Florida softball lands FGCU transfer RHP Allison Sparkman
Florida softball added right-handed pitcher Allison Sparkman from the transfer portal on Friday.
Sparkman ranked 28th in the nation with a 1.18 ERA as a freshman and was a unanimous ASUN All-Freshman in 2024. As a sophomore, she held an 18-12 record and a 2.35 ERA through 169 2/3 innings pitched, throwing 45% of Florida Gulf Coast's total innings in 2025. Her lifetime ERA is 2.09 over 274 innings, and opposing batters are hitting .219 against her.
"We're really excited to add Allison Sparkman to our program." Florida softball coach Tim Walton said. "Allison brings in a lot of experience in the circle. We believe she will be a great complement to our pitching staff."
Florida struggled with injuries on its pitching staff in 2025, namely to ace Keagan Rothrock who missed a month of the season dealing with compartment syndrome. Ava Brown, Kara Hammock, Olivia Miller and Katelyn Oxley all saw increased innings, but the unit was clearly not at full strength when it needed to be during the playoffs.
Adding Sparkman is a direct response to last year's results and is likely an upgrade from the departing Hammock, who threw 64 of 405 total innings for Florida.
Sparkman is the fifth addition to Florida's softball team this offseason, following South Carolina catcher/infielder Fiulia Desiderio, Eastern Illinois infielder Kendall Glover, Missouri infielder Madison Walker and Mississippi State catcher/outfielder Ella Wesolowski.
The program saw several depth players exit via the transfer portal, including catcher Makenna Bellaire, infielders Alyssa Hovermale and Layla Lamar, and outfielder Kylie Shaw. The biggest transfer departure is second baseman Mia Williams, who hit 19 home runs and drove in 44 runs last season.
Four starters, center fielder Kendra Falby, shortstop Rylee Holtorf, left fielder Korbe Otis and first baseman Reagan Walsh, are graduating as well.
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