Meen Green Softball Adds Promising Pitcher Riley Mays for 2026-27 Season
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UNT softball has secured its first transfer addition for the 2026-27 roster, bringing in right-handed pitcher Riley Mays from Grayson College. The signing, announced Friday, signals a strategic move by head coach Cody White to bolster the team’s pitching depth and competitive edge.
building a Winning Culture at UNT
“We are thrilled to welcome Riley to the Mean Green family,” Coach White stated. “Her competitive nature in the circle and positive attitude will be tremendous assets as we continue building a winning culture at UNT.” This addition underscores the program’s commitment to attracting talented athletes who align with its values and long-term goals.
Mays’ Remarkable Collegiate and High School Career
Mays will complete her sophomore season at Grayson College in the spring of 2026 before joining the Mean Green in Denton. During her debut collegiate season, she earned Second Team All-Conference honors in the North Texas Junior college Athletic conference (NTJCAC) and played a key role in the Vikings’ run to the 2025 NJCAA Division I Softball World Series.
Her statistics from the 2025 season are especially noteworthy. Mays finished with a perfect 13-0 record across 124 innings pitched, making a team-high 48 appearances, including five starts. She demonstrated exceptional control and effectiveness, ranking fourth in the NTJCAC with 136 strikeouts and maintaining a remarkable 1.64 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.
Beyond her athletic achievements,Mays also excels academically. She was recognized as a 2025 NJCAA All-Academic Second Team honoree and earned the distinction of being named an NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete.
Prior to her collegiate career, Mays was a standout player at Dickson High School in Ardmore, Oklahoma, where she lettered in both fast and slow-pitch softball for four years. As a senior, she received Middle West all-State recognition from the Oklahoma High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches association (OFSCA), along with two All-Region selections and three All-District honors.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The UNT softball team is already looking forward to the 2026 season, which is scheduled to begin on Feb. 6 against Texas Tech – the 2025 national runners-up – at the Twisted Vines Bayou Bash in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The mean Green demonstrated their ability to compete with top-tier programs last season, securing a 6-5 victory over than-No. 13 Texas Tech on a walk-off grand slam by returning senior Riley McNemar.This early-season matchup will provide a significant test for the team as they integrate Mays and pursue continued success.
Denton, TX – The University of North Texas softball program announced Friday the addition of right-handed pitcher Riley Mays from Grayson College for the 2026-27 season. Head coach Cody white sought to add pitching depth and competitive strength to the Mean Green roster, and Mays’ impressive track record makes her a key acquisition.
Who: Riley Mays, a right-handed pitcher transferring from Grayson College.
What: Mays signed a commitment to join the UNT softball team for the 2026-27 season.
Why: Coach Cody White aims to strengthen the team’s pitching staff and overall competitiveness.
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