Softball Offseason

[CajunsSball22]

I’ll ask you because I know you have been around this program a long time and have great knowledge of the sport. What letter grade would you honestly give this offseason so far since the season ended May 9th to today?

With all due respect, ask me that question when the fall semester begins and I might consider answering, but probably not, lol.

[JMV JustMyView]

You said we might have to convert infielders to play outfield. My only point was that Otto might be an infielder on the current roster that could make that move because of her experience, that you suggested we might have to do.

That's fair enough. My point is this. Success in softball is all about the long ball. Going into 2026, if the Cajuns have 25 players on the team, that means they will have 21 players who have never hit a home run in college.

[JMV JustMyView]

I’ll ask you because I know you have been around this program a long time and have great knowledge of the sport. What letter grade would you honestly give this offseason so far since the season ended May 9th to today?

Im not CajunSoftball22 but my grade would be D up until this point. We grabbed two potential impact players and no coaches. Could also be considered Incomplete since I'm assuming more additions will be made.

[CajunsSball22]

That's fair enough. My point is this. Success in softball is all about the long ball. Going into 2026, if the Cajuns have 25 players on the team, that means they will have 22 players who have never hit a home run in college.

And that’s fair also. It’s unfortunately not an exact science. When Lexi Elkins committed to be a Ragin’ Cajun a lot of people said what are they doing. Elkins hit 0 home runs her freshman season at Texas Tech, starting 48 games behind the plate. She became arguably the best hitter in Ragin’ Cajuns Softball history. I know stats are important, but from what I’ve seen over the years kids develop at different stages of their careers. Another example is Paige Cormier, who sat for four years. Became a starter her senior year and I believe had 12 home runs. I’ve seen it work many times and I’ve seen it not work many times.

[JMV JustMyView]

And that’s fair also. It’s unfortunately not an exact science. When Lexi Elkins committed to be a Ragin’ Cajun a lot of people said what are they doing. Elkins hit 0 home runs her freshman season at Texas Tech, starting 48 games behind the plate. She became arguably the best hitter in Ragin’ Cajuns Softball history. I know stats are important, but from what I’ve seen over the years kids develop at different stages of their careers. Another example is Paige Cormier, who sat for four years. Became a starter her senior year and I believe had 12 home runs. I’ve seen it work many times and I’ve seen it not work many times.

It could work again depending on who is coaching the hitters. Also keep in mind we can't wait four years anymore for kids to develop. We need immediate help.

[VObserver]

PLEASE! No more community college or division II transfers! No matter how well they might have done at those levels, most of them have proven they cannot compete effectively at the division I level. Players like the two you mentioned have incredible numbers at the lower level, but, once they advance to Division 1, their offensive numbers are sometimes cut in half and sometimes pitcher's ERAs double.

Have you seen Emilee Boyer? She is a specimen.... Built like Reese Atwood but about 3" taller. Would I expect her to score 59 or drive in 90 for us? No; but even 1/2 of those numbers would be better than anyone on our roster last year. No one becomes the National Player of the Year at any level without talent.

[RoarMan]

Have you seen Emilee Boyer? She is a specimen.... Built like Reese Atwood but about 3" taller. Would I expect her to score 59 or drive in 90 for us? No; but even 1/2 of those numbers would be better than anyone on our roster last year. No one becomes the National Player of the Year at any level without talent.

I get it. She's good. At the DII level. Again, my opinion is, the Cajuns should be going after D1 talent.

Go take a look at West Texas A&M's schedule and see if you've even heard of any of the teams she competed against.

[VObserver]

I get it. She's good. At the DII level. Again, my opinion is, the Cajuns should be going after D1 talent.

Go take a look at West Texas A&M's schedule and see if you've even heard of any of the teams she competed against.

Yes, I have.. Ole Miss just signed a girl from a team in their conference, Angelo State.

I actually have heard of nearly all of the teams they play; but I did live in that part of the world as a kid.

[CajunSID]

I get it. She's good. At the DII level. Again, my opinion is, the Cajuns should be going after D1 talent.

Go take a look at West Texas A&M's schedule and see if you've even heard of any of the teams she competed against.

Maybe I’m wrong, but watch where she lands. Lot of players whose stats aren’t eye-popping ending up at major programs from this portal. Coaches like players who aren’t 18 and a crapshoot leaving home for the first time.

[RoarMan]

Yes, I have.. Ole Miss just signed a girl from a team in their conference, Angelo State.

I actually have heard of nearly all of the teams they play; but I did live in that part of the world as a kid.

Good for you! I'm not familiar with any of those teams.