Softball Adds Four To 2025-26 Roster

MACON – Mercer softball head coach Lindsay Fico announced a quartet of additions to her 2025-26 roster on Wednesday morning when in-state products Loreal Byrd, Cloe Pless and Cate Raines, as well as Florida native J'lyn Guyden, all announced their intentions to continue their academic and athletic careers with the Bears.

"Our 2025 class is filled with tons of talent," Fico said. "All four players have dominated in regional play, and all of them bring a wealth of championship experience. Their presence on the field will be felt almost immediately."

A product of Northside High School in Columbus, Byrd picked up region player of the year honors and her third consecutive all-region accolades as a senior after hitting .506 with a school-record 14 home runs, 47 RBI and 52 runs scored, while also compiling a .632 on-base percentage and a 1.188 slugging percentage (1.820 OPS). She also drew 28 walks and stole 16 bases. She also competes with the Athletics Gold Tamborra 18U travel ball squad.

An everyday third baseman for the Patriots, Byrd maintains a 4.2 cumulative grade point average at Northside High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Best Buddies clubs. The daughter of Pamela and Ronmeko Byrd has both a brother, Ronmeko Jr., and a sister, Justice. She is anticipating majoring in biology at Mercer.

"Loreal can do it all," Fico said. "Her athleticism will allow us to work with her both at third base and in the outfield. She's a true competitor who even pitched for Northside at this year's GHSA state tournament. We are very fortunate she chose to be a Bear."

Pless, a native of Alma who attends Bacon County High School, was a stalwart in the circle for the Raiders as a senior, compiling 14 wins and a 1.60 earned run average in 127-1/3 innings pitched with 122 strikeouts on the way to region pitcher of the year honors. Pless was just as dangerous in the batter's box, hitting .310 in 71 at-bats with four home runs and 21 RBI. She amassed a .577 slugging percentage and a .933 OPS. Pless also stars as a part of the Atlanta Vipers Gold travel ball organization.

The daughter of Tamela and Derek Pless has a younger brother, Kade. She is heavily involved in campus life at Bacon County High School where she maintains a 4.0 and is a class officer, as well as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Beta Club. She is expecting to major in biology at Mercer.

"Cloe plays with a ton of passion - she's a leader in the circle and wants the ball as often as you will give it to her," Fico said. "She will provide depth and enthusiasm to our staff, and she is used to putting her team on her back. I look forward to seeing what she and (assistant coach) Courtney (Gettins) can accomplish in the bullpen."

A product of High Springs, Fla., and Santa Fe High School, Guyden earned all-area honors following a sophomore campaign that watched her hit .529, while also belting 13 doubles and amassing a .785 slugging percentage with 26 RBI. An everyday starter in centerfield for the Raiders, Guyden will begin her senior prep campaign in February. She also competes with the Santa Fe Inferno travel ball organization.

The daughter of Tamekeya and Lamar Guyden has an older brother, Braylon, and two younger brothers, Latrell and Avery. She maintains a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average at Santa Fe High School where she is a member of the Pre-Collegiate Club and Black Student Union. She is anticipating majoring in nursing at Mercer.

"J'lyn is a quiet competitor who lets her performance speak for itself," Fico said. "She is an extremely-tough out at the plate because she is built with both speed and strength. The ground she covers in the outfield is impressive, and she will be the perfect addition to our strong outfield play."

A native of Cordele and a standout at Westfield School, Raines earned her second-straight all-region and all-state honors as a senior after compiling a .542 batting average, 12 homers and 53 RBI, while also amassing a .578 on-base and 1.104 slugging percentage (1.682 OPS). The region co-player of the year also earned an all-star team invitation as well after pacing the Hornets to their eighth-straight state championship. She also stars as a part of the EC Bullets Gold travel ball organization.

The daughter of Catherine and Mitch Raines has an older sister, Sara Ruth, and two younger siblings, Grady and Hazel. She maintains a 4.33 cumulative grade point average at Westfield School where she is a member of the Tri-Hi-Y, Beta, Key and Book clubs. Raines is expecting to major in biology at Mercer.

"Cate is pure power at the plate, and she's used to carrying the load in the meat of the lineup," Fico said. "She is the epitome of a 'selfless' teammate. Even though she is a true first baseman, she caught the entire season for her state championship high school team."

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