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Kansas softball looks to build off 2026 season momentum with 4 new signees

The Jayhawks had a lot of success in 2026, and with the 2027 season beginning in a few short months, Kansas has its 2027 class locked in.
ByEricka Brockish
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Kansas Jayhawks outfielder Aynslee Linduff (39) slides to second base in the second inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Kansas Jayhawks outfielder Aynslee Linduff (39) slides to second base in the second inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Kansas softball found a lot of success in the 2026 season, finishing 36-21 with a win in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament, a bid to the NCAA Tournament, and even a win in the Regional round. Now with the 2027 season on the horizon, the Jayhawks have their next recruiting class locked in.

Head coach Jennifer McFalls announced that four new recruits have officially signed with Kansas in the 2027 class: three position players and one pitcher, all from four separate states. This shows great reach in recruiting for the Jayhawks in what is a very competitive Big 12 Conference. Hopefully, Kansas can build on the momentum that started in 2026 for the 2027 season and be ready to welcome these recruits when they step on campus.

Kansas softball inks four new recruits from four separate states

McFalls is excited about this class, bringing in a wide variety of players who will hopefully bring a lot to the program in Lawrence.

"We are really excited about the 2027 class," McFalls said. "This is a very well-rounded, athletic group that will positively impact our softball program."

Right-handed pitcher Braylee Spence is the only pitcher of the 2027 class, joining a great staff with the Jayhawks. Spence comes from Lone Grove, Oklahoma, with an impressive high school career, and still has another season to show her talent. In her junior campaign, Spence finished with 21 wins and close to 250 strikeouts in 118 innings pitched with a 0.21 ERA at Lone Grove High School.

In her three years of high school softball, she has led Lone Grove to three Oklahoma State Championships. Spence's stats show a clear command of the strike zone to keep hitters back on their heels, and she should add great depth to the Jayhawks' pitching staff.

Jlee Van Direl comes to Kansas as an infield/outfield combo player out of Monroe, Nebraska. The Twin Rivers Public School recruit is a high-level utility player who McFalls will be able to play anywhere on the field. Her bat is another strength she can bring to the Jayhawks, hitting .645 with a .771 on-base percentage, totaling 187 hits and 222 stolen bases in her three-year high school career.

Outfielder Kayleigh Allen comes to Kansas all the way from Gahr High School in Carson, California, and she should recognize some of her new teammates. Allen was once teammates with current Jayhawks Jocelyn Alatorre, Sienna Major, and Lila Partridge, and now gets to team up with them at the college level.

Allen brings a lot of speed to Kansas as both an outfielder and a baserunner. The California native hit .432 in her junior season, with a .500 on-base percentage and .838 slugging percentage. With her speed, once she gets on base, she can be dangerous as a runner.

Nola Tylke is the fourth and final signee for Kansas, coming to the Jayhawks as an infielder from Acworth, Georgia. The Harrison High School recruit is a star infielder and strong right-handed batter who can bring a lot to McFalls' squad as part of the 2027 class.

Tylke is the highest-ranked recruit in the Kansas 2027 class, named a 2026 PGF All-American, the No. 11 infielder in the country by Line Drive Media, and the No. 26 player overall by Extra Inning Softball.

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