Leftwich on the 2026 signing class:

“This 2026 class is special. They are ranked among the top of the ACC, the country and will be the most decorated group our staff has recruited to date. From state champions and All-Americans to All-Star nods and national championship games, these nine student-athletes bring a winning DNA with a hunger to compete at the highest level. What stands out most is how well they already embody our WOLF traits. They work relentlessly, take ownership of their growth, love/serve their teammates, and fight to win every single day."

"They’ve already built strong relationships with each other, and they’ll walk on campus ready to work and win. This class has everything we need to keep stacking our level of play. They bring power, speed, competitiveness, and a blue-collar, hard-working mentality that fits the culture of NC State perfectly. They’ll raise the bar for what it means to be part of this Pack, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”

Kelsie Donaldson

• 2025 Triple Crown National Champion and All-Tournament Team
• TC All-American Game participant
• Missouri/Kansas Player of the Year
• National Top-5 ranking
• Ranked No. 1 player in Missouri in the class of 2026
• 2024-25 Gatorade Player of the Year Nominee
• Two-time First Team All-State
• Second Team All-Region
• Three-time Academic All-State
• Raymore-Peculiar High School Strikeout Record Holder

Outside of Sports: Student Body President, National Honor Society member, FCA Executive, Advanced Choir Member of RP Sings

“We are excited about the energy Kelsie Donaldson brings to the field of play. Her physicality on the mound and power at the plate is special. She's a great competitor, whose talent both as a hitter and a pitcher will lead the Pack.” - Coach Cassady

Emma Newsom

• Super Grand Champion
• TC Nationals Runner Up
• Three-time Show me the Money Champion
• Tied the Virginia state record for most home runs

Outside of Sports: Member of National Honor Society, top three-percent of her class, Junior Marshal (Top 25), BETA

"Emma Newsom is a perfect fit for our Pack and a great example of what it means to live out our WOLF traits. She leads with love and a genuine desire to serve her teammates, and that selfless energy is contagious. Emma plays the game with purpose. She works hard, takes ownership of her growth, and competes with the kind of fight that elevates everyone around her. Offensively, she brings real power to the plate. Emma is an excellent hitter with the ability to drive the ball out of the park, and she’ll fight to find herself in the middle of our lineup right away. She’s a player who makes those around her better, and we’re thrilled to add her to the Pack as we continue stacking success in the program.” - Coach Leftwich

Heidi Peterson

• Alliance 14U Tier I third place finisher
• IDT Colorado 14U third place finisher
• Alliance 16U Elite 8
• 2025 MVP
• 2024 Offensive Player of the Year
• Two-time First Team All-District
• Two-time All-State Honorable Mention
• Two-time Second Team All-State

Outside of Sports: Member of Junior Honor Society

“Heidi is a dynamic left hander that will add depth to our pitching staff. She has a unique ability to miss barrels and understands what it takes to compete at this level. We value her composure under pressure and can't wait to see Peterson in the Red and White." - Coach Cassady

Ryan Roberts

• 2025 TGCA All-Star
• 2025 AthletesGoLive PGF All-Tournament Team
• 2025 3-6A Offensive Player of the Year
• 2025 3-6A 1st Team All-District
• 2024 11-6A Defensive Player of the Year
• 2024 Minority Softball Prospect All-American
• 2024 PGF All-American Watchlist Nominee
• 2024 11-6A 1st Team All-District
• 2024 GM Sports Media Commit of the Week
• 2023 third place finisher at PGF Nationals
• 2023 11-6A Newcomer of the Year
• 2023 Eagle Nest Award
• Two-time Academic All-District

Outside of Sports: Three-time member of the All-A Honor Roll

“We love Ryan’s versatility — she can track down balls in the gap, lay down a bunt, or drive one to the fence. That balance of skill and competitiveness fits perfectly with our program. She’s got that blue-collar mindset we love — tough, hard-working, and never satisfied. Ryan Roberts is going to thrive in the Pack.” - Coach Bosch

Reese Rourke

• 16U IDT Champions
• Top Gun Invitational Champion
• First Team All-State and All-Region honoree
• All-Conference
• All-Area Honoree

Outside of Sports: Member of National Honor Society, Honor Roll, and Math Honors Society

“Reese plays the game with an edge - she’s gritty, competitive, and driven, which will help her thrive in the ACC. Offensively, she’s a great mix of power and speed from the left side that will make an impact in our lineup. Her aggressive and competitive style is exactly what we value in our program. I am looking forward to Reese finally being a part of the Pack" - Coach Radcliffe

Maddie Smith

• 19-6A Newcomer of the Year
• 2025 All-Tournament Team at 16U AFCS
• 2024 Line Drive All-Summer Team
• Two-time 19-6A First Team All-District
• Three-time 19-6A All-Academic Team

“Maddie Smith is a tremendous addition to our 2026 class and someone who represents everything we value within our WOLF traits. She works hard, takes pride in her craft, leads with love for her teammates, and competes with relentless fight. She comes from a great pedigree and has caught some of the best pitchers in the Houston area at Katy High, which has shaped her into a confident, composed leader behind the plate. Maddie is the kind of player who raises the standard for everyone around her. She’s a strong receiver, a powerful hitter, and a natural communicator who will impact our program from the moment she steps on campus. We’re excited for her to join the Pack and continue building on the foundation we’re stacking brick by brick.” - Coach Leftwich

Molly Southall

• 2025 Elite 8 finish at Alliance Nationals
• 2022 State Champion in the 100m and 200m races
• Two-time PGF National Champion (12U, 14U)
• Two-time First Team All-State
• Two-Time All-Conference honoree
• Three-time All-Area honoree
• Three-time All-Conference All-Academic Team
• Third team All-State
• Academic All-State

Outside of Sports: Member of National Honor Society and High Honor Roll

“Molly has the tools to impact the game in every phase — she can hit for average, stretch a single into a double, hit for power and make the tough plays look routine. Molly isn’t just talented — she’s tough, coachable, and driven to keep improving. She’s going to do big things in Raleigh.” - Coach Bosch

Thea Staten

• Three-time First Team All-State
• Three-time First Team All-District
• Three-time First Team All-League
• Two-time NWOAL Player of the Year (2023, 2024)
• 16U IDT, Top 25, Top Gun Champions

Outside of Sports: Member of the National Honor Society, Academic Booster award recipient for 3.85 GPA or higher

“Thea is fun to watch! Her confidence in the circle stems from a dedication to her craft that is second to none. Thea is a proven winner and her leadership will undoubtedly drive our program forward. We're eager to watch her strengthen the Pack!” - Coach Cassady

Makayla Watson

• Rookie of the Year
• Defensive Player of the Year
• Offensive Player of the Year
• 14U National Champion
• TC Nationals and AFCS All-Tournament Team
• Two-time Second Team All-Conference
• First and Second Team All-County Honors
• First Team All-Conference
• Third-time All-State
• Tied the Westfield single game stolen base record twice
• Set the Westfield career stolen base record

Outside of Sports: Member of National Honor Society, College Board National Top School Recognition award recipient, Evening of Excellence Honoree for Academic Achievement

“Makayla’s work ethic is elite. She’s the kind of player who sets the tone for everyone around her — she grinds, she competes, and she flat-out loves to win. Makayla has that perfect blend of power and athleticism. She’s explosive, coachable, and driven — exactly the kind of player who thrives in our culture.” - Coach Bosch