Texas Tech’s Jackie Lis, Kaitlyn Terry on being named NFCA All-Americans
Texas Tech’s Jackie Lis, Kaitlyn Terry on being named NFCA All-Americans
Texas Tech softball is reloading after its second consecutive runner-up finish at the Women’s College World Series to Texas.
The Red Raiders added former LSU pitcher Jayden Heavener via the transfer portal on Saturday, June 13, she announced on social media. Heavener is the No. 1-ranked pitcher and No. 7 player in the transfer portal, according to On3’s rankings.
The 5-foot-6 sophomore finished the 2026 season with a 2.81 ERA and 128 strikeouts in 139 1/3 innings pitched, while tossing 16 complete games in her 22 starts. She threw a complete game against Oklahoma in March, allowing only two hits with no earned runs and four strikeouts in the win.
Heavener will help alleviate the loss of two-time national player of the year NiJaree Canady, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2026 AUSL Draft. Heavener will pair in the circle with returning All-American Kaitlyn Terry, a two-way star with another year of eligibility left.
Heavener is one of two LSU standouts to have hit the transfer portal already this offseason, along with 2025 All-American Tori Edwards, who batted .284 with 12 home runs and 45 RBIs in 2026. Jada Phillips, Destiny Harris and Maddox McKee have also entered for LSU.
Texas Tech softball has made its mark in the transfer portal in its two seasons under coach Gerry Glasco. The Red Raiders made their first super regional appearance in program history in both 2025 and 2026, and advanced all the way to the national championship in both seasons.
Texas Tech is hoping Heavener’s addition can keep up its contender status moving forward.
