Kentucky softball coach Rachel Lawson says her latest recruiting class is the most versatile group she's ever signed at UK. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Rachel Lawson has made Kentucky a consistent winner in Southeastern Conference play and an annual participant in the NCAA Tournament. Her team opens the season Friday at the NFCA Lead-Off Classic in Clearwater, Fla.
Lawson believes she has a talented team again this season but there is still plenty of help on the way for future seasons, too.
Lawson signed five in-state players in November — first baseman/outfielder Peyton Plotts of Tates Creek, infielder/outfielder Camryn Lookadoo of Great Crossing, outfielder Delani Sullivan of Great Crossing, and utility players Emory Donaldson of Ballard and Ally Hutchins of McCracken County. Kentucky also signed pitcher Sydney Langdon of Georgia and infielder Cassie Raesner of Alabama.
She believes it is her most versatile signing class ever at Kentucky.
“They are that good,” the UK coach said. “They still have to get better and prove it but the baseline they are coming in with is that they are the biggest, fastest, strongest group we have ever brought in.
“We have pitchers throwing 68 (miles per hour). Hitters are strong, fast and can play any position. Five of the seven we signed are from Kentucky, so I really like that. It’s the first time in years I have been able to find that many players from in the state.”
Lawson says the Kentucky high school coaching has “exploded” and the talent level is climbing across the state.
“A lot more kids in Kentucky are now playing travel ball and going to great schools. Kentucky high school has really stepped it up in softball and that’s really good for us,” Lawson said.
