Kristen Zaleski has made her first big splash as the Utah State head coach. The former Texas assistant picked up a commitment from 2028 four-star pitcher Courtney Bandy from the Top Gun organization.
“I knew Utah State was somewhere special after spending time with Coach [Zaleski] and the entire staff during my visit. The connection with everyone felt genuine and natural, like family. I love the culture they’re building, and I’m excited to keep growing as a softball player under their leadership, represent Utah State, and compete in the Pac-12."
Bandy is coming off a very strong summer. She is a durable, physical presence in the circle, a pitcher who is most at home living low in the zone. She has a real feel for moving the ball vertically, which makes her an especially useful piece on a staff built around contrast, and the ideal complement to an arm that prefers to work the top half. In games she sat in the mid-to-upper 60s, and she kept hitters off balance by leaning on a drop, a curve, and a change.
Rylie Bumgarner, a pitcher from Lady Magic organization, and MJ Fikes, catcher/corner utility from the Suncats organization, have also committed to Utah State.
