Arizona softball signed the 25th-ranked class in the nation Wednesday, per Softball America. It’s headlined by a pitcher whose name might be familiar to diehard UA fans.
Lilly Hauser, a right-hander from Winchester, California, is the daughter of Wendy Allen Hauser. The former Wendy Allen played two seasons at Arizona, 2003-04, after transferring from Ohio State. She was teammates with current Wildcats head coach Caitlin Lowe in 2004.
Arizona head coach Caitlin Lowe watches an early morning softball practice at Hillenbrand Stadium, Oct. 15, 2025.
Hauser is one of five players Arizona signed in a class that ranks second in the Big 12 for 2026, just behind 24th-ranked Oklahoma State. The Wildcats are No. 1 in the conference by average player rating.
“We are thrilled to be signing this class as the next group of Wildcats,” Lowe said in a news release. “This class brings a lot of versatility and will add depth to our lineup. They are all tough competitors and proven winners that will wear the ‘Block A’ with pride.”
Four of the players are from California, while one is from Arizona. The class consists of one pitcher, two infielders and two outfielders.
Here’s a snapshot of each player, along with comments from UA assistant coaches Amber Freeman, Christian Conrad and Lauren Lappin:
OF Madi Babasa
Hometown: Escalon, Calif.
High school: Escalon HS
Notable: Babasa represented the Philippines in the Triple Crown International Challenge from 2023-25.
Freeman says: “Madi is a dynamic, athletic outfielder and is someone who will fit with our team culture perfectly. She will bring high-energy, grittiness and a relentless attitude that will make our whole team better every day. We can’t wait to have another triple threat in our lineup.”
RHP Lilly Hauser
Hometown: Winchester, Calif.
High school: Murrieta Mesa HS
Notable: Hauser has a .533 batting average and a 1.32 ERA with 418 strikeouts in 260⅓ innings in her first three seasons at Murrieta Mesa.
Pitcher Lilly Hauser, the daughter of former Wildcat Wendy Allen Hauser, is one of five players to sign with Arizona softball in the class of 2026.
Conrad says: “Lilly is an electric player who knows what it takes to be a winner. She is a legacy player for Arizona softball and understands what it means to wear the ‘Block A’ and represent this program. Lilly will be a great addition to our bullpen with elite velocity and movement and can also bring a strong bat to our lineup.”
INF Natalie Keith
Hometown: Mission Viejo, Calif.
High school: Northwood HS
Notable: Keith was part of multiple championship teams from 2023-25 with the OC Batbusters Stith travel club.
Lappin says: “Natalie is a versatile defender with a very high softball IQ who will immediately add depth at multiple positions for us. She is a hardworking athlete with strong leadership qualities and will be a well-rounded student-athlete. Natalie will fit in perfectly with our culture of excellence.”
INF Violet Mitchell
Hometown: Peoria
High school: Liberty
Notable: Mitchell batted .437 with 11 home runs and a 22-12 walk-to-strikeout ratio in 71 at-bats as a junior for Liberty.
Lappin says: “Violet is an Arizona native that we are so excited to keep in-state. She will bring power from the right side and is a very versatile defender who can play multiple positions. This year, she has displayed great resilience and we are excited to see her grow as a Wildcat.”
OF Gabriela Nevarez
Hometown: Carlsbad, Calif.
High school: Carlsbad HS
Notable: Laurie Nevarez (née Fritz), Gabriela’s mother, was an All-Pac-10 softball player at UCLA in the 1990s who later became the head coach at Redlands and Cal State San Marcos.
Freeman says: “Gabby is another strong outfielder in this class that will also bring a strong bat to our lineup. Her presence and confidence on the field are unmatched, and she is extremely hardworking and a go-getter who will make every player better. She comes from a strong family of athletes.”
