Tennessee softball loses infielder Taylor Pannell to transfer portal
In a significant development for Tennessee softball, standout infielder Taylor Pannell has entered the transfer portal, signaling the end of her impactful tenure with the Lady Vols. The decision marks a pivotal moment in both Pannell’s career and the program’s trajectory. Following her entry into the portal, Pannell committed to Texas Tech University, a program that recently finished as the runner-up in the Women’s College World Series and has been actively enhancing its roster through strategic transfers.
Pannell’s journey to Tennessee began in Milan, Illinois, where she was recognized as one of the top prospects in the 2022 recruiting class. As a freshman, she made an immediate impact, appearing in seven games and starting six. Despite a limited number of at-bats, she showcased her potential by hitting a home run and recording four RBIs. However, her season was cut short due to injury, which led to her redshirt status for the remainder of the year.
The 2024 season marked Pannell’s return to form. She earned First-Team All-SEC honors after batting .294 with eight home runs, 33 RBIs, and 23 runs. Her performance was highlighted by a series sweep over No. 24 Kentucky, where she went 7-for-13 (.538) at the plate, including a walk-off home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to secure the series for the Lady Vols. This accomplishment earned her SEC Freshman of the Week honors, underscoring her significant contribution to the team’s success.
In 2025, Pannell elevated her game to new heights. She posted a .398 batting average, leading the team with 16 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 56 runs. Her on-base percentage of .493 further highlighted her offensive prowess. Defensively, she continued to excel at third base, providing stability and reliability to the Lady Vols’ infield. Her performance throughout the season earned her First-Team All-SEC and All-American honors, solidifying her status as one of the premier players in collegiate softball.
Pannell’s standout performances were pivotal in several key victories for Tennessee. In a doubleheader sweep against McNeese, she went 6-for-8 with four runs, one double, two home runs, and seven RBIs. Her contributions were instrumental in the Lady Vols’ dominant 12-0 and 10-2 victories. Additionally, she delivered a crucial RBI single in the SEC Tournament game against Arkansas, helping secure Tennessee’s advancement to the NCAA Regional Final. Her consistent offensive output and clutch performances underscored her value to the team.
The decision to enter the transfer portal was a significant one for Pannell, who had become a cornerstone of the Tennessee softball program. While the exact reasons for her departure have not been publicly disclosed, such decisions often involve a combination of personal, academic, and athletic considerations. Her commitment to Texas Tech indicates a desire for new challenges and opportunities to further her development as a student-athlete.
Texas Tech’s acquisition of Pannell is part of a broader strategy to bolster its softball program. The Red Raiders have been active in the transfer portal, securing several high-profile players, including Kaitlyn Terry from UCLA and Jasmyn Burns from Ohio State. These additions, combined with Pannell’s commitment, position Texas Tech as a formidable contender in the upcoming season.
For Tennessee, Pannell’s departure represents a significant loss. Her offensive and defensive contributions were integral to the team’s success over the past two seasons. Head Coach Karen Weekly and the coaching staff will need to identify and develop talent to fill the void left by Pannell’s exit. The program’s recent success in securing transfers, such as two-way star Maddi Rutan from Eastern Kentucky and All-Mountain West First-Team selections Sophia Knight and Makenzie Butt from Boise State, provides optimism for the future.
Taylor Pannell’s departure from Tennessee softball marks the end of a significant chapter in the program’s history. Her contributions over the past two seasons have left an indelible mark on the team’s success. As she embarks on the next phase of her collegiate career at Texas Tech, the Tennessee softball program faces the challenge of replacing a key player while continuing to build on its recent achievements.
