Texas Tech University Athletics
Red Raiders sign Jayden Heavener
June 17, 2026 | Softball
The lefty pitcher joins Texas Tech after two seasons at LSU
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech softball announced the signing of lefty pitcher Jayden Heavener on Wednesday. Heavener was arguably the top arm in the portal and comes to Lubbock after two strong seasons at LSU.
Heavener posted a 2.78 ERA and racked up 26 wins in 43 starts during her time in Baton Rouge. Through 259.0 innings of work, she recorded 280 strikeouts while being named to the NFCA All-Gulf Region First Team this past season. Her freshman season she was named to the NFCA All-Gulf Region Second Team, D1Softball Freshman All-American Second Team and the Louisiana Sports Writers' Association All-Louisiana First Team.
Recorded big wins over South Carolina, Oklahoma and Arizona and had an 11-strikeout shutout against Akron. Posted a no-hitter against Louisiana where she needed just 68 pitches through five innings. That no-hitter made her just the sixth pitcher in program history to throw a no-hitter in back-to-back seasons. Heavener was also a highly sought-after recruit coming out of Pace High School in Florida where she won the 2024 Florida 6A State Championship and was named the 2024 Florida Gatorade Player of the Year.
"Jayden was an extremely sough after pitching recruit right out of high school due to her enormous," said Gerry Glasco. "We look forward to trying to help her find herself and her true potential over the next three years. Her unique blend of speed and break will allow her to be one of the top lefty arms in the country. She has a highly competitive spirit and is a dog in the circle."
Heavener now joins Moriah Polar as the two newest additions for Texas Tech out of the portal.
