Texas Tech University Athletics
NFCA releases schedule for Leadoff Classic
September 22, 2026 | Softball
Red Raiders will play six games in Clearwater to open 2027 season
LUBBOCK, Texas โ The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced the schedule for the 2027 NFCA Leadoff Classic on Tuesday afternoon.
The Red Raiders are slated to play six games in Clearwater at the Eddie C. Moore Complex beginning on Friday, February 12 against Jacksonville State. Tech will then face Notre Dame (Feb. 12), Liberty (Feb. 13), Northwestern (Feb. 13), Virginia Tech (Feb. 14) and NC State (Feb. 14). This will be the third straight season that Tech will play in lovely Clearwater, Florida and are a combined 10-2 at the Eddie C. Moore Complex over the last two seasons.
New in 2027 is the addition of the "Elevate the Game Incentive" program, which was made possible by a recent generous $100,000 donation from Tracy and John Sellers. "Elevate the Game" is one of the NFCA's core principles. The trailblazing incentive initiative will afford teams the ability to earn a financial award for their respective team based upon the NFCA's purpose, core values, and mission. Over the four-day event, all participating programs are eligible to receive allocations, ensuring equal access to incentives regardless of conference affiliation or 2026 performance.
Tech has another season of high expectations at hand welcoming in another No. 1 transfer portal class under Gerry Glasco headlined by Jayden Heavener, Kasidi Pickering, Moriah Polar and Jaysoni Beachum. Returners Kaitlyn Terry, Mia Williams, Taylor Pannell, Jasmyn Burns, Lauren Allred and Hailey Toney all look to make jumps as well under another season with Glasco.
The Red Raider's Big 12 slate is released and can be found here.
