Wyckoff and Davison give Arkansas softball a pair of talented and versatile transfers

BY DUDLEY E. DAWSON

FAYETTEVILLE – While Arkansas softball’s loaded freshman class rightfully gets a ton of publicity, Razorback head coach Courtney Deifel also had success in the transfer portal.

Arkansas added a trio of versatile transfers in Texas Tech’s Kailey Wyckoff and Utah’s Karlie Davison, a duo that was ranked as the nation’s ninth-best class per Softball America.

“…Our transfers were huge pick-ups for us and exactly what we needed,” Deifel said. “Kailey is just such a seasoned veteran bat, but she does a really good job behind the plate and obviously can play corner outfield spots, which is exactly what we need.

“And then (second baseman) Karlie Davison is a phenomenal defender and so I know the defense we can put out there, it is going to be pretty devastating.”

Those players will return to the diamond as the Razorbacks continue their fall softball schedule with games against Oklahoma Christian Thursday night at 6 and Friday against Arkansas Tech at 6:30 p.m.

Arkansas is 4-1 so far this fall in exhibitions, with a win over Seminole State (21-1), a doubleheader sweep of Missouri State (13-2 and 8-0) and a split last weekend with a victory over host Tulsa (5-0) and a loss to Oklahoma State (6-0).

Wyckoff has spent time at catcher and both corner outfield spots as she did then past two seasons at Texas Tech, where she a Freshman All-American in 2023 and was named first-team All-Big 12 last season.

“It’s definitely a cool experience and I love being able to help my team wherever I can,” Wyckoff said of her versatility. “Having to learn the pitchers (at Arkansas) is something that I am going to have to learn how to do.

“I have never faced anybody in the SEC coming from my last school and never caught them either obviously – except for (former high school teammate) Cam (Harrison)- so that is something that I will have to adjust to, but I love playing all all positions.”

Wyckoff saw Arkansas as a place that fit her perfectly..

“The environment, the coaching staff and how they immediately take you in,” Wyckoff said. “They love on you and they know it’s going to be hard, but they will be with you every step of the way. The teammates here made it really welcoming. I love it here…I love Arkansas. Go Hogs.”

There is certainly a difference between Fayetteville and Lubbock per Wyckoff.

“It is a lot more humid, but there are a lot more things to do here than in the desert,” Wyckoff said. “It’s better. I like it.”

Wyckoff caught Arkansas freshman Cam Harrison back in high school and now gets to do so in college.

“Mentally, she has grown a lot stronger,” Wyckoff said. “…There is a bit of a two-year gap where I didn’t catch her so she has definitely changed some things. She is definitely a lot stronger than when I caught her.

“I’m not saying she wasn’t mentally strong in high school, but college is definitely another level and she has stepped it up.”

Wyckoff also played with former Katy outfielder and current Arkansas freshman Ashlyn Reichardt outfielder and knew Razorback freshman shortstop Ella McDowell.

“It’s great having people that you have known previously. When I was younger I played with Cam and Ash and I didn’t play with Ella, but I know her because she was in my area.”

yckoff has settled into the second spot in the Arkansas lineup this fall and the means she bats behind speedy Razorback lead off hitter Reagan Johnson.

“I am kind of just a see ball, hit ball kind of hitter,” Wyckoff said. “…I love having her in front of me because she is super fast and a really good baserunner.”

Photo courtesy of Arkansas softball