BEAUMONT, Texas - Looking to build upon a second straight 20-win season for the Lamar University softball program, head coach Amy Hooks announced the addition of two new transfers to help the Cardinals for the upcoming 2025 season. Joining the Big Red squad are junior Gracee Hess and sophomore Reagan Smith.


Gracee Hess - IF - Bell Chasse HS/Belle Chasse, La. (LSU-Eunice)

Helping to bolster the infield, Hess arrives to Beaumont after spending last season with the Bengals of LSU-Eunice. During the 2024 season, she batted .427 with 70 hits, 20 doubles, three triples, five homers, and 35 runs batted in while also stealing 27 bases. Previously, she was a member of the Bulldogs at Louisiana Tech collecting one hit and one stolen base.

In high school, she led the Belle Chasse Cardinals to the 2018 district championship and a run to the state quarterfinals. Following a district runner-up finish a year later, Hess would put together two strong seasons hitting .543 and .412 (five homers) as a junior and senior respectively. An all-district and all-metro player, who earned the district MVP honors in 2021, she was named the New Orleans Quarterback Club Outstanding Athlete in 2019 and spend her club days with the Marucci Patriots' travel ball team. In addition, she also played soccer and was president in both her class and the the No Place for Hate club off the field.

"Hess will add some depth to our middle infield," says Coach Hooks. "She brings collegiate experience and will fit perfectly in our culture."



Reagan Smith - RHP - Santa Fe HS/Santa Fe Texas (UTSA)

Heading east on I-10 to Boomtown, Smith will trade her Roadrunner uniform from UTSA to a Cardinal red uniform. Last season, Smith started 16 games in the circle and posted a 4.55 earned run average in 107.2 innings while striking out 40 batters. Among her season highlights included a complete game 3-0 shutout win over LU on April 2nd in which she struck out a season-high five batters while allowing three hits.

Before her time at UTSA, she helped the Santa Fe High School Indians' softball team reach the regional finals in 2019 and 2021. A four-year letter winner, she posted a 2.70 ERA as a junior and a 1.80 ERA as a freshman. She also played club ball with the Bombers 18U National team.

"Smith will be a great addition to our pitching staff," Coach Hooks explains. "She knows a lot of our current players, so we expect her to feel like family for Team 13."