Freshman pitcher Darby Burnett joined the Aggies for the 2027 season. The Arkansas native was a four-star prospect, ranked No. 108 nationally by Rivals/Softball America and the No. 29 pitcher in the 2026 class.
Get to know one of the newest Aggies …
What did you like about Texas A&M that made you commit to the Aggies?
There were a bunch of things I liked, honestly. The coaches made it feel like home, and they felt like family. It reminded me a lot of my own family, so it just felt like the right place.
How has it been working with Coach Ford and this pitching staff?
It's been amazing. I feel like I've learned so much just by listening to them talk. We've changed a bunch of things that have helped me improve. I really love how they explain things and how they work with all of us individually.
What is your major and what do you plan on doing with it?
My major is Kinesiology, and I want to coach.
Who has been the most influential person in your athletic career and why?
I don't think I can pick just one person. It would have to be both of my parents because they've always been there for me through the ups and downs of athletics. Whether I need a push or someone to back me up, they've always been there.
What have you heard about the 12th Man and what are your expectations for a game day atmosphere here?
I'm expecting a big crowd. I know they like to get behind us for the important games, but I'm excited to see them get behind us for our non-conference games and fall games, too.
What is one part of your game that you have worked on hard to improve?
Definitely my mental game and how I view the game, especially the one-on-one competition between the pitcher and the batter.
Who do you think is the most competitive person on the team and what's the best example of that?
We're all really competitive. I would say there's a group of three—AK (Ariel Kowalewski), Milan (Torres), and Scout (Lovell)—that are probably the most competitive. When we're running the mile, they are always the best thre times, so they're always pushing each other and trying to beat one another.
What's a song that will instantly get you hyped up before game?
"Sunny and 75" by Joe Nichols.
If you could design a game uniform, what would it look like?
Probably all maroon with black accents. I know we have one with white, but I feel like black or dark gray accents would look really good. We've had that in reverse, but I'd like to see it with the maroon.