News Summary
Texas A&M softball has announced the transfer of seasoned left-handed pitcher Taylor Pannell from the University of Missouri. With a career ERA of 2.75 and impressive stats, Pannell’s addition is a strategic move to bolster the Aggies’ pitching lineup, especially after the loss of star pitcher Emiley Kennedy. Pannell aims to make an impactful contribution in her final collegiate season, supported by a mix of experienced arms and young talent within the team, as they prepare for a challenging season ahead.
College Station, Texas – Texas A&M softball has bolstered its pitching roster with the transfer of Taylor Pannell, a seasoned left-handed pitcher from the University of Missouri. Head coach Trisha Ford announced Pannell’s addition via social media, marking a significant step in strengthening the Aggies’ bullpen for the upcoming season.
Pannell joins the Aggies as she enters her fourth year of college softball after three successful seasons at Missouri. Throughout her time there, she accumulated a career earned run average (ERA) of 2.75, having pitched 129.2 innings in total. During her junior season, she made seven starts among her 33 appearances, notching three saves and three complete games, showcasing her versatility and skill on the mound.
In the 2025 season, Pannell exhibited her striking ability by achieving a career-high of 69 strikeouts. Notably, during her freshman year, she demonstrated her prowess as a closer, earning six saves and tying the NCAA Division I record with 15 saves in 2024. Her remarkable history in collegiate softball includes holding the overall NCAA saves record with 24 career saves.
The timing of Pannell’s transfer is crucial for the Aggies, who suffered significant losses in their pitching lineup. The team recently saw the departure of star pitcher Emiley Kennedy, now competing in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, and senior Emily Leavitt, who played a vital role with a 2.54 ERA over her 17 appearances last season. Kennedy, in particular, leaves behind a notable absence after pitching 157.2 innings last season, indicating the weight of the responsibility that Pannell and her teammates will share this year.
With Pannell’s arrival, Texas A&M is expected to utilize a blend of experienced arms and young talent within its pitching staff. The existing bullpen is set to include an incoming senior, Grace Sparks, alongside junior Sidne Peters and sophomores Sydney Lessentine and Kate Munnerlyn. This mix of experience and youth will be pivotal in maintaining a competitive edge throughout the season.
Pannell’s past performance against Texas A&M is noteworthy, as she pitched 8.1 innings against the team in the 2025 season, allowing eight hits in a closely contested 4-3 loss. Her experience facing top-tier competition will be an asset she brings to her new team.
Expressing enthusiasm about her transition to Texas A&M, Pannell highlighted the program’s supportive environment and the superior coaching staff as key factors in her decision to transfer. As she approaches her final college season, Pannell aims to make a significant impact on the team’s aspirations of reaching the postseason.
The addition of Taylor Pannell not only fills a critical void in the Aggies’ pitching staff but also enhances overall team depth as Texas A&M prepares for a challenging season ahead. With a seasoned pitcher ready to contribute and a promising mix of talent, the Aggies are poised for what they hope to be a successful year.
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Texas Aggies
- USA Today: Aggies Wire
- Google Search: Taylor Pannell softball
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Scholar: Missouri softball statistics
- The Eagle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Softball
- Sports Illustrated TAMU News
- Google News: Texas A&M softball
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