Upcoming Event: Softball at Texas Tech on March 12, 2027
Softball
at Texas Tech
Photo by: Jordyn Pennington/Kansas Athletics
11/11/2026 4:29:00 PM | Softball
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas softball head coach Jennifer McFalls announced the addition of four student-athletes who will join the program next season: Jlee Van Driel, Kayleigh Allen, Braylee Spence and Nola Tylke.
"We are really excited about the 2027 class," McFalls said. "This is a very well-rounded, athletic group that will positively impact our softball program."
The class includes three position players and a pitcher from four states.
Jlee Van Driel
INF/OF | Monroe, Nebraska | Twin Rivers Public Schools | Hotshots 18U National Nelson
Van Driel joins the Jayhawks as a standout utility player from Monroe, Nebraska, who has made a consistent impact all over the field throughout her high school career. Over her varsity career, she has hit .645 with a .771 on-base percentage, 187 hits and a school-record 222 stolen bases. Van Driel has earned all-state and academic all-state honors in four consecutive seasons.
Kayleigh Allen
OF | Carson, California | Gahr High School | BSC Bengals Briggs 18U
Allen arrives in Lawrence as a dynamic and athletic outfielder from Carson, California. A right-handed hitter, Allen hit .432 during her most recent high school season with a .500 on-base percentage and a .838 slugging percentage. A former teammate of current Jayhawks Jocelyn Alatorre, Sienna Mayor and Lila Partridge, Allen will bring speed, range and baserunning intelligence to the Kansas outfield.
Braylee Spence
RHP | Lone Grove, Oklahoma | Lone Grove High School | Oklahoma Angels 08
Spence comes to Kansas after an impressive prep career at Lone Grove High School in Lone Grove, Oklahoma. The right-handed pitcher posted a 21-win season in which she recorded nearly 250 strikeouts in 118 innings and maintained a 0.21 earned run average. She helped lead Lone Grove to three Oklahoma state championships. Spence earned multiple district MVP honors and was named district pitcher of the year. Her ability to command the zone, paired with her poise in the circle, will add depth and consistency to the Kansas pitching staff.
Nola Tylke
INF | Acworth, Georgia | Harrison High School | Beverly Bandits
Tylke joins the Jayhawks from Acworth, Georgia, and plays for the Beverly Bandits. A right-handed hitter and standout infielder, Tylke will add offensive power and defensive versatility to the infield. She has been a consistent offensive performer throughout her high school career. She holds the school record for triples and ranks in the top five in school history in batting average (.463) and RBIs (139). Tylke was named a 2026 PGF All-American, the No. 11 infielder in the nation by Line Drive Media and the No. 26 overall player by Extra Innings Softball. Her consistency and defensive skill make her a key piece of the Kansas lineup for years to come.
Players Mentioned
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