Tennessee softball lands transfer Aubrey Barnhart, former Texas Tech, Alabama utility player

Aubrey Barnhart has committed to Tennessee softball, she announced Friday night, following former Texas Tech coach Craig Snider.

Barnhart is originally from Pleasant View, Tennessee, and wrote, “I’m coming HOME!” in her social media post. The 5-foot-8 utility player started her career at Alabama for two seasons before transferring to Texas Tech for the 2024 season.

Barnhart started all 40 games she appeared in and hit .277 last season. She hit seven home runs and 23 RBIs. Barnhart started in 13 of her 28 appearances at Alabama from 2022-23, with most of those coming in her freshman season.

Barnhart is the fourth addition out of the transfer portal this offseason. She joins Washington infielder Kinsey Fiedler, South Carolina pitcher Sage Mardjetko and Texas infielder Ryan Brown.

Snider was hired as an assistant coach on Karen Weekly’s staff in June to replace Chris Malveaux as hitting coach. Malveaux and his wife, Kate, were hired as the new Auburn co-head coaches. Stephanie Sanders was also hired as an assistant. Sanders and Snider got married in June.

TRANSFERS: Tennessee softball transfer tracker: Who’s in, who’s out for Karen Weekly’s roster

Barnhart was named the 2020 Gatorade Tennessee State Player of the Year at Goodpasture Christian School in Madison, Tennessee. She was the No. 3 recruit in 2021 Extra Inning Softball rankings.

Sophomore outfielder Jamison Brockenbrough, who started 44 games in 2023, is the only Lady Vol to enter the transfer portal so far. Brockenbrough was used as a pinch hitter this season after being a starter as a freshman. She entered the portal prior to Tennessee’s super regional series against Alabama.

Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow her on Twitter @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.