Auburn has picked up its biggest commitment in the Malveaux era. Five-star pitcher and sixth overall player in the 2028 class, Annie Shelton, announced her verbal to the Tigers on Saturday night.
"I chose Auburn because of the incredible people, their energy, and the amazing academic opportunities," she told Softball America. "From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt welcomed and could picture myself being part of the Auburn family. I knew it was a place where God wanted me to be, and I could grow both on and off the field while being part of building something great."
Shelton, who also visited South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas A&M, hails from Texas and plays for the Hotshots National team. She played up an age class at a high level, holding her own against older competition. Shelton brings a combination of velocity and spin that makes her deceptive for opposing hitters. Her spin and movement pitches give her plenty of swing-and-miss ability, allowing her to get outs on her own and work her way out of pressure situations. The pairing of power and movement gives her a high ceiling in the circle.
Shelton will pair well with pitching coach Ryker Chason. Auburn is building off a top-15 2026 class and a top-10 2027 class.
