University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Softball America Includes Louisiana Duo on Freshman Watch List
1/14/2025 3:09:00 PM | Softball
Emily Smith and Mallory Wheeler set for Ragin’ Cajuns (and collegiate) debut this February
LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Softball freshman infielder Emily Smith and freshman pitcher Mallory Wheeler were both awarded a spot on the Softball America Freshman Watch List, which was published on Tuesday (January 14, 2025).
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Wheeler earns her second preseason honor just days after being named to the D100 Freshman Watch List by D1Softball. Smith collected her first preseason recognition.
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The Softball America Freshman Watch List is comprised of 170 freshmen across the Division I softball ranks with over 70 schools represented.
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The organization's writers selected individuals that they expect to have an opportunity to make an immediate impact in 2025 based on conversations with coaches and evaluations.
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Prior to arriving on campus this past fall, Smith was a prolific power hitter and run generator for Kountze (Texas) High School who ranked Top 15 nationally in home runs and RBI in spring 2024. Her senior season numbers included .587 batting average, 61 hits, 21 home runs and 72 RBI, resulting in her earning District 22-3A Offensive MVP a third straight year and receiving Max Preps All-American honors.
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Wheeler, who like Smith makes her collegiate debut this spring, recorded 700-plus strikeouts over 470-1/3 innings of work during her stellar prep career at Jensen Beach (Fla.) High School. She closed with back-to-back seasons with at least 250 strikeouts recorded, and crafted 42 victories for Jensen Beach. Her senior season was highlighted by a career-best 17 wins, 253 more strikeouts recorded and a second consecutive sub-1.30 ERA.
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Smith, Wheeler and the Ragin' Cajuns open up the 2025 season next month when they host the 39th Annual Louisiana Classics at Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park from February 6-9. Louisiana is scheduled to meet Seton Hall at 6:00 p.m. on the opening day of the tournament (Feb. 6), officially beginning the Alyson Habetz era.
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ABOUT LOUISIANA
The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Softball program's rich tradition includes six Women's College World Series appearances, eight NCAA Super Regional berths and 33 NCAA Regional appearances which ranks as seventh-most in NCAA history.
Louisiana (45-19, 22-2 SBC in 2024), the five-time reigning Sun Belt Conference regular season champions, made its 25th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance last spring which was highlighted by a national seed (No. 13) and host site at Lamson Park.
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The Ragin' Cajuns are currently preparing for the 2025 season which marks the first under Alyson Habetz's guidance. A celebrated Ragin' Cajuns student-athlete and renowned softball coach, she was named the fifth head coach in Louisiana Softball's storied history on June 25, 2024.
A native of nearby Crowley, Louisiana, Habetz ascends to the head coach ranks in her hometown area of the Acadiana region. A basketball and softball player for the Ragin' Cajuns from 1990-95, she returns to where her impactful contributions to women's athletics began.
Louisiana Softball season ticket are currently on sale, outfield general admission seating only, available for purchase online at RaginCajuns.com/tickets or by calling the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at (337) 482-GoUL (4685). Fans can also support the softball student athletes, and invest in the program's future, through the Krewe Allons NIL Collective (click here).
FOLLOW THE RAGIN' CAJUNS
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Facebook (/RaginCajunsSB), Twitter (@RaginCajunsSB) and Instagram (@Louisiana.SB) to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Louisiana Softball.
Fans are also encouraged to stay engaged with the Ragin' Cajuns by downloading the #GeauxCajuns app. Click here for iOS/Apple platforms and here for Android platforms.
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.
Wheeler earns her second preseason honor just days after being named to the D100 Freshman Watch List by D1Softball. Smith collected her first preseason recognition.
Â
The Softball America Freshman Watch List is comprised of 170 freshmen across the Division I softball ranks with over 70 schools represented.
Â
The organization's writers selected individuals that they expect to have an opportunity to make an immediate impact in 2025 based on conversations with coaches and evaluations.
Â
Prior to arriving on campus this past fall, Smith was a prolific power hitter and run generator for Kountze (Texas) High School who ranked Top 15 nationally in home runs and RBI in spring 2024. Her senior season numbers included .587 batting average, 61 hits, 21 home runs and 72 RBI, resulting in her earning District 22-3A Offensive MVP a third straight year and receiving Max Preps All-American honors.
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Wheeler, who like Smith makes her collegiate debut this spring, recorded 700-plus strikeouts over 470-1/3 innings of work during her stellar prep career at Jensen Beach (Fla.) High School. She closed with back-to-back seasons with at least 250 strikeouts recorded, and crafted 42 victories for Jensen Beach. Her senior season was highlighted by a career-best 17 wins, 253 more strikeouts recorded and a second consecutive sub-1.30 ERA.
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Smith, Wheeler and the Ragin' Cajuns open up the 2025 season next month when they host the 39th Annual Louisiana Classics at Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park from February 6-9. Louisiana is scheduled to meet Seton Hall at 6:00 p.m. on the opening day of the tournament (Feb. 6), officially beginning the Alyson Habetz era.
Â
ABOUT LOUISIANA
The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Softball program's rich tradition includes six Women's College World Series appearances, eight NCAA Super Regional berths and 33 NCAA Regional appearances which ranks as seventh-most in NCAA history.
Louisiana (45-19, 22-2 SBC in 2024), the five-time reigning Sun Belt Conference regular season champions, made its 25th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance last spring which was highlighted by a national seed (No. 13) and host site at Lamson Park.
Â
The Ragin' Cajuns are currently preparing for the 2025 season which marks the first under Alyson Habetz's guidance. A celebrated Ragin' Cajuns student-athlete and renowned softball coach, she was named the fifth head coach in Louisiana Softball's storied history on June 25, 2024.
A native of nearby Crowley, Louisiana, Habetz ascends to the head coach ranks in her hometown area of the Acadiana region. A basketball and softball player for the Ragin' Cajuns from 1990-95, she returns to where her impactful contributions to women's athletics began.
Louisiana Softball season ticket are currently on sale, outfield general admission seating only, available for purchase online at RaginCajuns.com/tickets or by calling the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at (337) 482-GoUL (4685). Fans can also support the softball student athletes, and invest in the program's future, through the Krewe Allons NIL Collective (click here).
FOLLOW THE RAGIN' CAJUNS
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Facebook (/RaginCajunsSB), Twitter (@RaginCajunsSB) and Instagram (@Louisiana.SB) to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Louisiana Softball.
Fans are also encouraged to stay engaged with the Ragin' Cajuns by downloading the #GeauxCajuns app. Click here for iOS/Apple platforms and here for Android platforms.
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- www.RaginCajuns.com -
Players Mentioned
IF
/ Softball
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/ SoftballAlyson Habetz Media Availability (May 4, 2025)
Monday, May 05
Alyson Habetz, Mia Norwood, and Dayzja Williams Media Availability (April 28, 2025)
Monday, April 28
Alyson Habetz Media Availability (April 21, 2025)
Monday, April 21
Alyson Habetz, Emily Smith, And Mallory Wheeler Media Availability (April 14, 2025)
Monday, April 14
