Kentucky Softball Adds Six Players in Fall Signing Window
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky softball program and head coach Rachel Lawson announced it has signed six players to an signing in the fall window. All six players will join Kentucky Softball in the fall of 2025 with their first competitive competition taking place in the spring of 2026.
“This class will add to Kentucky’s championship pedigree as we have selected outstanding athletes from elite travelball organizations around the country,” UK head coach Rachel Lawson said. “This class has a love for Kentucky and is enthusiastic to be joining the Big Blue Nation.”
Maddy Anson
Commerce Township, Michigan
Outfield
Bats: Right / Throws: Right
Maddy Anson joins Kentucky out of Commerce Township, Michigan where she will add to the Wildcats outfield depth. Anson is a three-time All-Region honoree in addition to winning her district championship in Michigan. In her last completed season, her junior year, Anson crushed 24 homers, just five off of the Michigan state record and drove in 62 runs with 53 runs scored herself. The outfielder has been terrific in the classroom, earning Magna Cum Laude honors three-straight years.
“I chose Kentucky because it feels like home. The entire coaching staff and all the players were so welcoming. Being in an environment where they not only push you to be a better softball player, but also a better person is the type of environment I have always wanted to be in. Leaving campus after my visit, I had never been so sure of something in my entire life. I am honored to be a part of Big Blue Nation!” – Maddy Anson
Abby Hammond
Lexington, Kentucky
Pitcher
Bats: Right / Throws: Right
Abby Hammond, one of the most decorated high school players in the state of Kentucky, joins the Wildcats with prowess both in the circle and at the dish. Hammond, a two-time Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year in softball (2022, 24) comes to Kentucky with 1,132 career strikeouts as a pitcher and brings an impressive .571 batting average at the plate with her. Hammond is also slugging over 1.300 in her high school career with 40 RBI and 13 homers. She is a four-time 2A State Player of the Year, 4x First Team All-State member and 2x Kentucky 2A State Tournament MVP.
“Kentucky is home. I’ve been attending UK sporting events since I was a little girl and I’ve always wanted to wear the Blue and White. The school, coaching staff, facilities and fans make Kentucky the best place to spend the next four years. I am so excited to represent the Big Blue Nation. Go Cats!” – Abby Hammond
Katie Hirschy
New Palestine, Indiana
Infield/Outfield
Bats: Right / Throws: Right
Katie Hirschy adds to Kentucky’s championship pedigree, as she enters Lexington as a two-time conference champion with New Palestine High School outside of Indianapolis. Hirschy was part of a team that was 2024 Indiana HS runners-up, as she had an impressive season at the plate with a .364 average, 26 runs batted in and 7 longballs. She is a part of the Indiana Magic Gold organization and in the summer of 2023, she was a part of the Laser Nation championship-winning team.
“I chose Kentucky because I love the coaching staff, the distance from home and the University. As soon as I was on campus for the first time, I knew where I wanted to go and to be a Wildcat!” – Katie Hirschy
Gabbie Hensley
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Catcher / Infield
Bats: Right / Throws: Right
Gabbie Hensley joins Kentucky out of Chattanooga, Tennessee, where UK has had great success of pulling elite players in the past. Hensley will add to Kentucky’s championship DNA, as a winner of the 2023 and 2024 Tennessee state championship with the Silverdale Baptist Academy. Hensley hit for a .390 average last year and had a .939 OPS number setting the school record for most pickoffs, runners caught stealing, highest fielding percentage and most innings caught behind the plate. Adding to Kentucky’s history of championship-caliber catchers, Hensley is part of the Fury Platinum X-Higdon travelball organization and has already accumulated four letters of varsity softball experience.
“I chose Kentucky because when I stepped on campus it immediately felt like home. I got to see what the atmosphere was like on the team, and everyone seemed so loving and willing to push me to be better. All of the coaches made me feel cared for and they wanted the best for me. I can’t wait for the next four years at Kentucky.” – Gabbie Hensley
Hailey Nutter
Clear Lake, Texas
Pitcher
Bats: Right / Throws: Right
Hailey Nutter joins Kentucky Softball as a three-time district champion with Barber Hills High School in Texas where she has over 70 career wins in the circle as a pitcher. She was part of a national champion winning team, as her Alliance 18U team won the national title with her leading the way. In her junior year of high school, Nutter threw 144 innings, sporting a 24-4 record with 267 strikeouts and a BAA of just .109. At the plate, Nutter hit .393 with two homers and a grand slam in her junior year of high school.
“I chose the University of Kentucky because it felt like homes as soon as I stepped onto the campus. They genuinely showed they cared about me. Since it’s far from home, feeling safe was a top priority for me.” – Hailey Nutter
Alexa Riddel
St. Louis, Missouri
Infield/Outfield
Bats: Right / Throws: Right
Alexa Riddel joins the Kentucky Softball team as a powerful offensive threat as she hit over .375 in her last completed season with six homers and was voted first team all-conference, and all-district while additionally being named second team all-region. Riddel is a district champion with Parkway West HS and a three-time academic All-State member for the state of Missouri. She led her team to a final four finish at the state championships a year ago and is a part of the Unity 18U-Slezak travelball team.
“I chose Kentucky because of the atmosphere and people in Lexington. I love the Kentucky Softball coaching staff and how long they’ve been together and the legacy they’ve built. The team is so welcoming and fun to be around. They made Lexington feel like home as soon as I got to campus on my official visit.” – Alexa Riddel
The Kentucky Softball Designated Players Club
The Designated Players is the Official Booster Program of Kentucky Softball. Financial contributions and community support through The Designated Players program, Kentucky Softball will be able to continue to develop our student-athletes on and off the field. To join The Designated Players, you can join online or click here to download the membership form and mail to the address listed. For more information, email Kristine Himes at kentuckysoftball@uky.edu or Larry Cash at Larry.Cash@uky.edu.
