Tech, reportedly securing an NIL deal valued at over $1 million. During her previous season, she dominated the field with 337 strikeouts and a stellar 0.73 ERA, guiding the Cardinal to the Women’s College World Series semifinals. Coaches within the Big 12 have predicted Texas Tech will secure the second position in the conference, just behind Oklahoma State.
Several other standout players are also worth noting this season, listed in alphabetical order:
**Reese Atwood, Texas**
Atwood emerged as a Top 3 finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year last season. As a junior catcher, she shattered school records with 23 home runs, 90 RBIs, 163 total bases, and an impressive slugging percentage of .862. Leading her team with a .423 batting average, she played an integral role in helping the Longhorns achieve the No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, ultimately finishing as runners-up.
**Jordyn Bahl, Nebraska**
Bahl made the transition from Oklahoma to Nebraska before last season, but her journey was interrupted by a season-ending ACL injury during her debut game. Previously known for winning two national titles at Oklahoma, she tallied a remarkable 22-1 record with an 0.90 ERA as a sophomore. Notably, she delivered 24 2/3 scoreless innings at the 2023 Women’s College World Series and was honored with the title of Most Outstanding Player. This season, she may take on hitting duties and possibly play first base after primarily serving as a pitcher in Oklahoma.
**Jaysoni Beachum, Florida State**
Beachum was recognized as the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Freshman of the Year and finished in the top 10 for the USA Softball National Player of the Year award. Additionally, she was named an NFCA second-team All-American at third base. With a .417 batting average, the third-best in school history, she set a freshman record for Florida State with 66 RBIs and led the team in hits (78), home runs (16), and on-base percentage (.509).
**Jocelyn Erickson, Florida**
Erickson earned the title of NFCA National Player of the Year last season, contributing immensely to Florida’s journey to the World Series semifinals. She ranked second nationally with a record-breaking 86 RBIs while posting a batting average of .382 with a .994 fielding percentage. In her first year with the Gators after transferring from Oklahoma, she ranked within the top ten in 15 Southeastern Conference categories.
**Jenna Golembiewski, Miami (Ohio)**
Last season, Golembiewski was named the Mid-American Conference Player of the Year and continued her success in the subsequent season. With 28 home runs, she finished second in the nation and garnered third-team NFCA All-American honors, showcasing her impressive skills with a .394 batting average and 78 RBIs over 57 games. Her impressive performance also included a .474 on-base percentage and a .944 slugging percentage.
**Ella Parker, Oklahoma**
Parker remains a key player from last year’s championship-winning team. As a utility player, she was a third-team NFCA All-American and a top-three finalist for NFCA Freshman of the Year. In addition to hitting .415, she recorded 13 home runs, 15 doubles, and 17 stolen bases. She was named the Most Outstanding Player at the Big 12 Tournament and selected for the World Series all-tournament team.
**Karlyn Pickens, Tennessee**
A top 10 finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year last season, Pickens compiled a solid record of 22-7 and a 1.12 ERA. The 2024 SEC Pitcher of the Year, she amassed 225 strikeouts within 188 1/3 innings, boasting 12 shutouts and 15 complete games while holding opponents to a measly .156 batting average.
**Keagan Rothrock, Florida**
Rothrock had a phenomenal freshman year, leading the nation with 33 wins, 262 innings pitched, and 28 complete games. She secured a victory against Oklahoma in the World Series semifinals, although her team faced defeat from Oklahoma in the double-elimination tournament. Nevertheless, Rothrock earned a spot on the all-tournament team for her exceptional performance.
**Aminah Vega, Duke**
Vega was recognized as a first-team NFCA All-American while playing second base and significantly contributed to Duke’s first-ever World Series appearance. As a sophomore, she achieved a .369 batting average, hitting 12 home runs and accumulating 52 RBIs. With a .433 on-base percentage and a .668 slugging percentage, she has been a driving force for a program that began playing softball in 2018, marking its highest achievements yet. In 2023, she established the school’s freshman record with 12 home runs.
