Last of the COVID-bonus kids. Yesterday as they were going through senior ceremonies I realized that Jolie Mitchell was not included. Looking up her playing years it was 3 years at Notre Dame and not 4 as I had assumed. Which means.....Mike White has asked her to come back for 5th year, whereas he didn't do the same thing for Washington, Whitaker, and Czech.
I'm surprised at Czech because she's a more reliable closer than Simpson. But maybe Czech has post-softball plans. During the senior event, the announcer said, "And this might be of interest to Estelle Czech, her friend Tight End Jared Wiley has been drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs!" and Estelle got excited and hopped up and down for a bit. And afterwards, it was discussed the Czech and Wiley are dating.
Anyhoo, baring players from the class of 2020 who also redshirted that year plus any 5th year transfer into this program after the WCWS, this will be the last 5th year bonus baby for the Texas team. Looking at the past COVID-bonus kids (who played 5 years):
2021
Molly Jacobson
Kaitlyn Washington
Shannon Rhodes
2022
Lauren Burke
Mary Iakopo
Hailey Dolcini
Jenae Jefferson
2023
Lou Gilbert
2024
Bella Dayton
2025
Jolie Mitchell