11/12/2026 11:33:00 AM | Softball
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida State softball team welcomed three signees to its 2027 class, head coach Lonni Alameda announced Thursday. Addison DeRoche, Layna Ayala and Harleigh Price make up the Seminoles' signing class, which ranks No. 12 nationally and second in the ACC according to D1Softball.
The Seminoles add two pitchers in DeRoche and Price. DeRoche also provides versatility in the infield, while Ayala adds depth behind the plate and in the field. All three signees are nationally recognized prospects who bring an impressive collection of individual accolades, championship experience and national rankings to Tallahassee.
DeRoche and Ayala are ranked among the top 20 players nationally in the Class of 2027 by Rivals, with DeRoche coming in at No. 5 and Ayala at No. 16. Price has also received national recognition, earning a spot among Line Drive Media's top 100 prospects in the Class of 2027.
The class features two Florida natives in Ayala and Price, while DeRoche joins the Seminoles from Maine.
Addison DeRoche | Pitcher/Infield | 5-9 | Westbrook, Maine | Cheverus High School
A five-star recruit out of Westbrook, Maine, DeRoche is ranked as the No. 1 player in Maine and No. 5 player nationally by Rivals. The Cheverus High School standout is a three-time Gatorade Maine Softball Player of the Year, earning the honor in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
DeRoche was also named the 2026 Varsity Maine Female Athlete of the Year and was ranked as the No. 3 player in the country by Line Drive Media in 2025. A two-time PGF All-American, DeRoche helped lead her team to the 2024 PGF Premier National Championship and has won two state championships at Cheverus High School.
Off the field, DeRoche is a high honors student at Cheverus High School.
The daughter of Joe and Bridget DeRoche, Addison comes from an athletic family, as her father played basketball at Thomas College.
Head Coach Lonni Alameda on DeRoche:
"Addison is an incredibly gifted pitcher. She has great feel for her pitching game, a huge desire to be the best in the circle and great pride in being able to represent FSU. Addison is also a very devoted teammate who wants the best for her team, community and the game of softball. We are excited for the circle with the addition of Addison and her skill set."
Assistant Coach Travis Wilson on DeRoche:
"Addison is someone we have had our eyes on for a long time, and we couldn't be more excited to officially welcome her to Florida State. She is an elite pitcher in the 2027 class with the ability, competitiveness and presence to make a tremendous impact in the circle. What makes her story even more special is the pride she carries in representing her home state of Maine. She has worked incredibly hard to put herself in this position, and we love the competitor she is and the person she is becoming. We are excited to help her take the next step in her career and bring her talents to Tallahassee."
Layna Ayala | Catcher/Utility | 5-10 | Melbourne, Fla. | Melbourne High School
Ayala joins the Seminoles as one of the top prospects in the 2027 signing class. The Melbourne, Florida, native is a five-star recruit and was ranked as the No. 1 player in Florida and No. 16 nationally in the Class of 2027 by Rivals. Ayala was also recognized as a top-20 prospect in the class by MaxPreps.
A two-time Brevard Sports Network Softball Player of the Year, Ayala has also earned Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) Class 6A District 12 Player of the Year honors twice. Off the field, Ayala is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and has been named to the FACA All-Academic Team.
The daughter of Ricardo and Jessica Ayala, Layna comes from a baseball family. Her father played baseball at Coastal Carolina, while her brother, Bryson, plays baseball at Tulane University.
Head Coach Lonni Alameda on Ayala:
"Layna is a tremendous athlete. She plays the game hard, swings the bat with authority and embraces the selflessness that the catching position requires. The more I have gotten to know Layna, the more I have seen how incredibly driven she is to be the best on the field and how much she wants to learn about everything this game has to offer. Her smarts and drive will flourish in our culture."
Assistant Coach Travis Wilson on Ayala:
"Layna is one of the best offensive catchers in the 2027 class, and we believe she has the ability to be a special hitter at the next level. She brings an exciting combination of power, bat speed and the ability to drive the ball to all parts of the field. She is a true middle-of-the-order offensive threat who can change the game with one swing. What makes her so exciting is that she doesn't just hit home runs; she has a hitter's mentality and understands how to impact an at-bat. We are thrilled to add a player with her offensive ability and competitive makeup to our Seminole family. The future is bright for Layna in Garnet and Gold!"
Harleigh Price | Pitcher | 6-0 | Wellborn, Fla. | Branford High School
Price comes to Tallahassee out of Branford High School in Wellborn, Florida. The right-handed pitcher was ranked as the No. 32 overall player, No. 18 pitcher and No. 22 prospect in the Southeast Region for the Class of 2027 by Line Drive Media.
Price earned several accolades during her freshman season in 2024, including Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) All-State honors, All-First Coast First Team recognition and Lake City Reporter All-Area honors as a utility player. She was also named her high school's Most Valuable Player and threw her first career perfect game on Feb. 9, 2024.
Price was named to the Extra Inning Softball Southeast All-Region First Team in 2024 and was ranked among the top 10 pitchers in the region. She was also ranked as the No. 42 pitcher in the Extra Elite 100 pitcher rankings.
At the club level, Price helped her team capture the 2023 PGF Florida Classic Championship and earned National Player of the Week honors at the 2026 Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series. She also helped her team to a fifth-place finish at the 2026 Scenic City Top 25 and a third-place finish in the Colorado Sparkler Power Pool.
Off the field, Price earned FACA All-Academic honors in 2024 and plans to major in sport management at Florida State.
The daughter of William and Oda Price, Harleigh has two younger siblings, Ryleigh and Joleigh.
Head Coach Lonni Alameda on Price:
"We have been able to watch Harleigh grow over the years as a local who will proudly represent the Garnet and Gold. Harleigh has a huge upside due to her strength and ability to take in knowledge and apply it to her pitching game. She is going to add depth to the circle and bring a drive that is felt by everyone. She has always wanted to be a Nole, and we are so glad she will be in uniform with us next season."
Assistant Coach Travis Wilson on Price:
"Harleigh is a competitor. She has the physical tools, the athleticism and the ability to impact a game in multiple ways. What excites me most is her upside and the opportunity to help her continue developing into the player we know she can become. She can change a game with her arm and her bat, and she brings the kind of competitive mentality we want in a Florida State softball player. We are fired up to have her coming home to Tallahassee. Go Noles!"
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