Tennessee softball lands Ryan Brown, Texas transfer infielder

Texas infielder Ryan Brown committed to Tennessee softball out of the transfer portal, the program announced Thursday.

Brown appeared in 11 games last season with 11 at-bats as a freshman for the Longhorns, who made a run to the Women's College World Series championship. The Thompson's Station, Tennessee, native hit .182 and had a .455 slugging percentage. She logged two hits with two RBIs, one home run and drew two walks last season.

"I'm excited to welcome Ryan home to Tennessee," Tennessee coach Karen Weekly said in a school release. "She has a unique combination of power and speed that will remind our fans of recent Lady Vol greats. She comes from a family of outstanding athletes and knows what it takes to be successful at the top level of collegiate softball."

Brown is the third addition out of the transfer portal this offseason for Weekly. She joins former South Carolina pitcher Sage Mardjetko and former Washington infielder Kinsey Fiedler. Tennessee is also bringing in the No. 4 freshman class in the nation, which includes seven players.

Brown was ranked No. 51 in the 2023 class coming out of Independence High School. She was a two-sport athlete in high school, playing basketball along with softball.

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Besides making a run to the WCWS championship, Brown was part of a Texas team that won the regular-season series against Oklahoma for the first time since 2009.

Tennessee has only lost one player to the transfer portal this offseason. Sophomore outfielder Jamison Brockenbrough entered the portal before the Lady Vols' super regional series. Brockenbrough was used as a pinch hitter this season after starting as a freshman and has not yet announced her new school.

Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow her on Twitter @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.