LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas softball head coach Jennifer McFalls announced the addition of four student-athletes who will join the program next season: Jlee Van Driel, Kayleigh Allen, Braylee Spence and Nola Tylke.
“We are really excited about the 2027 class,” McFalls said. “This is a very well-rounded, athletic group that will positively impact our softball program.”
The class includes three position players and a pitcher from four states.
Jlee Van DrielINF/OF | Monroe, Nebraska | Twin Rivers Public Schools | Hotshots 18U National Nelson
Van Driel joins the Jayhawks as a standout utility player from Monroe, Nebraska, who has made a consistent impact all over the field throughout her high school career. Over her varsity career, she has hit .645 with a .771 on-base percentage, 187 hits and a school-record 222 stolen bases. Van Driel has earned all-state and academic all-state honors in four consecutive seasons.
Kayleigh AllenOF | Carson, California | Gahr High School | BSC Bengals Briggs 18U
Allen arrives in Lawrence as a dynamic and athletic outfielder from Carson, California. A right-handed hitter, Allen hit .432 during her most recent high school season with a .500 on-base percentage and a .838 slugging percentage. A former teammate of current Jayhawks Jocelyn Alatorre, Sienna Mayor and Lila Partridge, Allen will bring speed, range and baserunning intelligence to the Kansas outfield.
Braylee SpenceRHP | Lone Grove, Oklahoma | Lone Grove High School | Oklahoma Angels 08
Spence comes to Kansas after an impressive prep career at Lone Grove High School in Lone Grove, Oklahoma. The right-handed pitcher posted a 21-win season in which she recorded nearly 250 strikeouts in 118 innings and maintained a 0.21 earned run average. She helped lead Lone Grove to three Oklahoma state championships. Spence earned multiple district MVP honors and was named district pitcher of the year. Her ability to command the zone, paired with her poise in the circle, will add depth and consistency to the Kansas pitching staff.
Nola TylkeINF | Acworth, Georgia | Harrison High School | Beverly Bandits