STATESBORO – Georgia Southern softball has officially added four standout student-athletes to its 2026 signing class on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day.
 
The newest Eagles – Lauren Compton, Kyera Combs, Leila Bolden and Alexa Bertelsmann – will join the program ahead of the 2026 season, bringing a mix of talent, versatility and passion to the 'Boro.
 
"We're excited to announce our 2026 signing class," head coach Sharon Perkins said. "While none are from the Peach State, they're all from bordering states. Alexa, Leila, Kyera and Lauren all bring unique personalities, strong skill sets and qualities important to our program. All four have grown in their craft throughout the recruiting process, and we look forward to them officially being Eagles. Hail Southern!"
 
Below is a closer look at the 2026 signing class:
 
Lauren Compton
RHP | Longwood, Fla. | Lake Brantley HS

A four-year varsity letterwinner, Compton has earned numerous honors throughout her high school career. She was named 2023 Freshman of the Year and has been a multi-time Second Team All-Conference selection. In 2025, she was recognized as Co-Pitcher of the Year and earned Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-State honors. 
 
A standout in the classroom as well, Compton is a three-time honoree of the Seminole Athletic Conference All-Academic Team, a member of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Academic Team and the National Honor Society. 
 
"Lauren is a great addition to our pitching staff," Perkins said. "She is a righty that will keep batters off balance with her tight spin and break, which is paired up with a beautiful change up. She shows zero expression in the circle and is a competitor."
 
Kyera Combs
Catcher/Utility | Mooresville, N.C. | Lake Norman HS
 
A four-year varsity standout, Combs has built an impressive prep career highlighted by multiple regional and state honors. She is a three-time All-County and All-Region selection, a two-time All-Conference honoree and earned All-State recognition in 2024 and 2025. 
 
Holding a .390 career batting average, she was also named Lake Norman's Defensive MVP in 2024 and 2025, as well as the 2024 Piedmont Hot Stove Catcher of the Year. A dedicated student-athlete, Combs is a member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club and National Technical Honor Society while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
 
"Kyera joins our catching crew and prides herself in grabbing strikes for her pitchers," Perkins said. "She also communicates well with her pitchers, coaches and umpires. All of this while bringing a smile to their faces. Kyera has also proven to be a threat in our lineup with her power."
 
Leila Bolden
SS | Clermont, Fla. | Homeschool
 
A four-year letterwinner, Bolden earned 2024 First Team All-County honors from Lake & Sumter Magazine. She is a member of the National Leadership Honors Society at Lake Sumter State College and has continued to excel both academically and athletically. 
 
With the Tampa Mustangs, she earned an Alliance All-Tournament Award and stood out on the international stage at the 2025 Women's Softball World Cup, finishing among the top 10 in batting average, hits, slugging and doubles.
 
"Leila is a scrappy athlete who is a true utility," Perkins said. "She plays with heart, and we love her hands and feet at shortstop, but catching is her passion. She has the ability to play any position on the field, minus pitching, with intensity."
 
Alexa Bertelsmann
1B/Utility | Clarksville, Tenn. | Clarksville Academy
 
A two-year varsity letterwinner, Bertelsmann has made a strong impact academically and athletically throughout her career. She was named the 2024 High School Offensive Player of the Year, earned two All-Area Team selections and was twice recognized as the Area High School Player of the Week. 
 
At the plate, she posted a .387 batting average and .667 slugging percentage in the spring of 2024, following up a .386 average and .500 slugging mark during the 2023 season.
 
"Alexa brings a confident, vocal, and leadership mindset along with a hefty lefty bat," Perkins said. "She will add to a strong Eagle offense and has the ability to play first base or a corner outfield position."