The DI live recruiting contact period is less than a week old and already Louisiana State University (LSU). Head Coach Beth Torina and her staff can take satisfaction in knowing they’ve received verbals from two of the Top 10-ranked recruits in the 2024 class.
Over the weekend, highly-regarded pitcher/hitter Jayden Heavener from Pace, Florida, announced that she would be Bayou bound but she wasn’t the first to commit in the class (click HERE to read more on her story).
Shortly after midnight on September 1st, Destiny Harris, a talented outfielder for Unity – Johnson/Ross, committed to the SEC school by phone. The junior was an Extra Inning Softball 1st Team All-American this year after batting .400 for her Granby (Va.) High team that made it to the semis’ in State playoffs for the first time ever. She also had 33 RBIs in 24 games and scored 35 runs.
In 72 games with the Unity combining last fall and this summer, she again hit .400 on the nose with 16 home runs, 51 RBIs and went 29-for-32 in steals.
Long respected for her talents and accomplishments, eight club coaches surveyed by Extra Inning said that Destiny was a Top 10 player in the junior class.
I’m pumped to announce that l’ve decided to follow my dreams & further my academic & athletic career at Louisiana State University. Thx to my family, my coaches & everyone who has believed in me. 💜Geaux Tigers💛 @BethTorina @LLefty18 @HWDobson @LSUQuinlanDuhon @unity_json_ross pic.twitter.com/GukeHeqc2k
— Destiny Harris 2024 (@destharris2024) September 3, 2022
Harris was one of the few 2024s to decide on a school so quickly; to some, it may seem hasty, but Harris believes she made the right move.
“I was kind of questioning whether I was or wasn’t [going to commit on September 1st],” Harris said. “And then I got on the phone, and we were talking, and from that moment, I just knew I wanted to go there. And I wasn’t going to waste any time.”
One of the reasons Harris is so excited about LSU is their well-known outfield program.
“Their outfield program is amazing,” Harris said. “They’ve had studs come out of there. [Ciara] Briggs just got the Golden Glove. The Andrews sisters, they’re both top notch players, and they’re playing at the next level as some of the best outfielders out there. I think that just shows how good LSU’s outfield program is.”
Harris mentioned some of the greats in LSU’s program history, but she herself also has much that she brings to the table as part of the future of LSU.
“Her physical skillset, very few kids have that,” said Unity Co-Head Coach Josh Johnson. “She’s a true five-tool player that can run, [has] explosive power, tracks balls down, can drop a bunt, or hit it 260 feet. She can change a game whether she’s in the box, on the field, or on the bases.”
Johnson definitely sees Harris as someone that can continue the legacy of great outfielders at LSU.
“She fits right in with those Andrews sisters and has a great opportunity to come in and compete at [center field] and carry on the legacy of what center fielders have done at Louisiana State University,” Johnson said.
Harris is excited to build on what she has been able to accomplish and use what she’s learned through this process to help others.
“I’m just super excited to keep playing, but I know I still have to work to get better for college,” Harris said. “I’m excited to see where my other teammates are going, and as far as the 2025 class, helping them out as much as I can.”
— Grace White, Extra Inning Softball correspondent
