Tiger softball is officially back. With a fresh coach of paint around Tiger Park, and a fresh roster, the team is preparing to kickoff their 14th season under Head Coach Beth Torina.
While staple players like pitcher Sydney Berzon, catcher Maci Bergeron, and outfielder McKenzie Redoutey will be returning to the diamond, Tiger fans can look forward to changes across the whole program.
The addition of standout transfers like Avery Hodge (Oklahoma), Jalia Lassister (Ole Miss) and Ashley Vallejo (McNeese) will bring added depth to the roster. These transfers will notably fill positions left empty by 2024 graduates Taylor Pleasants and Ciara Briggs.
Coach Torina said the changes on the roster are not the only changes coming to the field for the Tigers.
“We have all these great pieces. Is it going to look different? Yes…We are going to play a little different brand of LSU Softball but it’s still going to be a great brand of LSU Softball,” Torina said.
In addition to the new faces on the team, players can look forward to powerhouse hitter Danieca Coffey returning to the batter’s box. Coffey suffered an ACL tear early in the season last year. A
At the time of her injury, Coffey led the team offensively with .404 batting average.
When asked about her motivations for returning to the team, Coffey spoke of her love for the sport.
“I’m just here because I love the game, that's it. If I didn’t love it, I wouldnt play anymore,” Coffey said.
When asked what opponents might need to watch out for, the Tigers spoke about this 2025 team’s not-so-secret weapon.
“We are very fast but we also have power, I think that's a great combination to have,” outfielder Jalia Lassiter said.
“I think this team is very fast, very fast paced. I think this is the fastest team we have had in years. I think that element is going to make people think twice about things,” infielder Danieca Coffey said.
ALong with ace Sydney Berzon, the LSU pitching staff is getting a freshman phenom in Jayden Heavener.
Heavener will be the first left-handed pitcher LSU Softball has had in almost 30 years, Coach Torina says the program is lucky to have her.
“She is really special…I think she's thrown about 10 innings so far in scrimmages, our team has two hits,” Torina said.
Heavener was awarded the 2024 Florida Gatorade Player of the Year, and graced two preseason top 100 lists.
The Tigers are currently ranked 9th in the USA Softball Preseason poll. They will kick off their season at Tiger park on February 7th against Charlotte.
