The Arizona-to-Alabama pipeline hasn't stopped in 2028. Five-star right-handed pitcher Sydney Root announced her commitment to the Crimson Tide on Monday.
"Alabama felt like home to me," Root told Softball America. "I love the tradition and the high standards. I really connected with all of the coaches and the players. Everyone was so welcoming — Southern hospitality is real. I knew it was somewhere I wanted to be, and I'm really excited to be a part of the Crimson Tide."
Root has won back-to-back Arizona state championships at Xavier College Prep in Phoenix. She was also a key piece of the OC Batbusters Stith pitching staff, which claimed this season's AFCS Tier I title at the 18U level, as she played up an age group.
Root sits in the 66-67 mph range, and can move the ball up and down as well as east and west with a changeup. Her riseball is elite, with tight, consistent spin and the ability to throw it at multiple levels.
Reigning SEC Pitcher of the Year Jocelyn Briski is also an Arizona native. Alabama also has incoming freshmen five-star catcher Torynn Slaughter and four-star infielder Ava Briski — Jocelyn's younger sister — coming from Arizona.
