Greenville, S.C. – Jessica Epps, Jaidyn Harris, and Kaylah Reynolds will join the Furman softball program for the 2026-27 school year, it was announced on Wednesday by first-year Paladin head coach Mary Beth Dennison.
 
Epps ranks as one of the top pitchers in the state of Georgia, having guided the Wesleyan School to its fifth consecutive state title this fall. The right-hander captured Region 5-A Pitcher of the Year honors and was selected to pitch in the Georgia Dugout Club All-State Game at Truist Park after pacing the Lady Wolves to a 30-3 record, 8-0 region mark, and state title. The Sugar Hill, Ga., native earned the win as Wesleyan topped Hebron Christian, 9-1, in the state title game. Epps, who plays her travel ball for Athletics Gold Tamborra/Freeman 18U, earned first team GACA All-State accolades as a junior in 2024.
 
"Jessica Epps is a great addition to Furman softball," said Dennison. "Jessica has competed with elite level talent at the Wesleyan School and in travel ball. She has championship experience, which is what we are looking for in recruits. She comes from a Georgia high school program that is accustomed to winning state championships and has been a part of four state titles in her high school career. Jessica will make an immediate impact on our program in the circle."
 
Harris enters her senior season in the spring of 2026 looking to lead Catawba Ridge High School to its fourth consecutive state title. The Fort Mill, S.C., native batted .445 with five homers, 51 runs, and a school record 15 doubles and 27 bases on balls to key the Copperheads to a 31-2 record and AAAAA state crown in 2025. The backstop and infielder received the Rising Star of the Year Award at the Greater Charlotte Hot Stove Awards and was ranked No. 77 in the Line Drive Media 2026 Top 100 Player Rankings. A member of Team NC, she is a two-time All-Region 3-AAAAA choice.
 
"Jaidyn Harris is a great representation of competitive excellence," said Dennison. She has been a part of three South Carolina High School State Championships. Jaidyn will not only add solid catching experience, but she also brings a lefty stick to our lineup." 
 
Like Epps, Reynolds ranks as one of the top arms in Georgia in the class of 2026. The All-Region 8-AAA choice pitched the Monroe High School Purple Hurricanes to a 23-11 record and state playoff appearance as a senior in the fall of 2025. She joined Epps at the Georgia Dugout Club All-State Game at Truist Park. The Monroe, Ga., product, who plays travel ball for the East Cobb Bullets, was a first GACA All-State choice in 2024.
 
"Kaylah Reynolds is a dominate pitcher who we also expect to come in and make an immediate impact on our program," said Dennison. "Furman softball is working towards elite level pitching, and we think with the addition of Kaylah and Jess we are on the right path. Kaylah and Jess will complement each other well in terms of having different tools in their arsenal. Our incoming class has a tremendous amount of competitive experience that should help with their transition to competing in the Southern Conference."  
 
 
 Furman Softball Newcomers
Name                           Pos.      Ht.       B/T      Hometown                   High School
Jessica Epps                  P          5-7       R/R      Sugar Hill, Ga.              Wesleyan School
Jaidyn Harris                C/INF   5-5       L/R      Fort Mill, S.C.               Catawba Ridge H.S.      
Kaylah Reynolds           P          5-10     R/R      Monroe, Ga.                 Monroe Area H.S.
 
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