Softball Adds Six in 2026 Signing Class
November 17, 2025 | Softball
Mackenzie Bacha, Lauren Kennedy, Grace King, Sophie Klawitter, Taylor Rebhan, and Addy Trackwell will join the Cards for the 2027 season.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville Softball team and head coach Holly Aprile announced the addition of six student-athletes to the Cardinals' 2026 signing class. Outfielder Mackenzie Bacha, outfielder Lauren Kennedy, catcher/first baseman Grace King, right-handed pitcher Sophie Klawitter, infielder Taylor Rebhan, and utility player Addy Trackwell have all signed National Letters of Intent and will join the program for the 2027 season.
The class features top talent from Illinois, Florida, and Indiana, blending speed, power, pitching depth, and versatility. With multiple All-State selections, national honors, high-level club experience, and strong leadership qualities, the 2026 class brings a balanced and impactful group designed to elevate the program's future.
"Our 2026 signing class combines an exciting mix of speed, power, and toughness that will help us continue to build a winning culture both on and off the field," said Coach Aprile. "Mack, Lauren, Grace, Sophie, Taylor and Addy all know what it means to be a great teammate, and their collective work ethic, passion, and love for the game shines through in all they do. We are thrilled to welcome these six outstanding young women to the Louisville Softball family!"
Mackenzie Bacha
Position: OF
Hometown: Frankfort, Ill.
High School: Lincoln-Way East
Travel Team: Beverly Bandits
Awards & Honors:
Why Louisville:
"I chose Louisville because of the competitive environment that is created every day. The coaches and the players are not only excited, but driven to learn new things about themselves, softball, and life in general. It is a place where people are given the chance to grow, compete, and have fun at the same time. I am beyond excited to play with the current players and the rest of my class. I can't wait for our class to make an impact and learn from some amazing players and coaches!"
Lauren Kennedy
Position: OF
Hometown: Naperville, Ill.
High School: St. Francis
Travel Team: Illinois Chill
Awards & Honors:
Why Louisville:
"I am so very excited to join Louisville Softball and compete with amazing teammates and coaches who push each other to be great! I am incredibly excited about the competitive energy our class offers. We are a talented group ready to push each other in practice and contribute to the ultimate goal of winning an ACC Championship!"
Grace King
Position: C/1B
Hometown: Round Lake, Ill.
High School: Carmel Catholic
Travel Team: Beverly Bandits
Awards & Honors:
Why Louisville:
"I am excited to join the Louisville Softball program because I like the family feel that comes with the school and I get to continue my softball journey after travel ball ends. I am most excited to see how far we can make it, and our class is like-minded and wants to do things that have never been done before."
Sophie Klawitter
Position: RHP
Hometown: Frankfort, Ill.
High School: Peotone
Travel Team: Beverly Bandits
Awards & Honors:
Why Louisville:
"I am so excited to join Louisville Softball and for the opportunity to compete at a high level! I am most excited to compete for a conference championship!"
Taylor Rebhan
Position: INF
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Somerset Academy Charter
Travel Team: Miami Stingrays
Awards & Honors:
Why Louisville:
"I am super excited to be a part of Louisville Softball, because the coaches and players made me feel at home, somewhere where I can be myself and appreciated. I can't wait to cheer on all the different Louisville sports teams! I am excited for the opportunity to win an ACC Championship. L's Up!"
Addy Trackwell
Position: IF/OF
Hometown: New Palestine, Ind.
High School: Eastern Hancock
Travel Team: Beverly Bandits
Awards & Honors:
Why Louisville:
"I am excited to join Louisville Softball and continue developing as a player in a program that pushes for excellence on and off the field. Joining Louisville is a dream come true, and I am excited to represent a program that embodies hard work, family, and pride! I am most excited to help grow the team as much as possible. Helping win the ACC is a huge goal for my class!"
The class features top talent from Illinois, Florida, and Indiana, blending speed, power, pitching depth, and versatility. With multiple All-State selections, national honors, high-level club experience, and strong leadership qualities, the 2026 class brings a balanced and impactful group designed to elevate the program's future.
"Our 2026 signing class combines an exciting mix of speed, power, and toughness that will help us continue to build a winning culture both on and off the field," said Coach Aprile. "Mack, Lauren, Grace, Sophie, Taylor and Addy all know what it means to be a great teammate, and their collective work ethic, passion, and love for the game shines through in all they do. We are thrilled to welcome these six outstanding young women to the Louisville Softball family!"
Mackenzie Bacha
Position: OF
Hometown: Frankfort, Ill.
High School: Lincoln-Way East
Travel Team: Beverly Bandits
Awards & Honors:
- 2025 NFCA First Team All-Region
- 2025 ICA First Team All-State
- PGF All-American Watchlist
Why Louisville:
"I chose Louisville because of the competitive environment that is created every day. The coaches and the players are not only excited, but driven to learn new things about themselves, softball, and life in general. It is a place where people are given the chance to grow, compete, and have fun at the same time. I am beyond excited to play with the current players and the rest of my class. I can't wait for our class to make an impact and learn from some amazing players and coaches!"
Position: OF
Hometown: Naperville, Ill.
High School: St. Francis
Travel Team: Illinois Chill
Awards & Honors:
- Three-time All-Conference
- 2024 & 2025 ICA All-State
- PGF All-American Watchlist
Why Louisville:
"I am so very excited to join Louisville Softball and compete with amazing teammates and coaches who push each other to be great! I am incredibly excited about the competitive energy our class offers. We are a talented group ready to push each other in practice and contribute to the ultimate goal of winning an ACC Championship!"
Position: C/1B
Hometown: Round Lake, Ill.
High School: Carmel Catholic
Travel Team: Beverly Bandits
Awards & Honors:
- 2023 & 2025 ICA All-State
- Silver Medalist, Team Italy, 18U 2025 Triple Crown International Challenge
- Extra Innings Softball National Club Player of the Week (2023)
- Ranked No. 32 in Extra Elite 100 (Class of 2026)
Why Louisville:
"I am excited to join the Louisville Softball program because I like the family feel that comes with the school and I get to continue my softball journey after travel ball ends. I am most excited to see how far we can make it, and our class is like-minded and wants to do things that have never been done before."
Position: RHP
Hometown: Frankfort, Ill.
High School: Peotone
Travel Team: Beverly Bandits
Awards & Honors:
- 2024 & 2025 ICA All-State, All-Conference, All-Area
- Back-to-back 300+ strikeout seasons
- 2023 & 2024 Special Olympics National Youth Ambassador
- National Honor Society Member
Why Louisville:
"I am so excited to join Louisville Softball and for the opportunity to compete at a high level! I am most excited to compete for a conference championship!"
Position: INF
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Somerset Academy Charter
Travel Team: Miami Stingrays
Awards & Honors:
- Two-time Miami-Dade Player of the Year
- Five-time First Team All-Dade
- Led Somerset to its first state championship (2025)
- Holds school records in doubles, triples, home runs, RBIs, and stolen bases
Why Louisville:
"I am super excited to be a part of Louisville Softball, because the coaches and players made me feel at home, somewhere where I can be myself and appreciated. I can't wait to cheer on all the different Louisville sports teams! I am excited for the opportunity to win an ACC Championship. L's Up!"
Position: IF/OF
Hometown: New Palestine, Ind.
High School: Eastern Hancock
Travel Team: Beverly Bandits
Awards & Honors:
- All-Conference Player of the Year (2024, 2025)
- All-County Player of the Year (2024, 2025)
- 2025 IHSAA Second Team All-State
- Ranked No. 27 in the Class of 2026 by Line Drive Media
Why Louisville:
"I am excited to join Louisville Softball and continue developing as a player in a program that pushes for excellence on and off the field. Joining Louisville is a dream come true, and I am excited to represent a program that embodies hard work, family, and pride! I am most excited to help grow the team as much as possible. Helping win the ACC is a huge goal for my class!"
Highlights: Louisville SB vs. No. 18 Florida State (Gm. 1)
Thursday, July 11
Highlights: Louisville SB at Boston College
Sunday, May 05
SB: Daisy Hess and Sam Booe Postgame vs. #22/21 Clemson
Saturday, April 27
Highlights: Louisville SB vs. No. 22/21 Clemson (Gm. 2)
Saturday, April 27
