TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Softball has inked five of the nation's top players on signing day, announced by head coach Caitlin Lowe. Arizona's class is the No. 1 signing class in the Big 12 and ranked No. 24 in the nation by D1 Softball.
 
Arizona's signing class includes two infielders, two outfielders, and one pitcher. Madison Babasa, an outfielder from Escalon, Calif., Lilly Hauser, a right-handed pitcher from Winchester, Calif., Natalie Keith, an infielder from Mission Viejo, Calif., Violet Mitchell, an infielder from Peoria, Ariz., and Gabriela Nevarez, an outfielder from Carlsbad, Calif. have signed to play for the Wildcats.
 
"We are thrilled be to signing this class as the next group of Wildcats," head coach Caitlin Lowe said. "This class brings a lot of versatility and will add depth to our lineup. They are all tough competitors and proven winners that will wear the Block A with pride."
 
Madi Babasa
OF | Escalon, Calif. | Escalon H.S.

• Ranked in the top 60 of the 2026 Extra Elite 100 Outfielders by Extra Inning Softball
• Three-time All-Trans Valley League at Escalon High School
• Two-time All-San Joaquin second team player
• Named Escalon High School's softball MVP in 2024 and 2025
• Helped her club team win the 16U Premier PGF National Championship in 2023
• Played In the International Challenge for Team Philippines from 2023-25

 
Madi says: "I chose to attend the University of Arizona because I truly believe that it is the right place for me. The campus, the people, and the overall energy just felt like home and I felt like this is where I belong. Also, the strong sense of family within the program made me realize that this was the place where I wanted to spend the next four years."
 
Coach Freeman says: "Madi is a dynamic, athletic outfielder and is someone who will fit with our team culture perfectly. She will bring high-energy, grittiness, and a relentless attitude that will make our whole team better every day. We can't wait to have another triple threat in our lineup and welcome Madi to the team!"
 
Lilly Hauser
RHP | Winchester, Calif. | Murrieta Mesa H.S.

• 2025 Pitcher of the Year at Murrieta Mesa High School
• 2024 MaxPreps All-American first team honoree
• 2024 first-team All-South Western League player at Murrieta Mesa
• All-State first team and all-state underclassmen team member in 2024  
• Two-time Press Enterprise IE first-team player at Murrieta Mesa
• Helped lead her Athletics Mercado 12U team to the Alliance Tier 1 Championship in 2021
• Triple Crown National co-champion in 2022 with Athletics Mercado
• Named the Alliance MVP in 2021

 
Lilly says: "I chose Arizona because it is a perfect blend of academics, athletics, and family. Once I saw the campus and community, I knew I wanted to go to Arizona."
 
Coach Conrad says: "Lilly is an electric player who knows what it takes to be a winner. She is a legacy player for Arizona Softball and understands what it means to wear the Block A and represent this program. Lilly will be a great addition to our bullpen with elite velocity and movement and can also bring a strong bat to our lineup. We can't wait for Lilly to be a Wildcat!"  
 
Natalie Keith
INF | Mission Viejo, Calif. | Northwood H.S.

• Played with the OC Batbusters Stith for eight years
• Helped the Batbusters win the 2023 14U Alliance National Championship, the 2023 Top Clubs Championship, the 2025 Alliance Super Cup Championship, and the 2025 IDT Championship
• Named to the 14U Alliance All-Tournament team in 2023
• Three-time All-Pacific Coast League first team player for Northwood High School
• Two-time All-Orange County District honoree

 
Natalie says: "I chose Arizona because of its great softball program, the coaching staff, and the support of the Tucson community."
 
Coach Lappin says: "Natalie is a versatile defender with a very high softball IQ who will immediately add depth at multiple positions for us. She is a hard-working athlete with strong leadership qualities and will be a well-rounded student-athlete. Natalie will fit in perfectly with our culture of excellence and we can't wait until she joins our team!"
 
Violet Mitchell
INF | Peoria, Ariz. | Liberty H.S.

• Named the Liberty High School Defensive Player of the Year
• Three-time All-Desert Valley player at Liberty High School
• Played travel ball with Storm and Rogue

 
Violet says: "I've always loved the University and the softball program and getting to know the coaches made it a perfect fit. U of A also has an amazing community that was so welcoming and supportive as soon as I stepped onto campus!"
 
Coach Lappin says: "Violet is an Arizona native that we are so excited to keep in-state. She will bring power from the right side and is a very versatile defender who can play multiple positions. This year, she has displayed great resilience and we are excited to see her grow as a Wildcat!"
 
Gabriela Nevarez
OF | Carlsbad, Calif. | Carlsbad H.S.

• Named a first-team All-League player and the best offensive player at Carlsbad High School in 2023  
• Three-time scholar-athlete at Carlsbad (2023, 2024, 2025)
• Named to the all-tournament team at the Firecrackers Sparkler NIT Showcase and the PCFL TCS SoCal/Brashear Summer Invitational in 2025
• Also earned all-tournament accolades at the PCFL-TC Firecrackers/BLD Invitational and the PCFL-Team NJ-AZ Fall Invitational

 
Gabriela says: "I chose U of A because of the amazing coaching staff, the team culture, and the competitive business program."
 
Coach Freeman says: "Gabby is another strong outfielder in this class that will also bring a strong bat to our lineup. Her presence and confidence on the field are unmatched, and she is extremely hardworking and a go-getter who will make every player better. She comes from a strong family of athletes, and we are excited for Gabby to be a Wildcat!"