South Carolina Softball Signs 2028 Recruiting Class

South Carolina softball head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard announced the signing of five high school student-athletes who will join the Gamecocks for the 2028 season.

The incoming class includes Makenna Cline of College Station, Texas; Kendall Fakes of Fox Lake, Wisconsin; Norah Jacques of Vienna, Virginia; Parker Malone of Corpus Christi, Texas; and May Weis of Atlanta, Georgia.

The recruiting class has earned national recognition, landing at No. 17 in the rankings by Softball America / Rivals and No. 21 according to D1Softball.

“This talented group brings an exciting combination of power, versatility, defensive strength, and left-handed pitching to our program,” said Woodard. The coach emphasized the specific roles these athletes are expected to fill, noting the inclusion of left-handed pitchers May Weis and Norah Jacques, first baseman Kendall Fakes, corner infielder Makenna Cline, and utility player Parker Malone.

South Carolina Softball Signs 2028 Recruiting Class — Photo: auburntigers.com

The transition from high school to the collegiate level in the SEC is demanding, requiring both physical durability and technical precision. The reliance on left-handed pitching, in particular, is a strategic choice that often complicates timing for opposing batters. By recruiting specialized talent, the Gamecocks are looking to address specific gaps in their roster construction.

The process of building a collegiate roster often involves balancing immediate needs with long-term potential. While these athletes are slated for the 2028 season, the recruitment timeline shows the intensity of modern college athletics, where programs must secure commitments years in advance to compete with other high-performing institutions.

Godfrey’s trajectory—moving from a highly-ranked high school recruit with over 1,000 career strikeouts to a collegiate contributor—shows the transition period many athletes face. At the high school level, standout players like Godfrey often dominate with sheer volume, but the collegiate game demands the tactical adjustments that the Gamecocks hope their new class will master over the coming years.

“We are just as excited to welcome and get to know the families behind these five young women,” Woodard said. “We are grateful for the love, support, and trust each family has shown throughout this journey.”

The success of this recruiting cycle will ultimately be measured by how these players integrate into the existing team culture and adapt to the rigorous demands of SEC softball. As the program shifts its focus to the 2028 season, the arrival of these five student-athletes marks the beginning of a multi-year effort to elevate the team’s performance in the conference.