Stepping onto the diamond for North Florida softball means joining a dynamic group of athletes, each bringing their unique talents and hometown pride to the game. Looking at the 2026 roster, you see a blend of experience and fresh energy, a promising mix for any team aiming for success.
From the outfield, we have players like Destiny Washington, a redshirt sophomore hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who brings a strong presence to the game. Then there's Ayala Durant, a freshman from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, ready to make her mark. The infield is bolstered by Samantha Rey, a junior from Salinas, California, and Aubrey Evans, a senior from Apopka, Florida, whose experience will be invaluable. Katelyn Cochran, a senior RHP from North Augusta, South Carolina, adds pitching power, while Reagan Vokoun, a freshman LHP from Lincoln, Nebraska, and Maliyah Warren, a freshman INF from Olathe, Kansas, represent the future.
It's always interesting to see where these athletes come from. We have players representing states from coast to coast and heartland to the South. For instance, Hildie Dempsey, a freshman LHP/OF, comes from Jefferson, Wisconsin, and Macy Miles, a redshirt junior RHP/UTL, makes her way from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Coco Jaimes, a sophomore INF, is a local talent from Riverside, California, while Kalista Birkenstock, a sophomore OF, brings experience from Marlboro, New York, and a previous stint at FGCU.
Yessenia Lopez, a sophomore RHP from New York, New York, and Tori Payne, a freshman RHP from Wellington, Florida, add depth to the pitching staff. The infield sees Kendall Trimm, a freshman from Moody, Alabama, and Isabella Vega, a redshirt sophomore RHP, from Bradenton, Florida. Lena Elkins, a senior RHP from Nitro, West Virginia, brings a strong presence, having previously played at Charlotte. The catching duties are covered by Shyanne Irvin and Maddie Parker, both freshmen, from Lafayette, Louisiana, and Tampa, Florida, respectively.
Further strengthening the team are Ashleigh Griffin, a redshirt senior INF from Newnan, Georgia, and Izzy Mertes, a sophomore UTL from Chatsworth, California. Zoe Calvez, a sophomore OF from Orlando, Florida, adds another dimension, with previous experience at LSU. Kayla Alexandre, a redshirt senior C, brings a wealth of experience from Oviedo, Florida, having played at multiple colleges. Carley Jo Penner, a senior OF from Wintersville, Ohio, also brings collegiate experience from Kent State. Rounding out the roster are Ava Stuewe, a freshman RHP from Fredericksburg, Texas, Kendall Yarnell, a sophomore UTL from Olathe, Kansas, and Beth Damon, a sophomore C from Edmond, Oklahoma.
This roster showcases a diverse group of young women, each with their own journey and aspirations, all united by their passion for North Florida softball. It's this collective spirit and individual drive that truly makes a team.
