The Kentucky softball team has been consistent over the past three years, tallying a winning season in each, but for a while has been trending downward in SEC play.
On the brighter side, this offseason has been strong for the front office of the Wildcats.
According to coach Rachel Lawson, the Wildcats have signed seven players to athletic aid agreements.
The signings will take place in the spring of 2027, when the players will make their debuts.
The Wildcats will start their season in California and will play 11 games in eight days at the San Diego State Season Kickoff. Their opponents consist of Miami (OH), Loyola Chicago, San Diego State and Minnesota.
Kentucky will average about two games per day while also participating in the Stanford Invitational before closing out the trip in Tennessee at the Blues City Invitational.
With multiple invitations ahead of the regular-season schedule, the program will have an opportunity to get a good read on its opponents and make any early-season adjustments before jumping into a tough conference schedule.
Junior Peyton Plotts looks to continue her remarkable campaign at Kentucky. Last season, Plotts finished with a .359 batting average and a 1.171 OPS, along with a .740 slugging percentage.
During her time at Kentucky, the outfielder has posted a .339 batting average and an OPS of 1.101. Plotts has made a huge impact for the Cats and has been reliable over time.
Sophomore Allie Blum returns to the Cats’ lineup for her second year and looks to continue to be a critical force on the diamond.
The standout utility performer batted .341 last season. Blum tallied 56 hits in 59 games played, providing exactly what the lineup needs for run production.
This upcoming season is expected to have subtle but impactful expectations for the Cats. Lawson’s squad includes three transfers: Reaghan Oney, McKenzie Oslanzi and Carly Sleeman.
While including a mixture of depth, experience and talent, this will be important for the six incoming freshmen and the rest of the lineup.
During Kentucky softball media day, Lawson emphasized the importance of the team’s resilience and establishing an identity, which will build continuity for the upcoming season.
“It’s a very resilient team, no matter what we’re working on, and there are challenges, and they’ve taken it head-on… really excited about what we can put together. They’re self-led in a positive way … at the end of the day, it’s the players in the locker room who are going to lead one way or another,” Lawson said.
The Wildcats sit alone at the bottom of the 2026 SEC Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll, but look to prove the conference otherwise during the regular season.
Their first game will be Friday, Feb. 6, against Miami (OH) at noon ET in San Diego, Calif.
