Lawson Expecting 'Big Things' From Freshman Abby Hammond

Kentucky softball coach says new pitcher could be a key contributor this season.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Kentucky softball coach Rachel Lawson is expecting big things from freshman pitcher Abby Hammond this season. Hammond, a two-time Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year, has impressed Lawson with her maturity, work ethic, and ability to keep hitters off balance with her precise control. Lawson believes Hammond could be a valuable reliever who can come in and "mitigate the risks" of the team's power pitchers. The coach compared Hammond's style to legendary closer Mariano Rivera. Despite being just a freshman, Hammond has already developed strong trust and chemistry with her veteran teammates.

Why it matters

Kentucky softball is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 31-28 season in 2025. The team's pitching staff, led by returning starters Sarah Haendiges and Carson Fall, as well as transfer McKenzie Oslanzi, is expected to be the strength of the team. Freshman Abby Hammond could be a key piece of that pitching rotation, providing a different look as a control specialist to complement the team's power arms.

The details

Hammond, a two-time Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year, was a prolific high school hitter with a .571 career batting average. But it's her pitching that Kentucky needs most this season. Lawson says Hammond can "keep the pitch count low" and "keep hitters off balance" with her drop balls and ability to change speeds. The coach believes Hammond's maturity and coachability will allow her to thrive in whatever role she's asked to fill, whether that's as a starter or a reliever.

  • Hammond made just two appearances on the mound for a total of two innings to start the season, but has started three games and is hitting .308 in seven games.
  • Kentucky is 6-4 after a 10-game swing to California to open the season.

The players

Rachel Lawson

The head coach of the Kentucky softball team.

Abby Hammond

A freshman pitcher for the Kentucky softball team who was a two-time Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year in high school with 1,132 career strikeouts.

Sarah Haendiges

A returning starting pitcher for the Kentucky softball team.

Carson Fall

A sophomore pitcher for the Kentucky softball team who finished the 2025 season strong.

McKenzie Oslanzi

A transfer pitcher from Eastern Illinois who had 41 wins and a 2.24 ERA over the last two seasons, earning Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year honors.

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What they’re saying

“We have power pitchers who can really spin the ball but later in games that can be high risk, high reward. Somebody like Abby can come in and mitigate those risks. She could be a starter, but she is a really good person to bring in late in game. She can keep the pitch count low and that's what you want from a reliever.”

— Rachel Lawson, Kentucky softball coach (yoursportsedge.com)

“I do like coming in as a reliever. It's a challenge, for sure, because you don't know what situation you're going to come into, but I think it's really exciting. You get thrown into situations and you want to be the person that is reliable. I'm excited to support the team in whatever role that is and come in with a calm mindset.”

— Abby Hammond (yoursportsedge.com)

“I can get a little bit nervous. I'm sure I'll be nervous this year, but I think the thing that works for me the best is just a deep breath. I can do that and you are not showing you are rattled. That's something we've really emphasized at UK, just taking a deep breath, resetting your mind.”

— Abby Hammond (yoursportsedge.com)

The takeaway

Abby Hammond's maturity, work ethic, and pitching style could make her a valuable asset for the Kentucky softball team this season as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. Her ability to come in as a reliever and "mitigate the risks" of the team's power pitchers, combined with her strong chemistry with her veteran teammates, could be key factors in the Wildcats' success.