Ags picked to finish 6th in SEC by coaches

https://www.secsports.com/news/2026/01/sec-softball-in-the-2026-preseason-polls-1

1.Texas (9)
2.Oklahoma (6)
3. Tennessee
4. Florida
5. Arkansas
6. Texas A&M
7. LSU
8. Georgia
9. Alabama
10. South Carolina
11. Mississippi State
12. Auburn
13. Ole Miss
14. Missouri
15. Kentucky

They want the fans to pay for parking to attend an open softball practice at 4 pm on a Friday. You can't make up these jokes.

Boozer92 said:

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Ags picked to finish 6th in SEC by coaches

https://www.secsports.com/news/2026/01/sec-softball-in-the-2026-preseason-polls-1

1.Texas (9)
2.Oklahoma (6)
3. Tennessee
4. Florida
5. Arkansas
6. Texas A&M
7. LSU
8. Georgia
9. Alabama
10. South Carolina
11. Mississippi State
12. Auburn
13. Ole Miss
14. Missouri
15. Kentucky

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Seems about right given our questions in the circle.

B$Weigem said:

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They want the fans to pay for parking to attend an open softball practice at 4 pm on a Friday. You can't make up these jokes.

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Where was this posted? Another short sighted decision by our athletic department if so (assuming there aren't any events at Reed on Friday evening).

https://12thman.com/news/2026/1/28/aggie-softball-to-host-open-practice-friday

Quote:

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The event is non-ticketed and concessions will not be available, but fans are welcome to bring bottled water. Parking is available in Lot 100m with a valid Texas A&M permit. Signage in the lot will direct fans to pay-to-park mobile options, or fans can visit transport.tamu.edu to reserve a spot.

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The pay to park made me curious.

I have not been on campus since I graduated and that was a long time ago. If I recall correctly, back then parking for baseball and softball was free. Heck, anywhere on that side of Wellborn was free for any event. Parking on campus was free, with no sticker required, after about 5:00 or 6:00 in the evening on school days. All day when no classes. At least on most lots. But I usually walked, road a bike or took the shuttle bus to campus so did not have to worry about parking too often.

During the regular season, if there is no event at Reed, is there a charge for parking in the Reed lots? If so, is it only for non-students or for everyone? What if there IS an event at Reed? A charge?

I CAN understand them charging these days with NIL and revenue sharing because they need the income from any source they can get it but for a practice? Weird.

frankie00 said:

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The pay to park made me curious.

I have not been on campus since I graduated and that was a long time ago. If I recall correctly, back then parking for baseball and softball was free. Heck, anywhere on that side of Wellborn was free for any event. Parking on campus was free, with no sticker required, after about 5:00 or 6:00 in the evening on school days. All day when no classes. At least on most lots. But I usually walked, road a bike or took the shuttle bus to campus so did not have to worry about parking too often.

During the regular season, if there is no event at Reed, is there a charge for parking in the Reed lots? If so, is it only for non-students or for everyone? What if there IS an event at Reed? A charge?

I CAN understand them charging these days with NIL and revenue sharing because they need the income from any source they can get it but for a practice? Weird.

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Students (or anyone with a valid campus parking pass) can park in Reed at any time (except football games). Visitors can park at Reed and they have a digital pay system.

Baseball and basketball are special event parking pricing at Reed. Softball is free for games when there is not baseball or basketball. Volleyball was free too, but in the fall.

My guess is the AD has to arrange with TS for the free parking and the original open practice last weekend was cancelled and now rescheduled for tomorrow, maybe there was a problem with arranging the parking for that time


Also, the money paid to park through the normal visitor parking goes to TS and not the AD.

My experience in parking during basketball, baseball, track and softball is that it appears to be very arbitrary. You never know when they will charge. And even if they tell you the lot is full, you can drive in and act as you are going to turnaround and leave and typically find a spot.

Anything earth-shattering at practice, or was it more of a get-to-know-you or a focus on engaging fan participation and how to do it differently this year?

Will caution that this is practice and everything seen should be taken with a grain of salt (if you've seen football practice threads, the negativity ignites). But I will say that it appeared that coach may be putting emphasis on versatility. To me, this makes sense since only KP at 3B is the only true position returner. Think the practice was meant to rotate players in live play often. Here's what I saw worth interest:

-Wark and Sauni got a lot of reps at 1B; DeeDee and Gracyn at Catcher

-Kowalewski got a lot of CF and RF I think (they weren't wearing numbers) - Coach Ford had high praise in her presser for AK, think she's a key piece this season.

- Only got to see Munnerlyn, Sparks, and Peters pitch. Again, it's practice, so idk if they're working on pitches/counts/situations, but hope to see some improvement in control from KM and GS. Worth noting, Peters struck out the side one rotation, but idk if bats were a full go or they're just repping it out there. Think we'll lean on her and the Sid L a whole bunch so they're our work horses.

-Lovell and Golden are so dang quick! The team looks fast! Lots of athletes and youth on this team. Think the offense should be active and fun to see on the base paths!

-Think Larissa Perez is our 3B in waiting. She made some good contact and looks really athletic. Played minimally last season, but I think she's got a ton of potential. Makes me wonder if we'll see her more.

Only earth shattering news from practice is Sparks is no longer blond. Took me a minute to realize it was her in the circle. AK had a nice line drive 73mph exit velo. Maddie started at catcher and played some first to give Wark a chance to hit. Very low key type scrimmage. Cool to see all the stats on each pitch and hit. Peters was over 2k spin rate regularly.

Thanks for the report on the practice, I appreciate it! I really dig other opinions and always give them a lot of thought.

Yes, just practice. Just one practice. One of many since the beginning of last Fall.

Maddie is listed as a C but also 1B and 3B. Was rated #5 catcher in the country. A reminder that Ford has known and followed her since she was about 10 yo and she was teammates with Ford's daughter. She has spoken very highly of her many times. I think she will get a lot of playing time this year regardless of position (C, 1B or DP).

DeeDee did not get a lot of reps last year and still an unknown to me other than she can hit the ball hard. When she did get an AB I thought she was simply trying to hard, to prove herself, to get more reps. Gracyn a good defensive catcher but simply could not hit the ball very often (.111 BA last year) and lowest OBP of any player who got anywhere near a decent amount of playing time. Only returner with lower numbers ... DeeDee. These are reasons I was thinking Maddie and/or Ariel (aka AK) might see a lot of reps behind the plate. This IS a new season and maybe both returners are better. However, IF Wark does well at 1B, fielding and hitting, I think Maddie has a pretty good chance of starting at C when SEC starts. Definitely a position to keep an eye on ... just like last year!

A lot of discussion here during the Fall about Ariel (aka AK) possibly being used as C. Comments from Ford and pics of her in catcher gear. Latest comments have been on her in the OF. Coach talks about her a LOT. I think she will play a lot this year regardless of what position and will be a big part of the team as a player AND leader.

Pitching is my biggest concern. All Summer and Fall I thought of Sidne and Lessentine as being our go to starters. This has not changed. Sidne had a 4.3:1 SO to BB ratio. Best on the team by far.

Munnerlyn and Sparks are huge question marks. They had the largest ERA's and BA against last year. They both give up a LOT of hits and runs last year but in 49 innings Sparks had only 1 WP and only 1 HBP. With 21 SO and 14 BB. Not a good ratio but at least not wild.

Pannell was really good her Sophomore year as a reliever. 30 appearances, 0 starts. 15 saves. ERA of .121 and BA against of .185. 35 SO and 10 BB. But last year not as effective. IF she can regain her Sophomore form it will be HUGE for us. Coach thinks she can be one of the important leaders on the team.

Taylor Brown an unknown since she redshirted last year and just a few looks in the Fall. Fantastic in HS (on the mound and at the plate). IF she works out still have her for four years. Really looking forward to seeing her this year.

A constant comment by me is that we give up far too many free bases year after year. Unfortunately, I think it will be the same this year. I hope not but ...

Base running. I think we will be very good this year, perhaps even better than last year. A TON of speed. KP and Koko were by far the most active and the best last year at SB's and we have KP again. I think Frankie, KK and Kelsey will step up this year (as starters) in the SB column. Hailey Golden was our #1 PR last year. Fast and a smart base runner. I think she and Annsley will be our top PR's but Scout is a very close 'runner up' (pun intended) and Piper might get some chances. Maybe Paislie, too.

Coach Ford mentioned Larisa a couple of times last year although she had only 9 appearances on the year. Only 3 AB with 3 BB. She was really good in HS. With Kylie Griffin gone (31 appearances last year, .207 BA) I think she will see more reps this year so will get a better idea of what she can do at this level. As mentioned she might be in the running for 3B next year. Ariel (aka AK), too.

We were pretty darn good on defense last year and hard to tell this year with so many new gloves. But at this point in time I think defense and base running will be our strengths.

Overall, we were pretty good at hitting last year but had some really tough games here and there with numerous individual slumps. Is my next big question mark after pitching.

Only a few more days until we start finding out - Gig 'Em !!!

Always love your write ups Frankie! I've been following the team a very long time but seldom post here (always read, but seldom post). I went to WCWS the year we had Trinity, Tori, Ashley et all... and can't wait to go back. Even though were quicly eliminated it is such a fun trip.

A few thoughts on your post from my perspective...
- don't think we can afford to roll with Gracyn unless her bat is greatly improved, DeeDee knocked the cover off the ball her few at bats although with little "hit" success, agree unless DeeDee steps up we may have to roll with Maddie or AK.
- agree completely with pitching, Sparks just seems to give up that one terribly timed hit or homer although 80% of the time she looks great. I could see Munnerlyn turning into what Leavitt was last year, a solid option to eat some innings when pitchers are tired and look good at times. Really need somebody else to step up, Pannell, Brown, someone.
- base running, pet peeve of mine, and SO much of successful base running is confidence. It is hard to really perform well on the pads if you aren't an every day starter. As a pinch runner, it creeps in your mind that this is all I do, I can't make a mistake, so you are timid. If you are an every day player you can "make up" a running mistake in the field or at the plate. That is why I believe, players like KP and KoKo can lay it all out there on the basepads, you don't remember the occasional bone-head base running mistake, you remember the timely hit or the great double-play with the glove. With Scout and Haley playing OF I think that greatly improves their confidence on the base pads.
- OF is a question just because we were SO spoiled with Allie and Kramer's arms out there, they were next level, and I think we will miss that a great deal. Teams just did not run on our OF and would love to see somebody develop that strong arm.

Can't wait to get to Davis and see some softball!!!

My best guess at the lineup to start the season


KP 3rd
AK RF
Mya DP
KK SS
Tallen 2b
Micaela 1b
Maddie C
Paislie LF
Kelsey CF

Hopefully, Y'all have been checking my updates and previews out

Thanks for the lineup, we appreciate it!

I made a boo boo and left OF out earlier because I was going off what Travelin Tex wrote but your lineup reminded me of it.

I think you wrote previously the strongest arm should be in RF whilst Ford has put the strongest arm in CF the past three years. Both have benefits. Range is also really important at each position out there but I think more in CF.

Since I think Maddie will be our primary C and since Ariel (aka AK) WILL play somewhere it is probably starting OF. Kelsey WILL start (future All American?). The third spot is a really tough guess. Several to choose from. Will Frankie continue? She did well last year so has a great chance. Paislie saw time out there in the Fall and I think Coach wants to see her get a lot of action. Junior Hailey is really fast and has gotten quite a few reps during games the past couple of years. Scout is also a Junior and has gotten reps the past couple of years although not as many as Hailey. I WILL add that I think Freshman Annsley has a pretty good chance because of her speed on the bases AND she was outstanding at the plate in HS. Piper is an unknown. Note that Hailey and Scout are two of my favorite players (Scout is my choice for 12th Man) so would love to see one of them start but the coaches do not choose based on popularity!

I have no idea how they have done in practice (hitting, fielding, throwing) but I have tended to go with Frankie since last season because of her play and experience and she can hit well (but did have the slump last year). Regardless, I DO think we will see several different lineups in OF during non-conference but mainly with that third position and perhaps swapping fields.

So, my only lineup difference is Frankie instead of Paislie.

Note that Coach Ford always tosses in a lot of surprises. She 'might' go with Gracyn the first game simply because she has a lot of experience but I think Maddie will be the overall starter. On the other hand, the starting lineup last year for the first game was very close to the first SEC game. Sure is fun to try to guess what the coaches will do!

Opening Day is getting really close !!!! Oh, I hope someone posts pics here on Opening Day !!!

Positivelyag512 said:

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Hopefully, Y'all have been checking my updates and previews out

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I have checked them out because I am always interested in the views of others. Thanks for taking the time to make the previews.

I've done
Team Preview

Offense:
All American/Infield Preview
Outfield Preview

Publishing Soon (These are Done)
Catcher
Lineup Projections

Not Done Yet:
Pitching in Depth
Aggie Classic Preview
Baseball Team Preview

I love doing them, I love doing graphics, and I LOVE SOFTBALL, actually more than football, but I've coached Softball the longest, then Boys Basketball, Volleyball, Football, and Baseball

I would guess there will be some sort of platoon with Frankie. Allen seems to have an edge in fielding and arm strength. Paislie is right handed, Frankie bats left. Whoever hits better will play by conference time

I always get a kick out of guessing lineups and reading what others think! But I'll admit that I do not really try to guess batting orders, especially for the first game of a season!

Anyway ...

Who starts? Huge decisions for the coaching staff. One of the hardest parts of coaching.

Managing egos, keeping players motivated, etc. Heck, every player wants to start. At least they should! But you want to keep everyone happy and fully supportive of your decisions. Tough. Very tough.

I recall a video from a couple of years ago. Coach Ford talking to her players in a meeting. I do not remember the exact words but it was about who starts and who gets the most playing time. It ended with something like 'we do whatever is best for Aggie softball.' And several times over the years she has made a statement like, "Everyone has a role. Might be as a starter or a pinch runner or a pinch hitter but every role is important."

It IS a team sport and the success of the team comes first.

If that means a Freshman starts whilst Juniors and Seniors, who all signed with the Aggies and stuck with it, sit on the bench so be it.

Or a transfer, with really good stats, comes in for her Senior year but gets very little playing time.

It is all part of the game.

So the motivation is to work hard every day, day in and day out. Fall, Spring and Summer. To get or keep a starting spot. Only makes them better.

Coach Ford often mentions players who are the first to come to practice and the last to leave. Who spend hours in the batting cage when no one else is around. Some may not get much playing time but they still do it, year after year. Those are the kinds of players coaches love! And those players will always get a really good look when it comes time to pick starters.

As I mentioned recently - it is always fun to try to guess what the coaches will do!

Gosh, only a few more days until OPENING DAY - whoop !!!

Boozer92 said:

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Trisha Ford radio show tomorrow at Rudy's 6 pm

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Groovy, thanks for letting us know, we appreciate it !!

Opening Day only a few hours away - whoop !!

Boozer92 said:

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My best guess at the lineup to start the season


KP 3rd
AK RF
Mya DP
KK SS
Tallen 2b
Micaela 1b
Maddie C
Paislie LF
Kelsey CF

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I have the same "guess" as you for starters by position.
- Maddie could move up behind KK
- If Paislie shows she can turn over the lineup consistently at #9 Kelsey may move up as well.

Pitching this weekend - hold Peters or Lessentine until Saturday vs Tech or do they both see action Thursday?

I would hope they both pitch on Thursday. I don't want them pitching their first time against Tech.

I enjoyed today's press conference with Ford, KP and Lessentine.

Coach talked about the lineup and batting order quite a bit. Micaela and Mya will both be getting time at 1B. Five players in the mix for OF - Ariel (aka AK), Kelsey, Frankie, Paislie and Scout with Hailey coming in defensively. Is great to see Scout in the mix !! Maddie, DeeDee and Gracyn all getting time (we kind of figured that).

Tanner, KK and KP set for their positions.

Talked about the Tech game (of course!).

She also reminded us that we beat ACU last year 1-0 in a tight game whilst Utah State was ahead until late in the game. I watched the extended highlights of the Utah State game recently - had back to back to back homers in the bottom of the 6th to break it open with Mac starting it off with a 3 RBI shot.

Only a few hours now !!!

Excited to Kickoff, about 32 hours out now, I'll be at the ACU game, and maybe Providence for a short time, but I doubt it. Little guy has school the next day, and we have a drive, but can't wait!

Coach Ford gave an interview in TexAgs Premium and delivered a lot of takes we've touched on in this thread:

- with only KP in same position as last year, there's going to be a lot of versatility and lineup movement (she later mentioned that whoever hits the ball is going to play)

-Mya is going to be a cornerstone of the offense; coach mentioned her approach and mentals are there, she just needs to swing "smarter" and make adjustments as pitching will likely adjust to her this season

-All the pitchers are going to pitch. She mentioned Pannell being a new dynamic and wished she got to Aggieland sooner. Syd and Sid are the cowbells

-Non-Conference strength of opponents was intentional with getting the team where it needs to be for conference play and beyond. Not taking ACU or Utah State lightly; team is excited to play against TTU.

So excited! Plan on being at Rudy's tonight and at the park tomorrow! Gig 'Em!

TOMORROW 👏#GigEm | @Kennedyjp_1 pic.twitter.com/bfyLGIK5RC

— Texas A&M Softball (@AggieSoftball) February 4, 2026

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Texas A&M to Team Rawlings! 🤝

After a phenomenal 2025 season, we can't wait to see what Coach Ford and the Aggies accomplish in 2026! 🔥#TeamRawlings x @AggieSoftball pic.twitter.com/qYaGX4Wenn

— Rawlings Softball (@RawlingsSB) February 4, 2026

We’ll see all of our close friends this Thursday at Davis ☺️#GigEm pic.twitter.com/JCBIubIcFL

— Texas A&M Softball (@AggieSoftball) February 3, 2026

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— Texas A&M Softball (@AggieSoftball) February 3, 2026

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