Earlier this week, head coach Karen Weekly and Tennessee softball gained three commitments for the 2028 class. Kenzie White (Clarksville, Tenn.), Sophia Galindo (Hollister, Calif.), and Nevaeh Wilson (Corona, Calif.), all pledged in a 24 hour span.
In looking at all three commits, Weekly and the Lady Vols are building their identity for a strong and diverse offense in the future. Each player brings different strengths that will only develop further over time. Another thing in common, in talking with each, they’re all excited to work with associate head coach Ehren Earleywine. He is a great teacher of hitting.
Kenzie White
White, the in-state commit, is said to have one of the prettiest, most violent swings according to her travel ball coach, Michael Pardue. In her 2026 season at Clarksville High School, where she garnered All-State recognition, White hit .632 with a 2.111 OPS, 20 home runs with 16 doubles, 11 triples, 41 RBIs and 71 runs scored.
Her summer travel production was great as well. She hit .482 with an OPS of 1.340, six home runs, 14 doubles, 40 RBIs and 40 runs scored. That came against some of the best competition across the country.
So, what really jumps out to me about White, is her power and ability to turn her swings into extra base hits. That is something this program definitely needs more of going forward. She is also fired up to get to work with Earleywine, who has been tracking her for a while.
“Ehren has been keeping up with me for a few years, and I’m so thankful for the time he has put into me!” White said. “He has been very successful in improving hitters across many schools, and I can’t wait to apply his teaching to my swing!”
Sophia Galindo
Galindo hit .417 with 10 home runs and a 1.559 OPS last season out in the state of California. A mentally tough player who is ready to take the next step as an effective player, she carries real belief in what she brings to the fold. What stands out to me with Galindo is the combination of the power and the makeup. The bat is already there, and she knows exactly what she offers.
“Some of my biggest strengths are being a mentally tough player who can rise to tough situations and handle pressure,” Galindo said. “I have a really strong bat and a good glove, and I’m also a strong communicator.”
As a corner infielder, Galindo can handle both spots, and third base is no easy place to play. The hot corner asks for quick hands, fearless reactions on balls hit hard, and the arm to make the long throw across the diamond. That she trusts her glove there, on top of the bat, tells you she is not afraid of the action.
Nevaeh Wilson
Wilson carries the highest national profile of the three. The Corona, Calif., infielder is a member of the U-18 National Team and comes in ranked No. 32 overall in the 2028 class per Softball America. She plays her travel ball for the Firecrackers under Tony Rico.
At the plate, Wilson is a slapper who can flip the switch and drive the ball when the situation calls for it.
“I can totally let it rip,” Wilson said. “The way I hit in games is based on the situation at hand. If there’s a runner in scoring position, I’m hitting away. I’m trying to drive the ball out of the infield.”
Defensively she is a smooth middle infielder with the range to get to just about anything. For Wilson, the Earleywine fit is a natural one. He is a slapper in his own right, and that gives her a hitting coach who speaks her language at the plate. What jumps out to me with Wilson is the versatility. She can beat you with her legs, her glove or her bat, and that is the kind of player who only gets more dangerous as she keeps rounding out her game.
There will be more to come for the 2028 class, but Weekly and her staff have gotten off to a great start. The versatility is taking shape already, and I love the cross country commits. Taking two out of the state of California says a lot about the vision and culture of this program.
