ARLINGTON – UT Arlington softball and head coach Kara Dill have announced the signing class of 2026 that consists of four student-athletes who will join the program next fall.
 
"We're thrilled to welcome this talented group to our program," shared Dill. "They bring exceptional athleticism, competitiveness, and strong character that will further elevate our culture here at UTA. We can't wait to have them join us in Arlington."
 
Isabelle Hooper | P | 5-8 | Shepherd High School | Shepherd, TX
Hooper is a pitcher out of Shepherd, Texas where she attends Shepherd High School. The left hander earned First Team All-District in 2023, District MVP in 2024 and District Pitcher of the Year in 2025. Hooper accumulated 632 strike outs throughout her time as a freshman, sophomore and junior with an ERA of 2.38 across 343.2 innings pitched.
 
Currently, Hooper serves as class president for the National Honors Society at Shepherd High School. Outside of high school, the lefty plays travel ball for Hotshots.
 
Avery Grigar | INF | 5-6 | Sealy High School | Sealy, TX
While a member of the Sealy Varsity Softball Team, Grigar was awarded First Team All-District (Infield) in 2023, 2024 and 2025 as well as Academic All-District in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Additionally, Grigar has compiled 100 career hits in high school with 100 runs scored.
 
The infielder earned the Tigerette Award which awards the most athletic student at Sealy ISD. Aside from softball, Grigar is also a member of the volleyball and track and field team.
 
Outside of high school, Grigar plays travel ball for Bombers Academy.
 
Alexis Waugh | C | 5-6 | Katy High School | Katy, TX
A catcher from Katy, Texas, Waugh attends Katy High School where she is a First Team All-District Outfield selection (2025) and All-Academic honoree in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Also, Waugh was named Second Team All-District Outfield in 2024 and Female Athlete of the Year in 2021.
 
Waugh has put up 18 career home runs across her time in high school with a cumulative batting average of .490, on-base percentage of .700 and is perfect in stolen base putouts.
 
The incoming Maverick holds a 4.42 GPA and is ranked 61st out of 844 students in her class. Waugh also received the Citizenship Award in 2022 and Leadership Award in 2025.
 
Braelyn Bailey | 1B | 5-9 | Calallen High School | Corpus Christi, TX
Bailey hails from Corpus Christi, Texas where she attends Calallen High School. The infielder is a 2022, 2024 and 2025 Academic All-District selection where she also was named District MVP and All-State Tournament MVP. Bailey was a member of the TGCA All-Star Team in 2025 and was named to the Lonestar Prep Top 100 First Baseman list.
 
Bailey is a 4A State Champion (2023, 2024, 2025) and earned Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024. She holds a batting average of .500, eight home runs, a .576 on-base percentage, 43 RBI and 23 stolen bases.
 
Outside of high school, the Corpus Christi native competes for Bombers Academy.
 
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