LSU Softball Makes Major Offseason Statement by Adding Elite Pitcher Cece Cellura and Power-Hitting Shortstop Kylee Edwards
The LSU Tigers softball program continues its tradition of excellence and long-term vision under head coach Beth Torina with two monumental additions to the roster: right-handed pitcher Cece Cellura and standout shortstop Kylee Edwards. These moves represent a significant step forward for a team already regarded as one of the most competitive in the SEC and a national contender. With these additions, the Tigers are sending a loud message to the rest of college softball—LSU is building not just for now, but for the future.
Cellura and Edwards, both top-tier talents in their respective positions, offer the kind of immediate impact that most programs hope to develop over years. Instead, LSU is bringing in a pair of ready-made game-changers. These additions are the result of savvy recruiting, strategic long-term planning, and the program’s continued success in developing elite players and drawing high-level talent from across the country.
Cece Cellura, a dominant right-handed pitcher out of Louisiana, is as much of a homegrown star as LSU could hope for. A graduate of St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, Cellura brings a fiery competitiveness, elite-level command, and a knack for generating strikeouts in big moments. She’s been a standout on the travel ball circuit with the Louisiana Bombers and is considered one of the best arms in the nation in her class. Her decision to stay in-state and wear the purple and gold resonates deeply with LSU fans and represents a massive win for Torina and her staff.
At 5-foot-9, Cellura has an athletic build and explosive delivery that immediately stands out. But what separates her from the average elite prep pitcher is her composure and her pitch sequencing. She doesn’t just throw hard—she pitches smart. Her mix includes a lively fastball that touches the low-70s, a biting rise ball, a deceptive off-speed pitch, and a drop ball that falls off the table late. Over the last two seasons, she’s become known for making high-pressure moments look routine, and LSU is getting a player who’s been groomed to take the ball on Fridays and lead a pitching staff from day one.
Perhaps more importantly, Cellura’s commitment is symbolic. In a world where recruiting is more national than ever and top prospects routinely cross state lines for opportunity and exposure, LSU keeping a player of her caliber at home signals the program’s gravitational pull. With the rise of the SEC as a softball superpower, holding onto Louisiana’s top in-state talent is no small feat. And in Cellura, LSU isn’t just holding onto talent—they’re adding a future All-American who could anchor the staff for years.
Meanwhile, Kylee Edwards comes to LSU with just as much fanfare, albeit from a different part of the country. A native of Indiana, Edwards is one of the best shortstops in her class and a proven power hitter with elite athleticism and a gritty edge. Known for her powerful bat, quick first step, and smooth glove work, Edwards projects as a difference-maker on both sides of the ball. LSU’s ability to pull a top Midwestern player away from traditional Big Ten powers says everything about where the program stands nationally.
Edwards’s offensive game is marked by her ability to impact the ball with authority to all fields. She generates easy power, punishes mistakes, and has a mature approach in the box. Over the past year, she’s added strength without sacrificing her speed, making her one of the rare prospects who can hit 15-plus home runs a season while still swiping 20 bags. That power-speed combo makes her a perfect fit for LSU’s aggressive offensive approach. Defensively, she’s as reliable as they come. Her range, footwork, and arm strength make her a natural at shortstop, but she has also shown the versatility to play multiple infield spots if needed.
Adding a player like Edwards addresses not just a positional need but reinforces LSU’s identity as a team built on defense, speed, and power. She brings a fiery leadership presence to the field and a work ethic that has earned praise from coaches across the country. The Tigers are getting a player who’s not just capable of starting right away—she’s likely to emerge as one of the team’s core leaders before long.
Taken together, the additions of Cellura and Edwards are more than just big-time recruiting wins—they’re program-defining moves. LSU is already one of the premier softball schools in the nation, but these two signings elevate the roster ceiling and give the coaching staff options and flexibility that few programs enjoy. They provide an immediate boost in two of the most critical areas of the game: the circle and the middle infield.
It’s also worth noting how these signings reflect the development culture Torina has built in Baton Rouge. LSU has long been a place where elite talent thrives, and that reputation only grows with players like Cellura and Edwards choosing the Tigers over national suitors. Torina’s ability to consistently put her players in positions to succeed—on the field, in the classroom, and in life—resonates with recruits and families alike. This is a program that wins, yes, but it does so while maintaining a standard of character and player growth that stands out even in the ultra-competitive SEC.
With the addition of Cellura, LSU bolsters a pitching staff that is already formidable. Her presence gives the Tigers a frontline arm that can go toe-to-toe with any ace in the country. It also allows LSU to be more strategic in managing innings and matchups across the grueling SEC slate. For a program that’s made multiple trips to the Women’s College World Series under Torina, adding a player like Cellura is the kind of move that helps take the final step to a national championship.
Edwards, too, gives LSU more than just talent—she gives them flexibility. Her ability to handle the toughest infield position means LSU has options when it comes to defensive alignment. Her offensive game, meanwhile, provides immediate thump in the lineup and lengthens a batting order that already features multiple All-SEC-caliber bats. Whether she slots in at the top of the order or hits in the middle, Edwards will be a key figure in LSU’s offensive identity from the moment she arrives.
In the ever-evolving world of college softball, roster management has never been more important. Between the transfer portal, early commitments, and the race to keep top talent home, programs have to be nimble and aggressive. LSU has proven once again that it’s not only willing to compete—it’s willing to lead. The Tigers are building a roster that isn’t just talented but layered with depth, experience, and high-ceiling young talent. And with Cellura and Edwards joining the fold, the future looks even brighter.
It’s also a testament to LSU’s broader recruiting philosophy. The Tigers aren’t just going after the biggest names—they’re targeting the right fits. Players who bring more than just tools to the table. Cellura and Edwards are elite, yes, but they’re also winners, leaders, and students of the game. That combination is rare, and it’s what separates great recruiting classes from championship teams.
There’s still work to be done, of course. No roster is ever truly finished, and injuries, development, and in-season adjustments are always part of the story. But LSU fans should feel confident that the team is not just chasing titles—they’re setting a foundation for sustained excellence. With a loaded roster, one of the best coaching staffs in the country, and now two more cornerstone pieces in Cellura and Edwards, LSU softball is locked in and loaded for the seasons to come.
As the countdown to next season begins, all eyes will be on Baton Rouge. And thanks to the additions of Cece Cellura and Kylee Edwards, the future of LSU softball looks as promising—and as powerful—as ever.
