Texas Softball Adds Transfer Pitcher From Texas Tech

AUSTIN, TX — The University of Texas softball team has added left-handed pitcher Samantha Lincoln from Texas Tech through the transfer portal, strengthening its pitching staff as the back-to-back defending national champions prepare for the 2027 season.

The addition was first reported Monday night by Softball America’s Brady Vernon. Lincoln, a sophomore, was ranked No. 32 overall and No. 13 among pitchers in Softball America’s transfer portal rankings.

Lincoln joins Texas after two seasons with Texas Tech, where she competed for innings in a pitching staff led by standout pitchers NiJaree Canady and Kaitlyn Terry. She appeared in 25 games and made 12 starts during the 2026 season, posting a 7-0 record with a 3.47 earned run average.

In 74 2/3 innings, Lincoln recorded 67 strikeouts and held opponents to a .240 batting average.

Texas faced Lincoln during the Women’s College World Series championship series against Texas Tech. In Game 1, she entered in relief and pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out one batter.

The move comes as Texas reshapes its roster following its second consecutive national championship season. The Longhorns lost senior pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez to graduation, while sophomore Cambria Salmon entered the transfer portal.

Lincoln joins a pitching staff that will return ace Teagan Kavan for her senior season. Texas also brings back Coahoma's Hannah Wells, who showed promise as a freshman, and Brenlee Gonzales, another former Texas Tech transfer. Highly regarded freshman Madi Doty is also expected to be part of the Longhorns’ pitching plans in 2027.