Jillian Wimmer: LSU’s Newest Commitment Bumps Tigers to No. 1 Class

For the first time in program history, LSU softball has landed a commitment out of Pennsylvania — and they got two. Middle infielder/outfielder Jillian Wimmer of Coatesville Area High School and Sydney Gonglik of Bentworth HS. Wimmer has announced her decision to become a Tiger, adding another major piece to LSU’s already loaded 2027 class.

Wimmer, who plays travel ball with the Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier Alford/Rocky, comes in as the No. 86 overall player in the country, the No. 25-ranked middle infielder, and a 4-star prospect with a 93 rating. On the field, her numbers speak for themselves: a staggering .484 batting average, 9 home runs, 31 RBI, 22 walks, a .621 OBP, 1.000 slugging percentage, and a 1.621 OPS. Defensively, she’s equally reliable, boasting a strong .945 fielding percentage.

“I Want to Be a Tiger”

For Wimmer, the moment came quickly and decisively. When the recruiting contact window opened on September 1, she didn’t waste much time.

“I was so excited when I got a call from the LSU coaches on Sept. 1, and I went on my official visit four days later,” Wimmer recalled. “The visit was great – I understood not only what support was around me for softball, but also the support provided to make me succeed academically. When I was on the visit, I got a chance to sit down with Coach Beth, Coach Bryce, and my family, and at the end of the conversation, I said, ‘I know what I want – I want to be a Tiger!’ The coaches were so excited – I don’t think they expected me to commit at that moment!”

That instant connection wasn’t a surprise. LSU had been on Wimmer’s radar for years. She first attended camp in Baton Rouge as an eighth grader and kept coming back — three more times during her high school career. “It feels surreal to finally say I am committed to LSU,” she said. “It feels like a dream that’s been years in the making.”

A Perfect Fit in Baton Rouge

What stood out most wasn’t just the softball. “Everything! The culture of the softball team and overall atmosphere at LSU really resonated with me,” she said. “The support for student-athletes at LSU is everything I was looking for in a school… and more! I just really felt like LSU was a place I could call home, and it was an easy decision for me to commit week one.”

Even with months of preparation leading into September 1, the flood of attention that first day was overwhelming. “As much as I prepared for Sept. 1, having my questions ready for coaches, I was still a little nervous! My phone started ringing right at midnight, followed by texts and emails. I really appreciated all the coaches who reached out to me and the kind words they had to say.”

A 5-Tool Grit Player

Wimmer describes herself as a gritty, versatile competitor — the type of player who thrives in any situation. “I would say I am a 5-tool player who is gritty and versatile,” she said. “I will do whatever is needed to help my team win. This is a perfect fit with the team culture at LSU which is built on trust, integrity, grit and selflessness.” That mentality is what LSU has been prioritizing in its recent recruiting classes, and it’s what makes Wimmer such a seamless addition to the program.

Looking Ahead

While the commitment is a major milestone, Wimmer is clear that the work doesn’t stop here. “The grind doesn’t stop just because I committed, it is just the beginning. I hope to make the state playoffs with my high school team this spring and bring home the PGF National Championship in the summer with my travel team.”

She also looks forward to teaming up with fellow Pennsylvania star and LSU commit Sydney Gonglik, giving the Tigers the top two players in the state for the first time ever. “I think it is amazing! Having the two top players from the state of PA to then play together in college at a great school like LSU is truly something special… I can’t wait to share the field with Syd!”

Her official visit sealed it all. Wimmer and her family not only got a sense of LSU’s commitment to academics and athletics but also soaked in the gameday atmosphere. “My highlight of the visit was getting to go on the field before the football game – Callin’ Baton Rouge blasting, lights flashing, players running out, fans cheering… I got goosebumps! I’m so excited to now call LSU my home!”

What It Means for LSU

With Jillian Wimmer on board, LSU adds another nationally-ranked prospect to its 2027 class, which is now rated No. 1 in the country by Softball America.

The 2027 class continues to shape up as one of the most balanced and talented in the country, filled with versatile players who bring both offensive firepower and defensive reliability. For LSU, Wimmer’s grit, leadership, and 5-tool versatility add yet another cornerstone piece to what is quickly becoming a championship-caliber group.