Eric Roberts 
Maintaining a consistently successful athletic program, especially in recruiting new players, can pose challenges. However, LSU softball has excelled, thanks in part to several graduate students on their roster, who, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are now embarking on their technically fourth year with the team.
Of the nine players on the field, five are graduate students who aim to continue leading the Tiger team to success.
Meet these remarkable student-athletes:
1. Taylor Pleasants
Taylor Pleasants enters her fifth year as a Tiger, and her return promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Her journey has been marked by resilience, having played through injuries to consistently shine on the field.
As a freshman, she started all 24 games, finishing with impressive statistics. Over the years, Pleasants has earned numerous accolades, including 2023 SEC All-Defensive Team and the NFCA South All-Region First Team. Her stellar career even led to her selection for the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2023.
Her return is highly anticipated, with many expecting her to have a historic season.
2. Ciara Briggs
Ciara Briggs is already a legend in the world of college softball. She made history by winning back-to-back Golden Glove awards over the past two seasons. Briggs is renowned for her consistency and incredible contributions to the team.
She ended the 2023 season ranked No. 5 in the SEC for hits and played an integral role in scoring runs for the Tigers. Her career boasts impressive statistics, including a .356 batting average, and she enters the 2024 season ranked No. 7 in LSU’s history.
With a two-season streak of no errors, Briggs continues to be a crucial asset to the team.
3. Hannah Carson
Hannah Carson brings her experience as a catcher to the LSU softball team. Prior to LSU, she played four years at Michigan, ending her time with an impressive record. Unfortunately, her 2023 season with LSU was cut short due to a knee injury, leaving fans eagerly awaiting her comeback.
Carson’s experience adds depth to the team’s defense, allowing LSU to field a more experienced lineup. Her return is anticipated with great excitement.
4. Karli Petty
Karli Petty, another transfer student, returns for her second year as a Tiger. Her prior experience as a three-year letterwinner at Oklahoma State speaks to her capabilities as a player. With a .957 fielding percentage, Petty is an award-winning second baseman.
Her 2023 season with LSU showcased her ability to consistently contribute both offensively and defensively, making her a reliable player for the Tigers.
5. Raeleen Gutierrez
Raeleen Gutierrez is known for her versatility as a utility player. In the 2023 season, she impressed with her solid batting and defensive skills. With a .285 batting average, 43 hits, and 18 runs batted in, she was a key contributor offensively.
Defensively, Gutierrez maintained a strong presence with only seven errors out of 381 balls thrown to her, resulting in a fielding percentage of .982.
With seven returning seniors, five of whom are graduate students, LSU’s softball program is poised for success in the 2024 season. The team’s experience, success, and leadership will be instrumental in their journey towards making history in the upcoming season. LSU’s softball team is one to watch, and they have a strong chance of achieving greatness in the coming season.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Dive Digest journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.