RUSTON – Louisiana Tech head softball coach Josh Taylor announced the signing of six high school standouts to the Bulldogs' 2026 signing class Wednesday on National Signing Day.
 
The newest additions to the program include Ava Klinefelter (Kingwood, Texas / Kingwood Park HS), Maggie Guyotte (Quitman, La. / Quitman HS), Bethany Roper (White Hall, Ark. / White Hall HS), Rhilynn McCoy (Humble, Texas / Atascocita HS), Caroline Brown (Columbiana, Ala. / Chelsea HS) and Lauren McIllwain (Frisco, Texas / Wakeland HS).
 
Ava Klinefelter | OF | Kingwood, Texas (Kingwood Park HS)
 
Klinefelter comes to Ruston from Kingwood Park High School in Kingwood, Texas, where she has been one of the program's most dynamic offensive players. A three-time Offensive MVP and three-time Academic All-District selection, Klinefelter has earned multiple all-district selections, including first team honors as a freshman and junior.
 
A standout both on the field and in the classroom, Klinefelter ranks in the top 25 percent of her class and is a member of the National Honor Society and HOSA. She holds several all-time records at Kingwood Park, including career stolen bases (76), singles (102), and single-season triples (8), while ranking second all-time in hits (126).
 
"Ava is an exciting addition to our outfield — a left-handed slapper with good speed and the ability to change the game in an instant," stated Taylor. "Coming from Kingwood, Texas, Ava plays with energy, confidence, and a love for competition that fits perfectly with our program. Her versatility and athleticism will make an immediate impact in Ruston, and we're thrilled to have her join the Bulldog family."
 
At the club level, Klinefelter competes for Illusions Gold Elite 18U, helping her team place fifth nationally at both the Alliance Fastpitch Nationals in Indiana and the Colorado Sparkler tournament.
 
Maggie Guyotte | INF | Quitman, La. (Quitman HS)
 
Guyotte signs with LA Tech as one of the top power hitters in north Louisiana, starring at Quitman High School where she has been a consistent offensive force. A three-time first team all-district and all-state selection, Guyotte has earned Offensive MVP honors in each of her first three seasons while posting batting averages of .585, .531 and .424.
 
"Maggie is a strong, left-handed hitting corner infielder who plays with toughness and pride," said Taylor. "Coming from right here in Quitman, she understands what Louisiana Tech Softball is all about — family, hard work, and competing for something bigger than yourself. We're proud to keep this local talent close to home and can't wait to watch Maggie grow into a difference-maker in our program."
 
She holds multiple all-time records at Quitman and in Jackson Parish, including career home runs (57) and single-season home runs (21).
 
Off the field, Guyotte ranks first in her class and serves as class vice president. She is an active member of FFA, FCA and Beta Club. She competes for United 18U Albert club team.
 
Bethany Roper | P | White Hall, Ark. (White Hall HS)
 
Roper comes to Louisiana Tech as a decorated pitcher from White Hall High School in Arkansas, where she has earned all-state and all-conference honors three times.
 
"Bethany is a right-handed pitcher with a presence that stands out every time she steps in the circle," echoed Taylor. "Her size, strength, and command enable her to attack hitters in multiple ways, and her competitive edge fits perfectly with the culture we're building at Louisiana Tech. We're excited to welcome this Arkansas native to the Bulldog family."
 
Roper will be the first person in her family to play a collegiate sport. She carries a 4.18 GPA and holds officer positions in the National Honor Society, Beta Club and Student Council. At the club level, Roper competes for Top Gun National Arkansas 18U.
 
Rhilynn McCoy | INF | Humble, Texas (Atascocita HS)
 
McCoy joins LA Tech as one of Texas' top infield prospects from Class 6A Atascocita High School. Ranked in the top 5 percent of her class, McCoy has earned three all-state honors and three academic all-district selections during her standout career.
 
She was named the district's Rookie of the Year as a freshman before earning back-to-back District Offensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore and junior. McCoy also became the first player in Atascocita program history to hit for the cycle. She has played in 111 career games at Atascocita, collecting 177 hits, 166 runs, 99 RBI, and 10 home runs with a .494 batting average.
 
"Rhilynn brings a rare combination of intelligence, athleticism, and energy to our program," said Taylor. "As a left-handed hitter with dynamic defensive skills, she impacts the game in every way. Her drive in the classroom as an engineering major matches her competitiveness on the field — and we can't wait to see her thrive as a Bulldog."
 
On the club level, she plays for Hotshots National, where she helped her team capture the 2025 Summer Games and Colorado Sparkler championships, along with a runner-up finish at the PGF 16U Premier Nationals.

Caroline Brown | UT | Columbiana, Ala. (Chelsea HS)

Brown signs with LA Tech as a versatile two-sport athlete from Chelsea High School in Alabama, excelling in both softball and basketball. On the diamond, she posted 41 hits during her junior season despite missing nearly a quarter of the year due to basketball playoffs. She earned 2025 All-County and All-South Metro honors and was selected to compete in the Alabama North/South All-Star Game.

"Caroline is a powerful right-handed hitter who brings versatility and a competitive edge to our lineup," said Taylor. "Her ability to play multiple positions and impact the game in different ways makes her an exciting addition to our program. Coming from Alabama, Caroline embodies the toughness, energy, and drive that define Louisiana Tech Softball, and we're thrilled to welcome her to Ruston."
 
On the basketball court, Brown was named to the 2025 All-County, All-South Metro, All-Regional and All-Area teams while helping lead Chelsea to a runner-up finish in the 2025 Class 6A state tournament.

Brown maintains a 4.2 GPA and competes at the club level for Southern Force 18U Palmer, where she has played for the past two seasons.

Lauren McIllwain | INF | Frisco, Texas (Wakeland HS)

McIllwain joins LA Tech as a powerful infielder from Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas. She was named the District 9-5A Newcomer of the Year as a freshman before earning back-to-back first team all-district honors as a sophomore and junior.

"Lauren is the definition of a gritty competitor. As a right-handed hitting middle infielder from Frisco, Texas, she plays the game with toughness, intent, and a relentless work ethic," Taylor exclaimed. "Lauren's energy and consistency stand out every time she steps on the field, and her competitive spirit aligns perfectly with the standards of Louisiana Tech Softball. We're excited to add her energy to our program."

During her junior campaign, McIllwain set Wakeland's single-season records for RBIs (60) and slugging percentage (1.221). She was also named the 2025 State All-Stars MVP and is ranked among the top 100 players nationally by Line Drive Media.
At the club level, McIllwain competes for Hotshots National 18U Naudin, one of the premier travel programs in the country.

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