Kansas Softball Welcomes Six New Recruits for the 2026 Season

Lawrence, Kan. - Kansas softball head coach Jennifer McFalls announced the addition of six student-athletes to the program today. Sam Claire, Ella Boyer, Audri Youngblood, Lila Mae Patridge, Blakely Barber and Brinley Ramirez will join the Jayhawks for the 2026 season.

"We are really excited about this 2025 class," said Head Coach Jennifer McFalls. "We have three pitchers coming in who will add solid depth to our squad, a strong catcher with power to enhance our offensive lineup, and two great athletes with speed to strengthen our outfield. Our 2025 class will continue to impact our program and make everyone around them even better.

The group includes three position players and three pitchers, while four different states are represented.

Samantha Claire

Right-Handed Pitcher| Olathe, Kan. | Eudora High School | Top Gun 18u National

Claire, a 5'10" right-handed pitcher from Olathe, Kansas, is an incoming freshman with a stellar high school career at Eudora High School, where she played for the Cardinals. Known for her competitive edge and exceptional skill on the mound, Claire has earned numerous accolades, including being named 1st Team All-State Pitcher by both the Kansas Softball Coaches Association (KSCA) and Sports in Kansas (SIK) in 2024. She also received recognition as the Lawrence Journal-World All-Area Co-Player of the Year. With her standout performances, Claire helped lead her team to a 4A State Championship in 2022, and she was ranked among the Top 50 players in the Class of 2025 by Extra Inning Softball and the Top 20 in the LineDrive Hot 100. As she transitions to college, Sam aims to major in Exercise Science while continuing her athletic pursuits with the Jayhawks.

Ella Boyer

Infielder | The Woodlands, Texas | Oak Ridge High School | Texas Blaze United 18u

Boyer is a dynamic catcher and third baseman from The Woodlands, Texas, who is set to join the collegiate softball ranks. Standing at 5'6" and known for her power at the plate, Boyer has already made her mark at Oak Ridge High School, where she holds records for RBIs (66), hits (57), and home runs (20). In addition to her athletic accomplishments, she has excelled academically, making the All-Academic Team three consecutive years and earning the title of District MVP in 2024. Boyer also competes with Texas Blaze United 18U and plans to major in Sports Medicine with aspirations of becoming a sports physician. With a background steeped in both athletic and academic excellence, she brings a competitive spirit and high ambitions to the next level.

Audri Youngblood

Outfielder | Monroe City, Mo. | Monroe City, R1 High School| Select Fastpitch-Jones

Youngblood, an outfielder from Monroe City, Missouri, brings an impressive blend of athletic and academic achievements to her collegiate career. The 5'9" outfielder holds school records in single-season doubles, RBIs, and runs, along with career records in hits, doubles, triples, and runs for the Monroe City R1 High School Panthers. Youngblood's senior season was exceptional, marked by a .534 batting average, a 1.011 slugging percentage, 16 doubles, four triples, and six home runs. Her outstanding performance earned her All-Conference, All-District, All-Region, and All-State honors in softball each year of her high school career. Beyond softball, Youngblood has excelled in cross country, basketball, and track, earning recognition in each. Academically, she is a National Honor Society member, has consistently made the Honor Roll, and received Academic All-State honors in softball. With plans to major in Biology and pursue a career as a radiology technician, Youngblood combines dedication, versatility, and a legacy of athletic excellence shared with her sisters, who both play collegiate softball. Lauren Youngblood plays for IUPUI, and Carly Youngblood plays for the University of Central Missouri

Lila Mae Patridge

Right-handed Pitcher | Petaluma, Calif. |Casa Grande High School| BSC Bengals Briggs 18u

Partridge, a standout right-handed pitcher from Petaluma, California, has a history of excellence on and off the field. At 6'0", Patridge has led Casa Grande High School's Gauchos to back-to-back North Coast Section (NCS) Division 2 championships in 2023 and 2024, along with a Vine Valley Athletic League (VVAL) championship in 2023. Her 2024 season boasted impressive stats, including a .529 batting average with seven home runs and 23 RBIs, as well as a 1.26 ERA over 110.2 innings with 135 strikeouts. Patridge's list of accolades is extensive, including the 2024 CalHi Medium School Player of the Year and Press Democrat Softball Player of the Year. She was also recognized as VVAL's Most Valuable Player and Pitcher of the Year in both 2023 and 2024. A scholar-athlete, Patridge is a member of the National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation. Active in student leadership, she has held various Associated Student Body (ASB) executive roles throughout high school, including Class President. With plans to major in Management and Leadership on a pre-law track, Partridge aspires to attend law school after college.

Blakely Barber

Right-handed Pitcher | Georgetown, Texas| Rouse High School| Texas Blaze United 18U

Barber, a standout pitcher from Georgetown, Texas, has been a force on her Rouse High School softball team. At 5'7", Barber holds her school record with 602 career strikeouts, including a single-game high of 17 strikeouts in 2024. During her 2023 season, she reached 250 strikeouts and maintained an impressive 1.62 ERA. Her performance has earned her numerous accolades, including District 25-5A Pitcher of the Year in 2022 and 2024, All-Centex honors, and MVP awards at Rouse High School in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, she also received the Defensive Player of the Year award. Academically, Barber has been recognized as an Academic All-District athlete and was awarded the NFCA Scholar-Athlete Award in 2024. She plays club softball with Texas Blaze United 18U Robertson and plans to pursue a business degree in college. Inspired by her father, Matt Barber, who played football at Texas State University, and her great-grandfather, William Compton, a multi-sport athlete at Texas A&M, Blakely brings both talent and determination to the Jayhawks softball team

Brinley Ramirez

Outfielder| Shiner, Texas| Shiner High School| Texas Bombers Gold 18u

Ramirez, a standout outfielder from Shiner, Texas, brings a diverse athletic background and impressive accomplishments to her college career. Standing at 5'8", Ramirez is known for her speed and versatility, excelling in softball and four other high school sports, where she earned a remarkable 19 varsity letters. A key player for the Shiner High School softball team, she set school records with 200 runs scored and 151 stolen bases, helping lead her team to multiple district championships and a Texas state title in softball. Ramirez's achievements include multiple All-State honors across several sports. In softball, she was named Newcomer of the Year in 2022 and has consistently earned All-State selections in softball, track & field, and cross country. On the track, she captured five gold medals at district meets in both her sophomore and junior years, advancing to regional finals each season. Her leadership extended to volleyball and basketball, where she also received Academic All-District recognition. In addition to her athletic success, Ramirez is an accomplished student and a National Honor Society member. After college, she plans to return to the state of Texas, earn a cosmetology or esthetician certification, and eventually open her own salon.

University of Kansas Athletics

Kansas Softball Welcomes Six New Recruits for the 2026 Season

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