Texas A&M softball head coach Jo Evans has announced the addition of two transfers in pitcher Kendall Potts and infielder Ashlynn Walls. Both are eligible to compete immediately.
“Kendall Potts knows what it takes to compete at the collegiate level and has proven success in a Power 5 conference,” Evans said. “She brings experience to our young staff and I’m excited for her to take on the challenge of competing in the SEC.
“Ashlynn Walls brings athleticism to our infield and has a year of collegiate experience at the shortstop position. She is a hard worker and eager for the opportunity to compete for a position in our lineup.”
Potts, who earned her undergraduate degree in health, kinesiology and leisure studies and has two years of eligibility remaining, was a standout pitcher for the Baylor Bears, registering a career record of 21-4.
As a sophomore in 2016, Potts appeared in 35 games and recorded a team-best 1.93 ERA and a 13-1 (.929) record, the highest single-season winning percentage in program history. The right-hander struck out 82 batters in 105.1 innings and held opposing hitters to a .203 average.
Potts earned a spot on the 2015 All-Big 12 Freshman Team after finishing the season with an 8-3 record including a 2-0 ledger in conference play. She was second on the team in innings pitched (94.2) and strikeouts (57).
The two-time Big 12 Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll member appeared in five games in 2017 before receiving a medical redshirt.
Potts played four seasons of varsity softball for head coach and Aggie softball alumna Michelle Mayfield as a pitcher at Mansfield Legacy High School in Mansfield, Texas. She helped her team to a 94-27 record during her four-year career and four playoff appearances, including a district championship as a sophomore in 2012. Potts was named the District 5-5A Pitcher of the Year in 2012, before missing most of her junior season with a wrist injury.
As a senior, she rebounded with a 1.86 ERA and averaged 12.4 strikeouts per appearance. Offensively, she hit .492 and earned a spot on the All-District 15-4A first team. She was named to the Dallas Morning News All-Area team twice, including a first-team selection in 2014 and academic all-district three times. Potts played club ball for Houston’s Impact Gold.
“I am grateful to the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this team and represent Texas A&M on the field,” Potts said. “I am excited to start this new volume of my life as an Aggie.”
Walls, a sophomore from UTSA, has three years of eligibility remaining. A member of the Conference USA All-Freshman Team, Walls ended her season with a .299 batting average and was second on the team in home runs (5), doubles (10) and slugging percentage (.469).
The Pearland, Texas, native, who started 49 games at shortstop, held a .957 fielding percentage with 80 putouts and 96 assists.
At Pearland High School, she was a four-year starter under head coach Laniegh Clark. Walls was a four-time first team all-district selection and a three-time all-state honoree. As a senior, she hit .492 and was named the team’s MVP and earned a spot in the TGCA All-Star Game. A member of the National Honor Society, Walls played club ball with Texas Aces Express.
“I have been a fan of Texas A&M ever since I was a little girl,” Walls said. “To have the opportunity to become a part of such an amazing team is surreal.”
The Aggies are coming off a 44-18 season and advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals for the second consecutive year.
