University of Minnesota Athletics
11/12/2026 10:11:00 AM | Softball
MINNEAPOLIS – University of Minnesota head softball coach Gretta Melsted has announced the addition of three future Gophers for the 2027-28 roster. Joining the Maroon and Gold are Carly Meyer (Hudson, Wis.), Johanna Galvan (Eaton, Colo.) and Madison Babcock (Sherwood, Wis.).
"We are excited to welcome the 2027 class to the University of Minnesota. It is a class that has speed, power, and pitching," said Melsted. "We look forward to seeing the immediate impact they make on the program."
Carly Meyer | Outfield | Hudson, Wis. | Hudson High School
"I chose the University of Minnesota due to the culture of the program," said Meyer. "Every coach, player, coordinator, and other staff member is there to push you to grow and support you. The campus is beautiful and the academics are excellent. It felt like a true home where I could picture myself thriving."
Meyer joins the Gophers from Hudson High School, where she was named to the Big Rivers All-Conference First Team twice (2024, 2026) and the second team in 2025. She was also an All-District honorable mention in 2026. A two-time varsity captain, Meyer has recorded 48 stolen bases in 65 games played while scoring 91 runs. She has also hit 11 home runs during her high school career, helping lead her team to regional final appearances in 2025 and 2026. Meyer played club softball for Midwest Speed from 2020-26. She is ranked second in the 2027 class and ninth overall on the On Deck ODM Leaderboard. The daughter of Lisa and Dave, Meyer has three older siblings: Bret, Paige and Bryce.
From Coach Melsted: "Carly is a local player who has made the choice to stay home and be a Gopher. She has elite speed, strong overhand velocity, and can run like a deer in the outfield. Her baserunning stymies defenses and is something that fits perfectly into our system of play at Minnesota. We are excited to add a speedy outfielder to our roster."
Johanna Galvan | Pitcher | Eaton, Colo. | Eaton High School
"I chose the University of Minnesota because of the high standards set by the coaches, and the driven culture among the girls on the team," said Galvan. "I knew this was a place where I could develop both my skills and my character alongside elite teammates."
Galvan joins the Maroon and Gold following an impressive career at Eaton High School. A four-time All-Patriot League 3A/4A selection, she was also named NFCA All-Section in 2024 and 2025 and earned All-State honors from 2023-26. Galvan holds several school records at Eaton, including single-season strikeouts (159), career no-hitters (six) and career strikeouts (346). She brings a winning pedigree after helping lead her team to back-to-back Colorado 3A state championships in 2023 and 2024. Galvan has also competed for Athletics Gold Tamborra 18U in club softball. The daughter of Alanna and Cesar Galvan, she has an older brother, Cesar.
From Coach Melsted: "Johanna is a game-changing pitcher. She will come in immediately and make an impact. I'm really excited to see her transition to college ball and for her to discover who she can become at this level. In addition, Johanna is not just a fantastic pitcher but a great teammate who players gravitate towards. She brings positive energy, passion, and joy to the ballpark every day and to those around her. She's just a pleasure to be around."
Madison Babcock | Pitcher/Infield | Sherwood, Wis. | Fox Valley Lutheran
"I chose the University of Minnesota because I feel like it is the right place for me both on and off the field," said Babcock. "I love the coaching staff, the team culture, and the opportunity to compete at a high level. I wanted a program that would challenge me to become a better softball player while also helping me grow academically and personally. I know that Minnesota is a place where I can succeed and I am so excited to call it my home."
Babcock joins Minnesota following a standout career at Fox Valley Lutheran High School, where she earned All-State second-team honors in 2025 and first-team honors in 2026. She was also a unanimous first-team all-conference selection in 2025 and 2026 after earning second-team honors in 2024. Babcock was named North Eastern Conference Player of the Year in 2025 and Bay Conference Player of the Year in 2026. She was also recognized as Sports Illustrated Wisconsin's top returning pitcher for 2026. During her high school career, she has recorded 602 strikeouts. Babcock brings a winning pedigree, having helped lead her teams to North Eastern Conference and Bay Conference championships in 2025 and 2026, respectively, along with a state championship. She most recently competed for Wisconsin Lightning Fastpitch, finishing third at the World Fastpitch Nationals in 2024 and placing in the PGF Nationals top 25 in both 2025 and 2026. The daughter of Tim and Melissa Babcock, she plans to major in business.
From Coach Melsted: "Maddie is a versatile athlete who can do it all. She has had a stellar pitching career in high school while also being able to play first base. In addition, she has a powerful bat and is known for hitting doubles and home runs. She has had an amazing high school career, leading her team to a state tournament in Wisconsin, and we look forward to her making the jump to collegiate ball. Maddie is a competitor."
