Softball Inks No. 2 Ranked Signing Class
“We are so excited about the signing of this 2026 high school graduation class,” Walton said. “This is one of the best signing classes in the country. Great people, championship experience, All-American potential, athleticism, versatility, and depth at all positions. A signing class like this, brings excitement to the program for another great four years to come, as we work hard to continue competing for championships and getting to the College World Series.”
The 2026 signing class hails from across the country, with California, Georgia, Texas and Louisiana each represented this year.
The seven newest Gators rank as the No. 2 overall signing class in the nation by both Softball America and D1Softball.
Shayla Bahr
X | Instagram
| Hometown | Peachtree Corners, Ga. |
| B/T | L/R |
| Position | Outfield |
| High School | Wesleyan School |
| Travel Team | GA Impact Premier Taylor |
More from Shayla:
“I chose Florida because it immediately felt like home. I love the culture and how every year they compete to win a national championship. I also chose to become a Gator because I know I will develop both as a player and a person.”
High School/Travel Ball:
- Ranks No. 13 for the 2026 signing class by Softball America
- 2x Georgia A-AAA State Champion (2024, 2025)
- 2x Georgia AAA State Champion (2022, 2023)
- Set new Wesleyan School record for career hits (204)
- 2025 Georgia Dugout Club Player of the Year A-AAA
- 2025 A-AAA Region Player of the Year
- 2025 Georgia Dugout Club Senior All Star
- 2024 5A Region Softball Player of the Year
- 4x First team all-state and all-region selection (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Kennedy Bradley
X | Instagram
| Hometown | Melissa, Texas |
| B/T | R/R |
| Position | Infield |
| High School | Melissa |
| Travel Team | Texas Glory Gold Shelton |
More from Kennedy:
“I chose Florida because from the moment I stepped on campus, I knew it was home. Being far from my own home, I wanted to feel warmth, support and a sense of belonging and that’s exactly what I found. I know I’ll be surrounded by people who push and support me to become the best person and player.”
High School/Travel Ball:
- Ranks No. 14 for the 2026 signing class by Softball America
- 2024, 2025 Texas UIL 5A Division 1 Softball State Champions
- 2025 Dallas Morning News All-Area Softball Player of the Year
- Finished junior season with a .518 batting average, 59 hits (39 for extra bases), 68 runs and 59 RBIs in 39 games
- 2025 Max Preps High School First Team All-American
- 2024 16U Alliance Nationals Co-Champion
Nina Carcone
X | Instagram
| Hometown | Woodstock, Ga. |
| B/T | R/R |
| Position | Infield |
| High School | Woodstock |
| Travel Team | GA Impact Premier Taylor |
More from Nina:
“I chose UF because of the coaching staff, the girls on the team and how the program competes for a national championship almost every year. Florida is a winning program. I want to earn my degree, win a national champion and become an All-American athlete.”
High School/Travel Ball:
- Ranks No. 11 for the 2026 signing class by Softball America
- 2025 Premier Girls Fastpitch All American
- 2024 GADC Peach State Player of the Year
- 2024 Region Player of the Year
- 2024, 2025 All-State selection
Liliana Escobar
X | Instagram
| Hometown | Trabuco Canyon, Calif. |
| B/T | R/R |
| Position | Pitcher |
| High School | JSerra Catholic |
| Travel Team | OC Batbusters Legacy Stith |
More from Liliana:
“I chose Florida both for the academics and athletics. I created a great connection with the coaching staff, especially Coach Walton. I love how they treat their athletes and the beautiful softball facility. I’m so excited to be a Gator.”
High School/Travel Ball:
- 2025 CIF-SS Division 2 Player of the Year
- 2025 Orange County Register Pitcher of the Year
- Held a 14-5 record in the circle with a 1.20 ERA and 239 strikeouts in 140 innings as a junior
- 2025 Trinity League Pitcher of the Year
- 2023 Alliance Fastpitch National Champion
Brooklyn Gidley
X | Instagram
| Hometown | College Station, Texas |
| B/T | L/R |
| Position | Infield |
| High School | A&M Consolidated |
| Travel Team | Texas Bombers Gold Smith |
More from Brooklyn:
“I chose Florida because of the coaching staff, academic opportunities and the overall environment. Every one made it feel like home and I can’t wait to compete with some of the best players in the country.”
High School/Travel Ball:
- Ranks in the top-30 for the 2026 signing class by Softball America
- 2025 Texas UIL 5A All-State Honorable Mention
- 2024 18u Alliance Fastpitch Tier 1 National Champion
- 14u, 16u & 18u Alliance Fastpitch Tier 1 National Championship All-Tournament Team
- 2x Premier Girls Fastpitch National Champion
Avery Killian
X | Instagram
| Hometown | Metairie, La. |
| B/T | R/R |
| Position | Catcher |
| High School | Mount Carmel Academy |
| Travel Team | Georgia Impact Premier Taylor |
More from Avery:
“I chose Florida because as soon as I stepped on campus for the first time it felt like home. The softball program is amazing and so if the school itself. My goal is to be the best softball player and person I can be and to win a national title.”
High School/Travel Ball:
- Ranks in the top-100 for the 2026 signing class by Softball America
- 3x All District 9-5A selection
- 2025 Sports Illustrated All-State Softball Team selection
- 2x USA Softball High Performance Program Top Performer (HPP)
Caroline Stanton
X | Instagram
| Hometown | Buford, Ga. |
| B/T | R/R |
| Position | Pitcher |
| High School | Buford |
| Travel Team | Texas Bombers Gold Smith |
More from Caroline:
“I chose the University of Florida to both win championships and earn my degree. I want to have a great college experience and meet new people while becoming the best version of myself.”
High School/Travel Ball:
- Ranks as the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 signing class by Softball America
- 3x Class 6A State Champion (2022, 2023 & 2025)
- 2025 WBSC U-18 World Cup Finals Gold Medalist
- Tossed 17.0 innings with 10 strikeouts and two earned runs allowed for a 0.82 ERA
- Named Best Defensive Player
- Holds the Buford High School single-game strikeout record (20)
- 3x Max Preps First Team All-American
- 3x First team All-State selection
- 2024 MaxPreps Georgia Player of the Year
- 2024 Alliance Fastpitch National Champion
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