By T. Scott Boatright
Louisiana Tech softball coach Josh Taylor has added six transfers to the Bulldogs’ roster for the 2027 season, bringing in five NCAA Division I transfers and one junior college standout as the program completed its roster.
The signing class includes right-handed pitchers Graci Major (Seminole State College) and Jacey Schuler (Michigan State), left-handed pitcher Caroline McLendon (UAB), catcher/outfielder Ansleigh Smith (South Alabama), catcher/utility player Mia Leone (UT Chattanooga) and infielder/outfielder Chloe Cummings (Siena).
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jacey Schuler, Mia Leone, Chloe Cummings, Ansleigh Smith, Gracie Major and Caroline McLendon to the Louisiana Tech softball family,” Taylor said. “Each of these young women brings something unique to our program, but what stood out throughout the recruiting process was their character, competitiveness and genuine love for the game.
“This class represents exactly what we’re looking for as we continue building the future of Louisiana Tech softball.”
Major arrives in Ruston after two standout seasons at Seminole State College in Oklahoma, where she compiled a 29-7 career record with a 1.95 ERA and 204 strikeouts in 233 innings. She earned NJCAA Division I second-team All-America honors in 2026 after going 17-1 with a 1.17 ERA and was named the NJCAA Region 2 Pitcher of the Year.
Smith joins the Bulldogs after helping South Alabama capture the 2026 Sun Belt Conference Tournament championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament. A versatile player who has started games at both catcher and in the outfield, Smith appeared in 81 career games while also earning Conference USA All-Academic Team honors with a 4.0 GPA. She played a key role behind the plate for a Jaguar pitching staff that led the Sun Belt in shutouts and called third strikes last season.
Leone comes to Tech following two seasons at Chattanooga, where she broke out offensively in 2026 by batting .289 with 39 hits, 12 doubles, six home runs and 41 RBIs while making 40 starts.
Cummings brings extensive collegiate experience after starting 154 games over three seasons at Siena. She owns a .282 career batting average and is coming off a junior season in which she hit .342 with 51 hits and 25 RBIs while earning multiple academic honors. Defensively, she posted a perfect fielding percentage in center field during the 2026 season.
Schuler appeared in 56 games during two seasons at Michigan State, recording 116 strikeouts over 185 innings. She earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition in 2026 after serving as one of the Spartans’ primary pitchers and posted a career-best 3.99 ERA as a freshman.
McLendon transfers to Ruston after three seasons at UAB, where she made 33 career starts in the circle. She owns a 12-13 career record with a 4.34 ERA and 105 strikeouts. Her strongest season came in 2025 when she went 10-9 with a 3.95 ERA while throwing 131 innings.
Taylor believes the group will contribute immediately while helping strengthen the program’s foundation.
“We believe this group has the potential to make an immediate impact while also helping shape the culture of our program for years to come,” Taylor said. “They have embraced our vision, and we are honored they chose to continue their academic and athletic careers here in Ruston.
“Our staff can’t wait to get them on campus, watch them compete in the red and blue and help them grow as players, students and young women. Bulldog Nation has a lot to be excited about.”
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