LSU DAILY NEWS

Her biggest highlight came on the state’s biggest stage. In the state semifinals against Notre Dame, Bennett’s presence in the lineup was so respected that she was intentionally walked four times across the semifinal and championship games. Even without pitches to hit, she found ways to impact the game and energize her team. “That semifinal win was unforgettable,” Bennett said. “The energy from both teams was electric, and the environment in Sulphur is unmatched.”

The September 1st contact window is getting closer and closer, and LSU Softball’s pursuit of top-tier talent is charging full steam ahead. In this installment, we spotlight another wave of high-impact athletes—players who are turning heads with their stat lines, versatility, and championship pedigree. These aren’t just numbers—you’re reading about proven difference-makers who can reshape a lineup or anchor a pitching staff.

With the evolution of the transfer portal and the impact of NIL on college sports, I decided to explore the Top 3 LSU Softball transfers of all time. It's important to remember that the transfer market was quite different in the past. Nevertheless, Beth Torina and Yvette Girouard managed to recruit some true game-changers.

“Another goal is to just be the workhorse I always have been and make the adjustments that I’ll need along the way.” Off the field, she’s just as disciplined: academic excellence is nonnegotiable. “I’ve never been one that’s just ok with getting by. I want to be at the top and give my full best.”

In the world of softball there is no bigger day to a high school junior softball player than September 1st. That is the day college coaches can start recruiting them officially. Last year for the LSU softball program it was the beginning of a recruiting rampage that led to Beth Torina and staff adding 5 of the nation's top 11 ranked players per Softball Americas rankings in route to the top ranked class.

In a recent Q&A, Lorenz opened up about her journey, her relationships with coaches and teammates, and her ambitions for LSU’s future.

With a resume brimming with accolades and stats that defy her age, she’s not just a local star—she’s a national phenomenon. Considering the power she has as a high school freshman, her exit velocity is 82 mph, while top college hitters achieve mid-80s, with the occasional 90s.

This transfer featuring Char Lorenz, Ally Hutchins, Kylee Edwards, and CeCe Cellura, LSU is poised to elevate its game further. This article delves into the growth under Assistant Coach Bryce Neal, highlights the profiles of these impactful transfers, and explores how they’ll integrate with core players Tori Edwards, Maci Bergeron, and Jayden Heavener to chase postseason glory.

Haleigh Jacobs is a 2028 Outfielder who has redefined what it means to be a high school freshman. At VR Eaton High School, she dominates...

Prince’s 2025 season was a masterclass in offensive dominance. She posted a .387 batting average, 13 home runs (11th in LSUE single-season history), 44 RBIs, 52 runs scored, and 49 stolen bases (2nd in program history, 10th nationally).

Under the mentorship of head coach Beth Torina, the LSU Tigers have become a powerhouse for new talent, further demonstrated by last year's Freshman All-Americans, Jayden Heavener and Tori Edwards. With Char Lorenz joining the ranks, the Tigers are set for an even brighter future.

In Houma, Louisiana, Kallie Waalk, a rising sophomore, is setting new standards of excellence at Vandebilt Catholic High School. With consecutive LHSAA Division II Select State Championships, All-State recognition, and a 2023 USA Softball All-American accolade, Waalk's journey is characterized by remarkable statistical growth—and her coach's praise highlights her potential.

I felt like I needed a change more than anything,” she explained. After taking one visit prior to LSU and having another lined up, it was her experience in Baton Rouge that sealed the deal. “The coaches, we were fortunate enough to be able to go to a super-regional game at baseball and just seeing the fan base." Alex Box wins again. "Just the school in general, everything, every resource that they have is just amazing,” she said.

Ci’Ella Pickett, a standout infielder from Mentone, California, is poised to electrify Tiger Park as part of LSU softball’s 2026 roster, announced by head coach Beth Torina on 2024 Signing Day. At Cajon High School, Pickett earned Athlete of the Year, Citrus Belt League (CBL) MVP, and First Team CBL honors as a senior, alongside three-time CBL First Team selections over her career.

Notably, her .451 on-base percentage (OBP) stands out, thanks to an impressive 46 walks.

Entering her first official season as a player was a massive leap for Tori. The results were impressive: she tied LSU's home run record with 18 home runs and broke multiple freshman records at LSU, finishing third on the all-time single-season list for RBIs with 73 with an .802 Slugging another program record, and .495 OBP which is 9th in program history. What was the key to such phenomenal success?

This season, the spotlight shone brightly on four remarkable Tigers honored with 2025 All-SEC selections. Among them, infielder Tori Edwards stood out as the SEC Freshman of the Year and earned a First Team All-SEC selection. This recognition showcases Edwards' tremendous potential as a newcomer in the league, solidifying her impact from day one.

“After just hearing Coach Beth talk about how she wanted to develop me and my craft, I knew that this was the place I would get developed the most.”

In the world of college softball, the choice to transfer can send ripples through the sports community. Many athletes might hesitate to...

The LSU softball program, head coach Beth Torina and assistant coach Bryce Neal have welcomed a significant player to their roster: Kylee...