Softball Signees

Softball

8 All Staters headline Lady Aggie signing class

By Kevin Farr
Murray State Sports Information
Fresh off a third record-breaking season in a row, Murray State softball coach Aaron Mullens is very excited about his latest class of signees, including eight All Staters in the 17 newcomers.

The Lady Aggies shattered plenty of records in 2024, including setting a new school record with 60 victories on the way to a third-place finish in the NJCAA Division II World Series. They shattered a host of offensive records while finishing tops in the country in Division II in runs scored (704), hits (741), triples (35), runs batted in (652), extra base hits (311), total bases (1337), on base percentage (.501) and slugging percentage (.739). The Lady Aggies were also third in doubles (151), second in home runs (125) and second in walks (313).

Sophomore Shaylin Midgley led the nation in runs batted in with 108 and was second in home runs with 28. Freshman Bradi Harman led the nation in runs scored (95), hits (104) and total bases (200) while finishing second in doubles (32) and runs batted in (97), ending only behind Midgley.

With Harman, fellow All-American Haili Igou (who was Top 10 in the nation in several offensive categories) and a host of other contributors returning, most would think the Lady Aggies would be set for another strong run in 2025. Mullens however is looking at even bigger heights with a star-studded signing group after ending second and third in the country in two of the past three years while setting the Division II national winning streak in the other.

"We are extremely excited about our incoming class," Mullens commented. "We know we have strong nucleus returning from a record-breaking season but know there are no guarantees in a new year. We have filled some key holes with talented prospects we have coming in and looking forward to seeing how they improve and fit into our lineup throughout the fall."

The list of newcomers includes seven pitchers that include Ripley All-Stater Carolyn Overton. They have also added Oklahomans DrewAnn White from Edmond Santa Fe, Jazmine Cookson out of Claremore, Bella Hardeman from Oklahoma City Classen, Empire's Ava Boozer and Tallie Mae Smith out of Wapanucka. The one Texans in that group is Alanna Route from Richmond.

Several of those are expected to step in fill key slots in the pitching rotation.

Seven All Staters will add to what should be an already impressive offense that eclipsed nearly every school record during the 2024 campaign. That list has infielders Kendyl Overton of Ripley, Howe's Karsyn Nye, Adison "Bubba" Lee from Turner and the Southmoore duo of Kaylee Carter and Brylee Fanning. There's also outfielder Cady Ammons from Red Oak along with versatile utility player Avery Beauchamp of Silo.

Mullens also picked up Wylie, Texas catcher Rylee Severson along with Moore outfielder Ryann Phillips and Cadence Chambliss, a utility player from Godley, Texas.

"Our depth in the pitching staff should be outstanding with several high-powered arms coming in," Mullens said. "Several of our new position players will make an impact for us as well. We believe with this incoming class we will have the opportunity to take the next step in our quest for a national championship."

The Lady Aggies are expected to play a rugged fall schedule that includes multiple NCAA Division I opponents that should provide a terrific test of their mettle before embarking on the spring slate with high expectations.


 
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Players Mentioned

Shaylin Midgley

#5 Shaylin Midgley

Utility
Sophomore
Haili Igou

#10 Haili Igou

INF
Freshman
Bradi Harman

#4 Bradi Harman

Utility
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Shaylin Midgley

#5 Shaylin Midgley

Sophomore
Utility
Haili Igou

#10 Haili Igou

Freshman
INF
Bradi Harman

#4 Bradi Harman

Freshman
Utility