Baton Rouge, Louisiana – In a display of immediate and undeniable impact, LSU freshman first baseman Tori Edwards has carved out a unique place in Louisiana collegiate sports history. In her debut season, Edwards achieved a feat unprecedented for a rookie, becoming the only freshman to earn two major Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) honors in the same season. Her remarkable performance on the field was recognized with both the LSWA Hitter of the Year and LSWA Freshman of the Year awards, a dual recognition that speaks volumes about her exceptional talent and immediate dominance.
This groundbreaking achievement by Edwards highlights not only her individual brilliance but also underscores the strength of the LSU softball program, which saw six athletes receive All-Louisiana honors and three major awards in total, with junior outfielder Jalia Lassiter also being named the LSWA Newcomer of the Year. However, it is Edwards’ double distinction as a freshman that truly stands as a “one of one” moment in the 39-year history of the All-Louisiana Softball Team.
Tori Edwards’ 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular, defying the typical adjustment period often associated with collegiate rookies. She started all 58 games at first base for the Tigers, quickly establishing herself as a cornerstone of their formidable offense. Her statistical output was historic, etching her name into the LSU record books:
- Program Single-Season Slugging Percentage Record: Edwards set a new LSU program record with an astonishing .802 slugging percentage, a testament to her consistent ability to hit for extra bases.
- Tied for Program-Best Home Runs: She tied for the program’s single-season record with 18 home runs, showcasing her immense power. This total included an all-time high of four grand slams, demonstrating her clutch hitting ability in critical situations.
- Ranked High in RBI: Edwards broke into LSU’s single-season top 10 records with 73 RBI, placing her at No. 3 all-time, illustrating her effectiveness in driving in runs.
- Elite On-Base Percentage: Her .495 on-base percentage ranked No. 9 in LSU’s single-season records, a reflection of her disciplined approach at the plate and ability to get on base.
- Overall Batting Prowess: Edwards batted an impressive .375 on the season, collecting 62 hits, scoring 52 runs, and drawing 37 walks.
Beyond the offensive numbers, Edwards was also a reliable presence in the field at first base, registering 346 putouts and contributing eight assists, showcasing her all-around game.
Her talent was evident early on, as she was also tabbed the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year, becoming only the third player in LSU softball program history to earn that distinction (following Bianka Bell in 2013 and Rachele Fico in 2010). This regional recognition foreshadowed her broader state-wide acclaim.
The significance of Tori Edwards’ achievement lies in its unprecedented nature. While other LSU players have won either Hitter of the Year or Freshman of the Year in the same season, Edwards is the first freshman in LSWA history to claim both major awards simultaneously. This indicates a level of immediate, dominant impact that truly sets her apart from her peers, even other highly successful rookies.
The LSWA awards are voted on by a panel of state media relations and communications offices and selected media members, ensuring a broad and objective assessment of collegiate talent across Louisiana. For Edwards to stand out so definitively in a state known for its rich softball talent, especially as a freshman, speaks volumes about her exceptional skill set and performance.
The fact that she achieved this as a rookie, traditionally a year of adjustment to the higher competition level, signifies her advanced hitting mechanics, mature plate discipline, and innate power. Many freshmen contribute, but few dominate to the extent of earning the state’s top hitting honor outright while also being recognized as its best newcomer.
Tori Edwards’ historic rookie season and dual LSWA honors position LSU softball for continued success. Her immediate emergence as a powerful offensive force provides a formidable cornerstone for Coach Beth Torina’s lineup for years to come. Combined with other talented players recognized by the LSWA, such as junior catcher Maci Bergeron, senior infielder Danieca Coffey, and freshman pitcher Jayden Heavener (all First-Team All-Louisiana selections), and junior outfielder Jalia Lassiter (Second-Team All-Louisiana and LSWA Newcomer of the Year), LSU’s roster is brimming with high-caliber talent.
Edwards’ ability to step into a major role and perform at an elite level from day one is invaluable. It signals the success of LSU’s recruiting and development pipeline, attracting and honing players who can make an immediate difference on a national stage. Her presence will undoubtedly be a magnet for future recruits, as aspiring collegiate softball players will look to emulate her unprecedented rookie success.
The LSU softball program has a storied history, and Tori Edwards has now added a significant, historic chapter. Her “one of one” status with the LSWA awards is a testament to a season that will be remembered as one of the most dominant freshman campaigns in Louisiana collegiate softball history. It was a year where a rookie stepped onto the field and, with her powerful bat and consistent performance, rewrote the record books and set a new standard for excellence.
