To the delight of everyone involved, Alyson Habetz will formally be introduced as UL’s new softball coach at 11 a.m. Friday.
Habetz and her staff face quite a few challenges to keep the ball rolling after a 45-19 NCAA regional finals campaign that was followed by Gerry Glasco leaving for Texas Tech after seven seasons in Lafayette.
With five standout players already in the transfer portal, exactly what kind of roster does Habetz inherit to begin her tenure?
Before getting to some possible scenarios, it must be understood nothing is written in stone when a new coach arrives.
For example, Glasco’s Cajuns ended the season with Cecilia Vasquez at shortstop, Alexa Langeliers at second base, Sam Roe at first and Brooke Ellestad at third.
Even if Ellestad doesn't leave town, Habetz could easily shift those positions several different ways or possibly insert different starters in the infield.
It’s also probable Habetz’s influence will produce several transfer portal additions after the fall season.
Naturally, if any of the five portal departures — Mihyia Davis, Chloe Riassetto, Victoria Valdez, Lauren Allred, Ellestad — return, they’ll likely resume their starting roles.
Before we learn Habetz’s preferences and any future player movement, here’s how the roster currently projects.
If no Valdez, the catcher spot may be the biggest question mark, making it a prime candidate for a late portal addition.
Remember, Roe has experience as a catcher and incoming freshman Mia Norwood from North DeSoto swung a big bat in a storied high school career and possesses a rocket arm.
Between Roe, Vasquez, Langeliers and if Ellestad returns, the infield appears as set as any area on the team.
Incoming freshman Emily Smith from Kountze, Texas, brings an elite power bat to the program. Depending on how long she takes to make the Division I adjustment, she could be a solution at first base with Allred in the portal.
The outfield is another area the next transfer portal period may address.
The mainstay is Maddie Hayden in left or perhaps moving to center to replace Davis. Also, don't forget Hayden has played in the infield too in her career. We’ll see where Habetz views her value.
Other returnees include Laney Credeur's bat, Kayla Falterman's efficiency and the raw athleticism of Dayzja Williams.
During his stay here, Glasco often described the inexperienced walk-on Williams as “the next Mihyia Davis.” Sure, that’s a big stretch at this juncture. We’ll see how Habetz assesses her year-two potential.
Incoming freshman hitter Lily Knox from Simi Valley, California was another one of the more highly touted newcomers.
Speaking of the incoming freshman class, that’s one group UL fans don’t have to worry about. Glasco’s contract at UL prevents any of the incoming freshman from going with him to Texas Tech, unless the Red Raiders were previously recruiting them.
Smith is the only one Texas Tech recruited, but she’s expected to remain in Cajun Country.
That leaves the other uncertain area on the field — in the circle.
Before all the changes, all signs pointed to the 2025 Cajuns riding the arms of Sam Landry and Riassetto.
With Riassetto in the portal, Landry would be the anchor with several intriguing pieces of clay to work with.
Lexie Delbrey showed some signs late last season a year after transferring from Florida. If she could fully put her injuries behind her, she has College World Series experience.
Sam Ryan had the team's lowest ERA in the fall and January camp last season, but failed to deliver in the regular season in her first Division I season. Perhaps a new coaching staff could help her reach her potential.
Glasco was also planning for 6-foot-1 incoming freshman Mallory Wheeler from Florida to get her fair share of innings in the spring.
Most likely, any portal activity would include an arm or two.
Keeping score through that rundown, it’s not difficult to envision another Sun Belt Conference championship team emerging from that roster, especially with two of the Sun Belt’s top arms graduating.
Stay healthy and add a few nice portal pieces, there’s no reason not to predict another nice season for the Cajuns.
Glasco certainly inherited a bigger rebuild in 2018.
It’s just a matter of overcoming the growing NIL funding obstacles down the road.
