JUST IN: UNC Head Coach Megan Smith Lyon Announces Three Freshmen Signees Welcomed to Tar Heels Women’s Softball Program
Chapel Hill, NC — In a major boost to the future of North Carolina Tar Heels Women’s Softball, Head Coach Megan Smith Lyon officially announced the signing of three standout freshmen athletes, each poised to bring dynamic skill sets, championship-level pedigree, and relentless determination to the program. The announcement was made earlier today at a press conference held at the Anderson Softball Stadium, drawing local media, university officials, and a flurry of excitement from Tar Heel Nation.
Coach Smith Lyon, entering her sixth season at the helm, expressed deep enthusiasm for the new additions. “These three young women are not only elite competitors, but they embody everything it means to be a Tar Heel,” she said. “They bring grit, integrity, and hunger. I cannot wait to see them compete in Carolina blue.”
The trio includes pitcher Kinsley Rojas from Katy, Texas; utility infielder Savannah “Savvy” Blake from Huntington Beach, California; and outfielder Nia Carter-Jones from Atlanta, Georgia. Each comes to Chapel Hill having left a lasting mark on their high school and club programs, with accolades and state records trailing in their wake.
Kinsley Rojas, a 5’10” right-handed power pitcher from Cinco Ranch High School, led the state in strikeouts her senior year with 298 in just 26 games. Known for her blazing fastball topping 69 mph and a devastating rise ball, Rojas was the 2024 Texas Gatorade Player of the Year. She led her team to a state championship and was named MVP of the tournament. Her calm composure and ruthless efficiency on the mound have drawn comparisons to former UNC greats. “Kinsley has the potential to be a program-changer,” Smith Lyon said. “She throws with power and precision and has the mental makeup of a champion.”
Savvy Blake, a slick-fielding shortstop with a cannon arm and a .482 batting average, brings West Coast flair and fearlessness to the infield. At Edison High School, Blake was a four-year varsity starter and led her club team to a PGF national title. Her versatility allows her to shift across the infield when needed, and her elite baserunning instincts made her a nightmare for opposing pitchers. “Savvy brings a competitive fire and natural leadership we value,” said Smith Lyon. “She’s the kind of player who turns a double play and then blasts a double in the next inning.”
Nia Carter-Jones, a left-handed slapper and outfield speedster, adds a new dimension to the Tar Heels’ offense and defense. Clocked at 2.6 seconds from home to first, she’s a relentless top-of-the-lineup weapon. A two-time Georgia state champion at Northview High, she stole 48 bases her senior season and committed zero errors in center field. “Nia is electric,” Smith Lyon said. “She covers the outfield like a shadow and brings instant pressure at the plate. She’s going to energize our whole lineup.”
With these three signees, the Tar Heels are looking to reload, not rebuild. As the 2025 season approaches, expectations are high—and with good reason. Tar Heel fans can look forward to a new era of speed, strength, and strategic brilliance as Rojas, Blake, and Carter-Jones take their place in Carolina softball history.
