Tech Softball adds trio of newcomers for 2024 season
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech Softball and head coach Craig Snider announced the addition of a trio of newcomers for the 2024 season on Friday afternoon.
The Red Raiders welcome in a pair of SEC transfers in Aubrey Barnhart (Alabama) and Jenna Lord (Ole Miss), along with an incoming freshman Makayla Madrid to the 2024 roster.
Barnhart comes to Lubbock after spending the last two seasons at Alabama, where she appeared in 28 games and made 13 starts in her career with the Crimson Tide. The Pleasant View, Tennessee native made 24 appearances and 11 starts during the 2022 campaign, batting .200 with seven hits, seven runs scored and a pair of doubles.
The utility was a stud coming out of Goodpasture Christian School, where she was named the 2020 Gatorade Tennessee State Player of the Year and was the 2019 Tennessee Coaches Association Division II/AA Miss Softball.
“Aubrey is a power lefty that brings versatility on the corners and behind the plate,” Snider said. “Her experience in the SEC will help our club grow. I’m so excited to see her flourish in our culture!”
Lord checks into the Hub City after a season with Ole Miss and a season at Alabama. As a sophomore for the Rebels, Lord appeared in 21 games and made 12 starts en route to a .235 batting average with a pair of doubles.
She spent her freshman season with the Crimson Tide, where she appeared in 45 games, making 30 starts. The Trussville, Alabama native split time between second base, right field and the DP. Lord batted at a .289 clip with six doubles, a pair of home runs and 19 RBIs. She went an impressive 5-for-9 with four RBIs in the 2022 NCAA Regional.
“I’ve known Jenna for many years and always wanted to coach her. She has a high IQ as a ball player and she will help us in the infield and bring big game experience,” Snider said.
Madrid is an incoming freshman catcher from Cibolo, Texas. A Steele High School standout, Madrid appeared in 89 games with the Knights and put up a .404 batting average, 93 hits, 20 home runs, 75 RBIs and a .525 on-base percentage over her career.
A three-time First Team All-District selection, Madrid was named the first ever 27-6A All-District MVP in Steele High School history during her senior campaign. Setting the single-season home run record in her final year at Steele with 12, Madrid also earned All-State honors and First Team Academic All-District.
“Makayla is a big bat from the left side, with a big-time arm behind the plate. I’m so excited for her future as a Red Raider,” Snider added.
–TECH—
Release provided by Casey Montalvo Texas Tech Athletics
