Softball Inks Nationally Ranked Class on Signing Day

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State softball head coach Lindsay Leftwich announced the addition of four student-athletes to the class of 2027 Thursday morning.

"We're thrilled to welcome our 2027 recruiting class—one of the top groups in the ACC and the nation," said Leftwich. "Beyond their elite talent on the field, these four student-athletes perfectly embody the core traits of our program: Kaylynn "KJ" Burkel (Work), a versatile, high-impact producer; Lily Pullen (Ownership), an accountable, top-tier left-handed pitcher; Peyton Dye (Love), a powerful hitter who elevates those around her; and Daylyn Osborne (Fight), a fierce, high-velocity competitor who wants the ball in big moments. Together, they represent the standards, character, and future of Wolfpack Softball."

The signing class was ranked 25th in the nation by D1 Softball and 28th by Softball America. D1 Softball also ranked the class sixth in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Kaylynn Burkle
Hartford, WI
Illinois Chill
Middle Infield/Utility | L/R

2026 Regional Champion
2025 PGF All-American Regional Finalist
Three-time Offensive Player of the Year
Three-time First Team All-Conference
Two-time First Team All-District
Two-time Honorable Mention All-State
Honorable Mention All-Conference in basketball
Three-year Academic All-State member
Three-year member of national honor society

Payton Dye
New Palestine, Ind.
Louisville Sluggers – Huecker/Norwood
3B/Utility | R/R

2021 and 2022 California PGF National Champion
Ranked the No. 5 overall infielder in the class of 2027 by Extra Inning Softball
Ranked the No. 1 overall catcher in the class of 2027
Two-time First Team All-Conference
Two-time state finalist
Had the highest field percentage and batting average in 2026
Indiana Second Team/Super Team
Four-year member of A-Honor

Daylynn Osburne

Bentonville, Arkansas
Iowa Premier 18U National Dickel
Pitcher | -/R

2027 PGF All-American Finalist
Three-time Alliance Nationals All-Tournament team selection
Ranked the No. 1 overall player in Arkansas by Softball America
Ranked the No. 32 player in the class of 2027 by Line Drive Media
Ranked the No. 21 pitcher and No. 77 overall athlete by Softball America
Holds the record at Rogers High School for strikeouts in a single season
All-State team
Defensive Player of the Year
Arkansas Democrat Gazette All-State Team
High Honors student

Lily Pullen
Oskaloosa, KS
Top Gun National 18U – Turner
LHP | -\L

2025 2-1A Kansas State Champion
2023 U-15 WBSC World Cup Gold Medalist
Three-time gold medal winner with team USA playing in Peru and Japan
Three-time KSHAA First Team All-League
Three-time SIK First Team All-State
Two-time KSHAA First Team All-State
Two-time 12U USA All-American
Two-time Sports in Kansas Pitcher of the Year
KSHAA Second Team All-State
Ranked No. 1 in Kansas for class of 2027
Ranked No. 53 in the country for class of 2027
PGF Fall Show Me the Monet Champions
Went undefeated at the Team NJ Clearwater Invitational
Holds the career strikeouts, no-hitter, and perfect game records at Oskaloosa HS
Holds the single season strikeout, no-hitter and perfect game records at Oskaloosa HS
Member of the Principal's Honor Roll

North Carolina State University Athletics

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