2025 Preview: Georgia

Softball America continues its 2025 previews with the Georgia Bulldogs. The Dawgs advanced to the Los Angeles Super Regional just a season ago but enter the season with a very different look. 

In his fourth season at the helm, Tony Baldwin may just have on of the most athletic squads in the country and getting his youthful roster ready to play SEC softball is his top priority. 

“I think we can be a really elite defensive team. The things that we have been training showed up in the batter’s box. We are not where we need to be yet, but I really like that the path that we are on and I am excited about this group.” 

Georgia Roster Movement

Impact Losses

UTL Jaiden Fields 
INF Sydney Kuma 
INF Jayda Kearney
UTL Sydney Chambley 
INF Ellie Armistead
INF Sara Mosley 
RHP Madison Kerpics
RHP Shelby Walters

Transfer Additions 

LHP Randi Roelling (Cal)

Freshman Class

INF Paislie Allen (No. 7 overall recruit in the 2024 Softball America class)
C Mua Williams (No. 14)
UTL Esther White (No. 48)
INF Tyah Charlton (No. 70)
UTL Mollie Mitchell
UTL Precious Bross 
RHP Ella Trout

Georgia Newcomers 

The Bulldogs are replacing nearly the entire starting lineup from a season ago. On paper, it looks like an impossible task. The eye test would argue otherwise. After witnessing a recent fall ball game against Walters State Community College, it’s safe to say the future is bright at Georgia.

With seven players in the freshman class; six shortstops and a pitcher, the Bulldogs clearly went after athleticism in the 2024 class. 

“They are all just used to just being into the middle of the field and I think that carries an athleticism and a softball IQ,” Baldwin said. “When they then go play an outfield spot or a different position there is a comfort there. The ability to be versatile and we have a bunch of players on the team that throw the ball well and catch the ball well, those are fundamentals to being a good defensive team is throwing and catching – the freshmen in particular have the ability to for it.”

The large recruiting class will have a huge impact on how the Dawgs fair in the SEC. With the addition of sophomore left-handed pitcher Randi Roelling and an influx of youth, Georgia will be a team to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

It’s a star-studded freshman class led by Paislie Allen and Mua Williams. Allen will most likely get the nod at shortstop showing incredible range, decision making and arm strength early in the fall. Allen led the U.S. U-18 national team to qualify for the 2025 World Cup with a tournament-leading 9 RBI. 

Williams is another name we will hear during the season. The Waimanalo, Hawaii native was recruited as a catcher but can easily slot in at third and first. A 6-foot Esther White across the diamond from Williams provides an intimidating site for opposing hitters. 

Precious Bross, Tyah Charlton and Mollie Mitchell round out the rest of the shortstops who can slot in anywhere on the diamond. 

Rookie right-hander Ella Troutt joins California transfer Roeling as the two new pitchers on the staff.

Roeling provides another option from the left side after throwing 133 innings with a 3.16 ERA last season.

“She’s just uber competitive. That’s the thing we love most about her,” said Baldwin about Roeling. “When she goes out in the circle she competes her butt off. While she is a lefty similar to Lilli, they are different in what they do. Her drop ball is just nasty and her rise ball is coming along with Chelsea work. If you’re going to pitch in the SEC you’ve got to be able to change speeds and she’s really shown the ability to do that. Her competitiveness, everyone wants to compete alongside her.”

Georgia Returners 

A mix of youthful energy with some veteran leaders may be deemed a recipe for success due to versatility on the diamond and athleticism up and down the lineup. 

Dallis Goodnight returned for her fifth season with the Dawgs and went to work in the offseason with the strength and conditioning coach. Goodnight is quicker – believe it or not – than a season ago and is putting up crazy exit velocity numbers at the plate. The fleet-footed outfielder’s .435 on-base percentage will help the offense get going at the top for returners like 

Jayden Goodwin and Lyndi Rae Davis. The pair provide loads of experience and will help bolster the top half of the lineup. Davis collected 40 RBI last year with seven home runs and six doubles. 

“I think the young players bring a youthful exuberance to the team and we’ve got enough veteran experience around that I think we are going to have a competitive group and look forward to continue to get better,” Baldwin said.

Sarah Gordon returns for her second with the Bulldogs (via Louisville) and looks much more comfortable in the Georgia system this fall.  

Hannah Davila and Tyler Ellison provide more flexibility in the infield and outfield as Davila is competing at third. 

Rachel Gibson and Lilli Backes return in the circle gaining loads of insight from both Madison Kerpics and Shelby Walters whom the Dawgs lost to graduation. Baldwin has been very impressed with Gibson to start the season.

“I thought the pitching was really sharp. Rachel Gibson has been throwing the ball really well and to see her carry that out into a game was really exciting to see.” 

Gibson tossed just 13 innings a season ago compared to Lilli Backes who tossed 180.2 innings. Backes posted a 19-7 record with a 2.71 ERA in her first season with UGA. 

“The good thing is we have versatility so we can play some matchup things. About half of the lineup.”

Georgia Projected Lineup 

CF Dallis Goodnight 
2B Emily Digby
LF Jayden Goodwin
C Sara Gordon
DP Lindi Rae Davis
RF Tyler Ellison 
1B Mua Williams 
3B Hannah Davila
SS Paislie Allen 

RHP Gibson
LHP Backes
RHP Howard
LHP Roelling 
RHP Trout 

Editor’s Note: These projections are predictions based on previous positions and conversations with coaches. This is a gentle reminder that a lot can change between now and February.