Rising rookie: KG Favors ready to dominate Gamecock Softball

Freshman Kaylee "KG" Favors is bringing her championship experience and fiery fastball to Gamecock Softball. As the Gamecocks only freshman pitcher, Favors won their attention from her impressive reign on the mound in high school. Favors led Orange Beach High School to three consecutive state championships, as well as being named the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) MVP for three seasons. During those seasons, Favors was also slated to the All-Star team.

Those accolades are backed up by impressive statistics that helped Favors stand out from other recruits. She adds a 22-1 record with a 0.77 ERA to the Gamecocks roster. She didn't just win games - she shut down her opponents. She had 15 shutouts and 197 strikeouts in 2024 alone. Those numbers paint the picture of a pitcher who doesn’t just compete but thrives under pressure. That is exactly the kind of fire she is expected to bring to Columbia.

Favors, however, is more than a stat sheet; her presence on the mound comes with a unique arsenal. Her impressive résumé includes being named 4A Pitcher of the Year, as well as earning All-American honors with the Birmingham Thunderbolts travel team, where she guided them to a Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) Championship. As a right-handed pitcher, Favors has a strong fastball and can deliver killer off-speed pitches. She seems to be the secret weapon that South Carolina softball needs.

Her versatility is exactly what the Gamecocks will use to expand its current momentum. Favors skills on the mound will allow the Gamecocks to strengthen and add flexibility to their pitch rotation. She will be crucial in relief and starting roles for her ability to pitch multiple innings and shut down rallies.

With her passion and unique skillset, Favors is poised to become the cornerstone of Gamecock Softball and help lead the program to prominence in the SEC.