This is might be one of Beth Torina's biggest gets of her career with the commitment of No.21 overall Rylie Johnson. I have had the privilege to put together articles on all of the 2023, 2024 and current 2025 commits and I do not think I have come across a more impressive stat line to date. Keep in mind that many of these players are Top 10 Nationally ranked players. Rylie was kind enough to take the time and talk about her commitment and more.
RYLIE JOHNSON
Fredericksburg Christian High School
UNITY 18U-Johnson/Ricks
Class of 2025
OF
No.21 Nationally by Extrainnings
No.7 Outfielder by Extrainnings
End of Season Stats (19 Games)
78 PA, 61 AB, 46 Hits, .754Avg, .795OBP, 2.778 OPS. 1.984 Slugging, (12) Singles, (10) 2B, (7) 3B (17) HRs, (42) RBIs, (47) RS, (5) HBP (11) BB, (0) Ks, (18) SBs,
Personal Accolades
*VCAC Conference Player of the Year
*VCAC 1st Team All-Conference
*VISSA 1st Team All-State
*Tied Virginia High School State Single Season HR Record (17 HRs) *Set School Single Season Records
What led this super talented player to the Bayou State to play for LSU ? Rylie detailed those reasons stating "I love the coaching staff and their intentions of developing me as a person and a player. The winning tradition of the LSU program (multiple World Series appearances) AND the future (a top 2024 class in the country) had me really excited. Plus, I felt at home right when I stepped foot on campus with the layout of the campus and how convenient LSU makes it for their athletes to live and train with the athletic facilities being so close. Lastly, I love how LSU supports women’s athletics from facilities, to NIL opportunities and the strong Tiger fan base. LSU is a special place and I wanted to be a part of it ! "
On the role this LSU Staff played in getting her commitment "This staff was one that we felt had a great mixture of experience, leadership, trust, personality and honesty. They have a proven track record of winning, developing their players AND having fun. I have been fortunate enough to have built a great relationship with Coach Beth and Coach Howard over the years as they followed my team and recruited Destiny (Harris) and Jayden (Heavener) last year. So, they have really watched me play for 3 years. I went to LSU’s softball camp last year as well. At that camp is where I got to spend time with Coach Howard. I really liked the things we worked on and I still use his feet drills today. Coach Beth and Howard have been at LSU for 13 years and on my recruiting trip they showed me their love for LSU and made me feel like we were family. Also, I really got to know and enjoy spending time with Coach Bryce before he came to LSU too. I really am looking forward to be coached my Coach Sandra as well. I know this staff is going to develop me to the best version of myself and care for me as a person and not just a softball player. " She was considering other top programs before choosing the Tigers as she said "I took official visits and had competitive offers from NC State, Ohio State, Tennessee, Arizona State, and Texas A&M. I really enjoyed them all and I am very appreciative of their interest in me."
As she mentioned above, she has some ties to this LSU program "Destiny Harris and I have played together since I was 10 and she was 11. She is like a sister to me and our friendship is definitely more family than teammates. I have always thought about and wanted to play with her in college. Also, I have played with Jayden Heavener for the past two years and I have known her for the past 5 years. She is such a talented pitcher and I’m so excited to play the outfield behind her at the next level." She added "I am really looking forward to meeting and playing with all the other 2025 commits as well. They have been reaching out to me since my commitment, which is so nice."
When I asked her to describe her game she stated "I like to think of myself as a player who can have an impact on both (offense and defensive) sides of the games. On offense, I believe I bring a good mixture of speed and power from the left side of the plate. I use my speed to play small ball as a bunter, I like stealing bases and I can drive in runs. I have a good eye which has led to me getting on base at a high percentage. My power is showing up as I have committed myself to strength training and have gained some weight. As a coaches kid, I think I have a high softball IQ and i find myself really consumed with other players’ tendencies and how to play situations. I am extremely competitive, so I am willing to do whatever is asked of me to help my team win." She added more on being a coaches kid " I have to earn my way that much harder being a coaches kid.My dad would start me at the bottom of the lineup and I eventually worked my way up."
Regarding her inspiration in her softball journey "My dad, Josh Johnson. We have done so much together. He first introduced me to the game of softball at 7 years old and has worked very hard to provide me with every opportunity to be the best version of me. My dad founded and leads the Unity Softball Organization, so I have been around great players like Odicci Alexander, Alyssa Bilodeau, Kelsey Brown and others. Also, he has always coached my team and challenged me to be great and earn what I want through hard work. He has put so many hours with me working on my game and has taken me all over the country (played in 26 different states) to compete and experience softball and create lifelong memories."
We discussed some of her favorite accomplishments "I have been fortunate enough to be apart of many great wins and awards, but I really have loved and are very proud of my travel team’s successes over the years. I love winning big tournaments: here are couple that stand out - 14u USA Nationals, 14u PGF Premier Nationals, the Colorado Sparkler 16u ESPN TV Bracket Championship, the Colorado Sparkler 16u Power Pool Championship (where I hit a walk off HR in bottom of the 7th down by 1 run vs. Firecrackers) and most recently the Triple Crown 16u Nationals. Also, I was extremely proud to have helped my high school team reach the state championship for the first time in state history this past spring. I guess it was pretty awesome to hit 17 HRs this Spring to tie a Virginia High School State Record with Kate Gordon this season as well."
On what drives her "I love to compete and win! I love getting better and push myself to be the best I can be. I have a strong faith and love the Lord and I try to use the life’s challenges he places in front of me to become a better person and player. My family is very important to me as well and I really want to make them proud." When not on the field playing she says she enjoys "reading, hanging with my family, strength & speed training and shopping." She says her favorite author is Colleen Hoover.
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This young lady is going to be very good for LSU.
Thank you very much for a fun read!