Big 12 Softball: Arizona All-American Dakota Kennedy Enters Transfer Portal

Arizona softball’s standout outfielder, Dakota Kennedy, has entered the NCAA transfer portal, marking a significant shift in the Wildcats’ roster. Kennedy, a two-time NFCA All-American and 2024 Gold Glove recipient, has been a cornerstone of Arizona’s lineup over the past three seasons.

The junior from Sacramento, California, has one year of eligibility remaining. In the 2025 season, Kennedy led the Wildcats with a .444 batting average, complemented by a .521 on-base percentage and a .688 slugging percentage. She recorded 5 home runs, 10 doubles, and four triples on the year.

Kennedy was masterful on defense, maintaining a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with 111 putouts on the year. She also boasts a career fielding percentage of .996, with her lone error dating back to her freshman season.

Over her collegiate career, Kennedy has appeared in 151 games, starting 147 of them. She boasts a career batting average of .398, with 26 doubles, 27 home runs, and 75 RBIs. Her consistent performance has made her one of the most formidable outfielders in college softball.

Kennedy’s entry into the transfer portal comes amid a wave of departures from Arizona’s program, with her being the ninth player to do so this offseason. While the reasons for her decision remain undisclosed, her departure represents a significant loss for the Wildcats.

As one of the top talents now available, Kennedy is expected to attract considerable interest from programs nationwide seeking to bolster their outfield and offensive lineup. Her combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess makes her a valuable asset for any team aiming for championship contention.