STEPHENVILLE, TX - Tarleton State University Softball announced the signing of seven future Texans as part of it’s Class of 2026, bolstering the program’s roster with talent from Arizona adn Texas. The incoming class features a diverse skillset across multiple positions, signaling a commitment to building a competitive team for years to come.
The seven signees - Avery Barnard, Journey Denton, Brooklyn Farmer, Lucy Sharon, Kodee Statler, Addi Young, and Morgan Wood – represent a significant step forward for the Texan softball program as it prepares for the 2026 season. All seven players will complete their senior seasons before joining the team next fall, aiming to contribute to Tarleton State’s continued success in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Avery Barnard, an outfielder from Leander, Texas, played four years of varsity softball for Leander High School.She earned District 25-5A First Team honors as a junior and is a three-time Academic All-District selection. Barnard spent ten years with Buzz Gold, where she was teammates with fellow Texan signees Brooklyn Farmer, addi Young, and Journey Denton. She is the daughter of Scott and Megan Barnard and has two brothers, Evan and Rhett, and intends to major in public health.
Journey Denton is an infielder/outfielder from Celina, texas, and played for celina High School. Brooklyn Farmer, a catcher/infielder from McKinney, Texas, played for McKinney North High School. Addi young, an infielder/outfielder from Frisco, Texas, played for Liberty High School.
Lucy sharon, a pitcher/infielder from Flower Mound, Texas, currently plays for the 18U Jazz squad. She is the daughter of Mike and Noelle Sharon and plans to major in animal science.
Kodee Statler, a pitcher and infielder from Dewey, arizona, is the program’s only out-of-state commit. Statler attends Bradshaw Mountain High school and was named to the 4A Grand Canyon Region first Team as a sophomore. As a junior, she was named Region Offensive Player of the Year and earned Conference Player of the Year and All-Conference First Team honors.Statler played seven seasons for Rogue FC Kaye and is the daughter of Walter and Lindsey Statler. She has one brother, Bo, and intends to major in animal science.
Morgan Wood, a pitcher/first base from Burleson, Texas, played for Burleson High School.
The Texans will open their 2026 season at the Runnin’ Bulldog Classic in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, on February 6, 2026, with games against Youngstown State (twice), Furman (twice), and Gardner-Webb.
