Softball Signs Three in 2026 Class

WACO, Texas – Baylor softball head coach Glenn Moore announced the addition of three standout student-athletes on the first day of the Fall signing period on Wednesday.

The incoming class features Emerson Lechler (Richmond, Texas), Raelynn Van Zee (Robinson, Texas) and Brooke Wooten (Frisco, Texas).

Head coach Glenn Moore is thrilled to welcome such a decorated group with an ability to make a big impact on the program.

"As rosters continue to evolve and become more fluid from year to year in college athletics, we believe versatility is absolutely paramount," he said. "This class features three outstanding athletes who have each enjoyed great success and bring multidimensional skill sets to our program. I'm incredibly proud of the many hours and hard work our staff has invested in identifying and recruiting these exceptional young women to Baylor."

Emerson Lechler | 3B | Richmond, Texas | Richmond Foster HS / Impact Gold

A two-sport athlete, Emerson Lechler joins Baylor from Richmond Foster High School, where she starred under head coach Keely McGuire. A 2025 District MVP and First Team All-State honoree, Lechler has been a cornerstone for the Falcons, earning First Team All-District and Team MVP honors while leading Foster to a regional quarterfinal appearance and back-to-back area championships.

Off the diamond, she's been equally impressive on the volleyball court, winning 2024 Newcomer of the Year, Offensive MVP, Team MVP, and First Team All-District, while surpassing 1,000 career kills and earning Second Team All-State and Academic All-District honors.

Athletic excellence runs deep in the Lechler family, her father, Shane, punted for Texas A&M and spent 18 seasons in the NFL; her mother, Erin Gibson, played volleyball at Texas A&M; and her sister, Bailey, currently plays volleyball at UTSA.

Moore on Lechler: "Emerson is a no-doubter, who is going to back up our defense in a big way. She is a two-sport standout at Foster High School, where she averaged 15 kills per match in volleyball. On the softball field, she's a powerful presence at the corners for both Foster and the Impact Gold programs, coached by Jazz Jackson. She's a competitor who knows how to win and brings a strong athletic pedigree to our program."

Raelynn Van Zee | P/UTL | Robinson, Texas | Robinson HS / Buzz Fast Pitch

A hometown standout, Raelynn Van Zee comes to Baylor from nearby Robinson High School, where she has built one of the most impressive prep résumés in the state under head coach Jimmy Eby. Van Zee played a pivotal role in leading the Rockets to the 2025 4A State Championship, earning 4A Division II State Tournament MVP honors.

Her long list of accolades includes 2022-23 Centex Newcomer of the Year, TGCA All-State, District MVP, 2024-25 District 23-4A Pitcher of the Year, Super Centex First Team Pitcher and TSWA First Team All-State honors. Ranked No. 46 nationally among 2026 prospects by LineDrive Elite, Van Zee was also an Academic All-District performer. Her ability on the field and in the classroom make her a natural fit for Coach Moore and his program. Raelynn is the daughter of Jill and Brian Van Zee.

Moore on Van Zee: "We always start by looking locally for talent, and Rae is one we're especially proud to keep home. Last spring, she pitched her team to a Texas state championship at Robinson High School under Coach Jimmy Eby and alongside current Baylor freshman Kaygen Marshall. Rae is a rare dual threat, one of the few pitchers who will also hit and give us valuable depth at the corners. She's a proven winner with great presence in the circle and at the plate, and we're excited to see her continue to grow after competing with Trey Holdbrook's Buzz organization."

Brooke Wooten | C/OF | Frisco, Texas | Frisco Lone Star HS / Hotshots 18U

A proven leader behind the plate and in the outfield, Brooke Wooten signed with Baylor out of Frisco Lone Star High School, where she has been a consistent force for head coach Stefanie Faith. Wooten has been recognized as the District Catcher of the Year three consecutive seasons and was named TGCA 5A All-State in 2025 after anchoring the Rangers' lineup.

She's helped guide her team to deep postseason runs, including a 2023 regional finals appearance, a 2024 regional quarterfinal, and a 2025 area round showing. A three-time Academic All-District selection and National Honor Society member, Wooten exemplifies Baylor's commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

At the club level, she competed for Hotshots 18U Naudin under Ryan Hooker. The daughter of Tamara and Walter Wooten, Brooke brings a blend of athleticism, work ethic, and high character that will fit seamlessly into the Baylor family.

Moore on Wooten: "Brooke is an elite-level catcher with a tremendous arm behind the plate. She's a dynamic athlete who can impact the game in multiple ways. Offensively, she hit over .400 last season at Frisco Lone Star with seven home runs and 18 stolen bases, showing both power and speed that are rare for her position. Brooke has been well-prepared competing for nationally-renowned coach Ed Naudin and the Houston Hotshots, and we believe she has all the tools to be a difference-maker at this level."
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—Baylorbears.com—