AUBURN, Ala. – Adding another talented arm to the bullpen, Auburn softball co-head coaches Chris and Kate Malveaux announced the signing of Abby Herndon to the 2026 roster.
A left-handed pitcher and Alabama native, Herndon spent the 2025 season at Ole Miss as the Rebels made a historic postseason run with their first Women’s College World Series. Herndon did not see any game action during her time at Oxford and will have four years of eligibility remaining for the Tigers.
“When looking to build a program, we look for people with great character and great work ethic to go along with a competitive mindset,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “We get that with Abby and her family. She’s an Alabama native and will add a huge boost to our pitching depth. She’ll bring a different look that will compliment the rest of the staff. We are so excited to welcome Abby to the Plains!”
Herndon joins Alyssa Hastings (Lipscomb) and Ella Harrison (Rutgers) as a trio of transfer portal pick-ups that will be heading to the Plains this fall.
Ranked the No. 28 recruit of the 2024 class by ExtraInning Softball, Herndon was a six-year letterwinner at Brooks High School in Killen, Alabama.
She was a three-time, all-state honoree. The left-handed phenom was named ASHAA 4A Pitcher of the Year in 2023 after posting a 0.95 ERA and 235 strikeouts in 235.0 innings of work. That season, she also batted .393 with 21 doubles, seven home runs and 43 RBI. Herndon helped Brooks to an area title, super regional crown and an appearance at the state tournament that season.
In 2022, Herndon earned all-county accolades after leading Brooks to a county championship. She finished her sophomore campaign with a 1.33 ERA and 183 strikeouts in 157.0 innings. She also added a .411 batting average with 44 RBI.
Herndon recorded a 1.56 ERA behind 97 strikeouts in 2021. She tossed 107 innings that season. She held a .411 average with 11 doubles and 44 RBI. Over her prep career, she also earned Alliance FP Player of the Month accolades.
She played travel ball for the TN Fury National 2024 – Groenewoud. She recorded a top-15 finish (2022) and a top-20 finish (2021) at the Alliance Championship series.