Tennessee softball has recruited at a high level under Karen Weekly, and this year is no different. On Wednesday, the Lady Vols signed five freshmen, making up a top-five class in the country, according to D1Softball.
“In the 2026 class, we targeted a LHP and position players who brought athleticism and versatility to the program,” Weekly said. “We feel like we hit the jackpot. These young ladies are the perfect fit for the Lady Vol softball culture and the style of softball we want to play. Most importantly, they are exceptional students and committed to being the best versions of themselves far beyond the softball field. We can’t wait to get them on campus.”
Here’s what you need to know about the class.
More From RTI: Tennessee Softball Scrimmage Notes and Stats: Oct. 30
Class Ranking
- D1Softball: No. 5
- On3/Softball America: No. 6
Signees
Halle Bailey
- Hometown: Rockford, Tenn.
- School: Alcoa High School
- Position: INF
- Height: 5-foot-4
- B/T: L/R
- 2025 Prep Softball First Team All-American
- Two-time TSCA TN Miss Softball
Weekly: “HK is a true triple threat and will remind our fans of former Tennessee greats who created chaos with their short game and base running. Her softball IQ is off the charts. She has spent most of her career playing middle infield, but her athleticism allows her to play pretty much anywhere.”
Maggie Krause
- Hometown: Brazil, Ind.
- School: Northview High School
- Position: P
- Height: 5-foot-7
- B/T: L/L
- Three-time All-Western Indiana Conference Team
- 2024 SCAI All-State Second Team
Weekly: “Maggie brings another left-handed arm to our bullpen and versatility to our pitching staff. Her off-speed is one of the best in travel softball. She has pitched in big games and moments her entire career and knows how to win. I can’t wait for her to work with Megan (Rhodes Smith) every day.”
Amani Mcfield
- Hometown: Rialto, Calif.
- School: Etiwanda High School
- Position: UT
- Height: 5-foot-7
- B/T: L/R
- 10 home runs placed in the top five in school history
- Sophomore year stats at Aquinas: .494 batting average with 40 runs scored and 10 HRs
Weekly: “Amani is a versatile player who can shine both in the outfield or the infield. She hits from the left side and has that coveted combination of speed and power. She plays in the powerhouse Corona Angels program and knows how to work and win. She will be an exciting player in our program.”
Bailee Shelton
- Hometown: Ramer, Tenn.
- School: McNairy High School
- Position: P/UT
- Height: 5-foot-8
- B/T: L/R
- 2025 3A West TN Miss Softball
- Two-time All-State First Team
Weekly: “Bailee is an athlete and 3-way player with a lot of tools and a huge upside. She can pitch, play corner (infield) or outfield, and has a sweet left-handed swing. It will be exciting to watch her develop once she gets to college and focuses solely on softball.”
Avary Stockwell
- Hometown: Mount Juliet, Tenn.
- School: Green Hill High School
- Position: C/INF
- Height: 5-foot-10
- B/T: R/R
- 2025 Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year
- Three-time TN 4A MVP All-District
Weekly: “Avary is one of the best prep power hitters to ever come out of the state of Tennessee. She has a fantastic arm, and I expect her to spend time at both catcher and corner (infield). Her work ethic is phenomenal. She loves the grind.”
One Response
Yeah. but weekly will never bring a championship to Tennessee! She’s simply not that caliber of a coach!!!! Oh. she can recruit and win a lot of games but she’s not capable of winning a title!.They should have moved on from her car least four years ago!!!!!!!!!