LSU Softball Adds 11 New Players for 2026 Season

Head coach Beth Torina brings in 5 transfers and 6 high school recruits, the most newcomers in program history.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:47pm

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LSU softball head coach Beth Torina is entering her 15th season with a roster that features 11 new players, the most newcomers in program history. The Tigers are adding 5 transfers, including 3 from SEC schools, as well as 6 high school recruits to complement their 12 returning players, 7 of whom were starters last season.

Why it matters

LSU softball has been a consistent powerhouse in the SEC, making the NCAA Tournament 13 times in Torina's 14 seasons. Bringing in this influx of new talent, especially from the transfer portal, signals the program's commitment to maintaining its elite status and competing for championships.

The details

The 5 transfers joining the Tigers are: Paytn Monticelli (pitcher, Oklahoma), Ally Hutchins (3B, Kentucky), Char Lorenz (utility, Louisville), Cece Cellura (pitcher, San Diego State), and Kylee Edwards (infielder, Mississippi State). The 6 high school recruits round out the 11 newcomers. Torina said the roster additions were designed to add more right-handed pitching and power offense.

  • LSU opens its season at home in the Tiger Classic on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • The Tigers will face NC State in their first game of the year on February 5 at 6 p.m. CT.

The players

Beth Torina

The head coach of LSU softball, entering her 15th season leading the program.

Jayden Heavener

Sophomore pitcher who returns as one of LSU's key starters.

Tori Edwards

Reigning SEC Freshman of the Year, returning as a key offensive piece for the Tigers.

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What they’re saying

“There's no substitute for experience, and we're lucky LSU supported us in this quest to go out and add some of these transfers to our roster. We thought what we did in the offseason was a home run.”

— Beth Torina, Head Coach

“We thought our portal class was as good as anybody's, but for what we needed right here at LSU, it was a home run. The roster was designed to add right-handers and add power offense, so we feel like we got that.”

— Beth Torina, Head Coach

What’s next

LSU will look to integrate the 11 new players into the roster and prepare for the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

LSU softball is reloading with a major influx of new talent, including 5 high-profile transfers, as the program aims to maintain its status as an SEC and national powerhouse under veteran head coach Beth Torina.