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2023 Pac-12 Softball Tournament

May 10-13, 2023 | Tucson, AZ | Hillenbrand Stadium

1 freshman to know from each Pac-12 softball team in 2023

Feb 6, 2023
Photo of Dakota Kennedy courtesy of Arizona Athletics

The Pac-12 softball is always filled with the game’s best players. Who are the next stars coming in as freshmen? Here is one freshman from each program to know before the 2023 season. 

Arizona — Dakota Kennedy, OF

As the Wildcats transitioned to the 2023 season, they had a need in the outfield. That’s why Dakota Kennedy, the No. 1 center fielder in the class according to Extra Innings Softball, will get a lot of playing time as a freshman. Kennedy will fit right in with the sluggers of Arizona as she holds a ton of power from the left side. It also helps playing under the likes of Caitlin Lowe, a legendary outfielder herself.

Arizona State — Kylee Magee, P

Kylee Magee becomes the most recent member of the Magee family to play in Tempe. Both her older brothers were Sun Devils as well. Her sister-in-law is also former ASU softball ace and national champion Dallas Escobedo. That’s not the only reason she’s a Sun Devil. Magee is one of the best arms from this recruiting class. She had an excellent career at Canyon High School in Anaheim and the Sun Angels travel ball team. She’ll be expected to take a big role in the circle for first-year head coach Megan Bartlett.   

California — Tianna Bell, IF

Bell grew up only 40 miles away from Berkeley. There’s a good chance Bell starts in the infield from day one after she was ranked as No. 13 in Extra Innings' Under 18 rankings and 11th in the nation for her class. 

"A Bay Area native, Tianna comes to us from Antioch, and is one of the top corner infielders in the country," Cal head coach Chelsea Spencer said. "She has a strong arm and the ability to defend the hit, as well as the bunt. Her offensive capabilities will push others around her to be better, and will add much needed power to our lineup. She has a high softball IQ and will be able to lead us on the field for years to come." 

Oregon — Remmington Hewitt, UTL

Remmington Hewitt, the lone freshman on the Duck roster, will add flexibility to the lineup. Most of Oregon's position players are athletic enough to play multiple positions and Hewitt is no different. She can slot into almost any infield spot and catch. The Ducks saw a big jump in their home runs under first-year hitting coach Sam Marder and Hewitt can contribute to those numbers. 

Oregon State — Shay McDowell, OF

The Beavers got hot at the right time as they made their way to Oklahoma City last season. However, Oregon State head coach Laura Berg still wants to see better offensive numbers after the Beavers finished in the bottom half of the conference in most categories. Shaylen McDowell is a true triple-threat that can add speed and power to a lineup headlined by Frankie Hammoude and Kiki Escobar. 

Stanford — NiJaree Canady, P/1B

The Cardinal returned nearly all of its roster from its Super Regional appearance last season. That’s what makes NiJaree Canady such a huge addition to the team. Alana Vawter has become an ace and Regan Krause has been a great second arm behind her. Canady complements both well as more of a strikeout pitcher. She also adds power to a lineup that only hit 24 home runs last season, the fewest in the Pac-12. 

UCLA — Megan Grant, IF

The Bruins have a very talented freshman class coming in making it hard to pick one to highlight. Megan Grant will find a defensive spot one way or another because of how great of a hitter she is. Grant can play anywhere on the field and has a chance to be the team’s starting shortstop after Briana Perez exhausted her eligibility. Jordan Wooley and Taylor Tinsley are names to know as well. 

“Megan has been recognized as one of the best in her class as she was named to the USA Softball Junior national team this past summer,” said Kelly Inouye-Perez after 2021 signing day. “Megan is a power hitter from the left side and can play any position on the field. Megan is physically impressive and plays aggressively, using her strength and speed. Megan is a three-sport athlete in high school and has a baseball background. We look forward to seeing Megan at the collegiate level as I believe she will impact our lineup immediately."

Utah — Karlie Davidson, IF

When Amy Houge compares a player to former All-American Hannah Flippen, it speaks volumes of the talent she has. Karlie Davidson heads to Salt Lake City from Torrance, California after playing for Mike Stith’s Batbusters. The Utes’ top hitters from last year, Ellessa Bonstrom and Haley Denning, played multiple positions and Davidson’s glove at shortstop can let them play more natural spots too. 

Washington — Ruby Meylan, P

Who will absorb the innings left behind by the great Gabbie Plain? Ruby Meylan will be taking a good amount of them. Meylan brings her competitive fire and tall frame from Omaha, where she won the PGF Championship with Nebraska Gold. Heather Tarr will rely on the former Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year to fill one of the biggest roles in the Pac-12.