South Alabama Jaguars women’s softball program has added six transfer players to its 2025 recruiting class, bringing the total number of newcomers to 11. Head coach Becky Clark announced the additions on Friday.
“Our goal with transfers this year was to focus on pitching, power, and speed, and we will definitely take a step forward in each of those categories,” Clark said. “I’m really excited about the athleticism and quality of players we have added, and look forward to the immediate impact all of them bring to our program. This Fall will be big as we introduce them to our system and integrate them in with a very talented group of returners.”
The six new transfers are Kayden Dunn (Troy), Reganied Franka (Odessa Junior College), Kiaedy “Edy” Gavin (Southern Union Junior College), Virginia Mambelli (Florida Southwestern Junior College), Sydney Stewart (Flagler College), and Ella Ussery (North Alabama). They join five recruits who were previously announced: Gracie Dees, Cailyn Heyl, Gracie McDonald, Lillie Stagner, and Kara Wine.
Kayden Dunn played three seasons at Troy University, appearing in 136 games with 81 starts. Last season she batted .310 with 39 hits, including six doubles and eight home runs. She also drove in 29 runs. Before college, Dunn was twice named Alabama 1A Hitter of the Year at Brantley High School.
Reganied Franka comes from Odessa Junior College in Texas where she helped her team win four straight conference titles and reach the NJCAA College World Series. Over two years she hit .348 with a .611 slugging percentage and stole 58 bases. Franka set a school record for career walks.
Kiaedy “Edy” Gavin joins after one season at Southern Union Junior College where she batted .402 with a .680 slugging percentage. She had 78 hits—30 for extra bases—and stole 47 bases out of 48 attempts. In high school at Fairhope, Gavin contributed to her team’s run to the state championship game.
Virginia Mambelli played at Florida Southwestern Junior College where she finished as a .378 hitter with 30 doubles and 108 RBIs over her career. She earned NJCAA Third-Team All-America honors last season while helping her team finish as national runners-up.
Sydney Stewart spent two seasons at Flagler College hitting .394 with a .715 slugging percentage. She set several program records including career batting average and slugging percentage. Last spring she led her team in multiple offensive categories and was named to the NFCA Division II Player and Pitcher of the Year Watch List.
Ella Ussery transfers from North Alabama after appearing in three games as a freshman pitcher. At Spain Park High School she recorded over 500 strikeouts during her prep career.
The new recruits are expected to strengthen South Alabama’s roster ahead of the upcoming season.
For more information about South Alabama Jaguars women’s softball or updates on their roster, visit their official athletics website at https://usajaguars.com/.
