Auburn softball has announced the signing of senior right-handed pitcher Makayla Stephens for the 2027 season. After a strong tenure at Georgia State, where she earned All-South Region honors, Stephens brings substantial experience to the team. She is known for her competitive spirit and leadership, which co-head coaches Chris and Kate Malveaux believe will strengthen their pitching staff. In her junior season, she recorded an impressive 18-13 record and demonstrated exceptional performance in both strikeouts and ERA.

By the Numbers
  • 225 out of 317 total strikeouts recorded by Stephens for Georgia State.
  • Finished with an 18-13 record and a 2.61 ERA over 195.2 innings pitched.
  • Led the Sun Belt Conference with an average of 8.0 strikeouts per seven innings.
  • Ranked fifth nationally with a 6.08 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Yes, But

While Stephens' statistics are impressive, transitioning to a new program can come with challenges, including adapting to a different team culture and coaching styles. The competitiveness of the SEC also presents a higher level of scrutiny that she hasn鈥檛 faced in the Sun Belt Conference.

State of Play
  • Auburn continues to bolster its roster with experienced players to enhance competitiveness.
  • Coaches are optimistic about the leadership and energy Stephens brings to the pitching staff.
What's Next

As the fall season approaches, Stephens will begin training with the team, focusing on integrating her skill set into Auburn's pitching rotation. Her performance during fall practices will be critical in determining her role for the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

Makayla Stephens' addition to Auburn softball represents a strategic move to enhance their pitching capabilities as they prepare for a competitive season ahead. Her extensive experience and proven track record may play a pivotal role in the Tigers' success in the SEC.