The Texas Tech softball team has seen significant changes this offseason, with seven players entering the transfer portal and finding new homes for the 2025 season. These departures mark a transitional period for the program, as each athlete brings unique skills and experiences to their new teams. While the Red Raiders will undoubtedly feel the impact of these losses, the players themselves are poised to make meaningful contributions elsewhere. Here’s a detailed look at where each of these seven transfers will be playing next season and what their moves could mean for their futures.
First on the list is **Peyton Blythe**, a versatile infielder who saw action in 45 games last season. Blythe was known for her defensive reliability and occasional power at the plate. She has committed to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a program with a strong softball tradition in the Sun Belt Conference. The Ragin’ Cajuns consistently compete for conference titles and NCAA Tournament berths, making this an excellent opportunity for Blythe to showcase her talents on a bigger stage. Her experience in the competitive Big 12 should translate well, and she could become a key piece in Louisiana’s infield rotation.
Next is **Riley Love**, an outfielder with speed and a solid bat. Love appeared in 38 games for Texas Tech last season, primarily as a pinch-runner and defensive substitute. Her agility and base-stealing ability make her a valuable asset, and she’ll be taking those skills to the University of North Texas. The Mean Green, under coach Rodney DeLong, have been building a strong program in the American Athletic Conference. Love’s speed fits perfectly with UNT’s aggressive style of play, and she could see an expanded role in Denton. This move gives her the chance to develop into a full-time starter and contribute more offensively.
Another notable departure is **Maddie Kuehl**, a pitcher who showed flashes of brilliance in the circle. Kuehl’s time at Texas Tech was limited due to a deep pitching staff, but she has the tools to succeed at the next level. She has landed at Wichita State, a program that has been on the rise in recent years. The Shockers compete in the American Athletic Conference and have a history of developing strong pitchers. Kuehl’s ability to mix speeds and locate pitches could make her a reliable arm in Wichita State’s rotation. With more consistent innings, she has the potential to become a standout player for the Shockers.
Infielder **Kailey Wyckoff** is also moving on after two seasons with the Red Raiders. Wyckoff was a steady presence in the lineup, known for her contact hitting and defensive versatility. She’s headed to the University of Texas at Arlington, where she’ll join a Mavericks squad looking to improve in the Western Athletic Conference. UT Arlington has been rebuilding under coach Kara Dill, and Wyckoff’s experience in a Power Five conference will be invaluable. She could step into a leadership role immediately, providing stability to a young infield.
Outfielder **Kennedy Crites** is another player seeking a fresh start after limited playing time at Texas Tech. Crites has committed to Tarleton State, a program transitioning to Division I and competing in the Western Athletic Conference. The Texans are still establishing themselves at this level, and Crites’ Big 12 experience will be a major boost. Her athleticism and defensive range make her a perfect fit for Tarleton’s outfield, and she could emerge as one of the team’s top hitters. This move gives her the opportunity to play significant innings and refine her game.
Pitcher **Samantha Rhea** is also departing Lubbock after a season where she showed promise but struggled with consistency. Rhea has found a new home at Stephen F. Austin State University, a program with a strong softball tradition in the Southland Conference. The Ladyjacks are known for their pitching depth, and Rhea could thrive under their development system. If she can refine her command and secondary pitches, she has the potential to become a key contributor in Nacogdoches.
Finally, **Olivia Rains**, another pitcher, is leaving Texas Tech after a challenging season. Rains has committed to the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she’ll join a Roadrunners team looking to make noise in the American Athletic Conference. UTSA has been investing in its softball program, and Rains’ power pitching could play well in their rotation. A change of scenery might be exactly what she needs to regain her confidence and return to form.
Each of these transfers represents a new chapter for both the players and their new programs. For Texas Tech, the departures open opportunities for incoming recruits and returning players to step into larger roles. While losing seven players is never easy, the transfer portal has become an integral part of college athletics, allowing athletes to find better fits for their skills and aspirations.
For the players themselves, these moves offer fresh starts and the chance to prove themselves in new environments. Whether it’s Blythe joining a perennial contender at Louisiana, Love bringing speed to North Texas, or Kuehl looking to break out at Wichita State, each athlete has the potential to make an immediate impact. Meanwhile, Wyckoff, Crites, Rhea, and Rains will all have opportunities to carve out significant roles at their new schools.
The landscape of college softball continues to evolve, with player movement becoming more common than ever. While Texas Tech fans may be disappointed to see these players go, the transfers highlight the competitive nature of the sport and the importance of finding the right fit. As the 2025 season approaches, it will be fascinating to see how each of these former Red Raiders performs in their new uniforms. Their journeys serve as a reminder that college athletics is as much about growth and opportunity as it is about competition.
In the end, the transfer portal giveth and taketh away. For these seven players, it has provided a path to new beginnings. Their stories will continue to unfold, and their contributions to their new teams could shape the upcoming season in unexpected ways. Texas Tech will move forward, and so will they—each with the hope of making the most of their next opportunity.
