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Layla Lamar Joins Duke Softball for 2026 Campaign
7/15/2025 2:00:00 PM | Softball
DURHAM, N.C. – Duke softball head coach Marissa Young announced the addition of Florida transfer Layla Lamar Tuesday afternoon. Lamar is Young's oldest daughter and joins the Blue Devils after playing her freshman season with the Gators.
"This is truly special," said Young. "Not only are we gaining one of the most explosive power bats in the portal but I also gain the opportunity to be a part of her collegiate journey. Layla is a true competitor and I know what she is capable of. I'm excited to see our coaching staff develop and bring out the best in her. We've spent endless hours training over the years so to take the field together as a mother-daughter duo and chase championships together is a dream come true."
Lamar made 16 appearances for the Gators in 2025, including three starts, hitting .235 in 17 at-bats with four runs batted in. The rookie went 2-for-3 with two RBI, two runs and a stolen base in her first career start against Binghamton on Feb. 15. She also drove in the final two runs to help Florida secure the 9-1 victory over Arizona State in the Sun Devil Classic on Feb. 21.
She is also coming off an explosive summer league season with the Bradenton Slice and was named the Florida Gulf Coast League Offensive Player of the Year.
"After going through the recruiting process and taking visits, it became so clear that my mom has built the exact environment I've been looking for," Lamar said. "Duke is a top-25 program that competes for championships, prioritizes player development on and off the field, invests in a positive team culture and empowers players to be the best version of themselves. I'm beyond excited for the opportunity to join the Blue Devils and pursue another trip to the Women's College World Series. Let's make history!"
Ranked as the No. 4 player in the 2024 signing class by MaxPreps, Lamar was a three-year letter winner at Panther Creek High School and played with the Lady Dukes Lamar 18U travel team. The Cary, N.C., native was a 2024 Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) All-America selection and tabbed the PGF Futures All-American Game Most Valuable Player in 2023.
During her senior season, Lamar hit .552 (32-for-58) leading her team in on-base percentage (.623), slugging percentage (1.241) home runs (11), RBI (29) and runs scored (29). The Panther Creek home run record holder accomplished a rare feat against Middle Creek High School - hitting for a home run cycle, which included a solo shot, a two-run home run, a three-run home run and a grand slam, finishing the game with 10 RBI.
Lamar will join fellow transfers Larissa Jacquez (UIW), Tyrina Jones (Purdue) and Mallory Wheeler (Louisiana) and freshmen London Collins, Brookelyn Grayson, Ariel Krueger, Adelyn Matthews, Gabriella Shadek and Jayla Stafford as the 10 newcomers on the Blue Devils' roster this fall.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL"
#GoDuke
"This is truly special," said Young. "Not only are we gaining one of the most explosive power bats in the portal but I also gain the opportunity to be a part of her collegiate journey. Layla is a true competitor and I know what she is capable of. I'm excited to see our coaching staff develop and bring out the best in her. We've spent endless hours training over the years so to take the field together as a mother-daughter duo and chase championships together is a dream come true."
Lamar made 16 appearances for the Gators in 2025, including three starts, hitting .235 in 17 at-bats with four runs batted in. The rookie went 2-for-3 with two RBI, two runs and a stolen base in her first career start against Binghamton on Feb. 15. She also drove in the final two runs to help Florida secure the 9-1 victory over Arizona State in the Sun Devil Classic on Feb. 21.
She is also coming off an explosive summer league season with the Bradenton Slice and was named the Florida Gulf Coast League Offensive Player of the Year.
"After going through the recruiting process and taking visits, it became so clear that my mom has built the exact environment I've been looking for," Lamar said. "Duke is a top-25 program that competes for championships, prioritizes player development on and off the field, invests in a positive team culture and empowers players to be the best version of themselves. I'm beyond excited for the opportunity to join the Blue Devils and pursue another trip to the Women's College World Series. Let's make history!"
Ranked as the No. 4 player in the 2024 signing class by MaxPreps, Lamar was a three-year letter winner at Panther Creek High School and played with the Lady Dukes Lamar 18U travel team. The Cary, N.C., native was a 2024 Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) All-America selection and tabbed the PGF Futures All-American Game Most Valuable Player in 2023.
During her senior season, Lamar hit .552 (32-for-58) leading her team in on-base percentage (.623), slugging percentage (1.241) home runs (11), RBI (29) and runs scored (29). The Panther Creek home run record holder accomplished a rare feat against Middle Creek High School - hitting for a home run cycle, which included a solo shot, a two-run home run, a three-run home run and a grand slam, finishing the game with 10 RBI.
Lamar will join fellow transfers Larissa Jacquez (UIW), Tyrina Jones (Purdue) and Mallory Wheeler (Louisiana) and freshmen London Collins, Brookelyn Grayson, Ariel Krueger, Adelyn Matthews, Gabriella Shadek and Jayla Stafford as the 10 newcomers on the Blue Devils' roster this fall.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL"
#GoDuke
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