UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State softball program and head coach Clarisa Crowell announced the addition of decorated transfer utility player Cali Legzdin to the team’s 2027 roster on Monday afternoon.
Cali Legzdin
UTL | BEAVER FALLS, PA. | BEAVER FALLS SENIOR / JAMES MADISON
A native of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Legzdin makes her return to her home state following a pair of impressive seasons with James Madison. The incoming Nittany Lion made an immediate impact for JMU in her rookie campaign in 2025 and has been one of the most consistent contributors to the Duke lineup over the past two years. During her time at JMU, she was recognized as a Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honoree (2026), a Sun Belt Conference Softball Championship All-Tournament Team member (2025) and a recipient of the Sun Belt Player of the Week award. Legzdin burst onto the scene in her freshman year, hitting .348 with 49 hits, 18 of which going for extra bases in the form of 11 doubles and seven home runs. She arrives in Happy Valley as a versatile offensive threat, contributing even more firepower in the 2026 campaign behind a .328 average, 10 home runs, 20 extra-base hits and 32 RBI in addition to a 1.027 OPS. Legzdin was a menace on the basepath during her stint at JMU, with the rising junior boasting 28 career stolen bases that included a 24-steal campaign in 2025 that saw her sit inside the top 60 nationally in the statistic while ranking second among all student-athletes in the Sun Belt Conference.
While at Penn State, she looks forward to completing her Bachelor of Science degree in organizational leadership within the College of Liberal Arts, simultaneously working with the Penn State Army ROTC program. Her goals upon graduation are to become an officer within the United States Army, looking to lead and mentor others while serving her country. At the high school level, Legzdin attended Beaver Falls Senior and was a four-year letterwinner and team captain. She was a multiple-sport athlete for the Tigers during her high school career, also participating in basketball, golf and track & field, where she was a WPIAL champion in javelin while taking fifth place at PIAAs. Legzdin played travel softball with the Stars Gold organization under the leadership of Seth Bigham from the 16 to 18U levels, with a prior travel ball stint with the Lady Dukes, coached by Megan Betsa and Logan Hebert.
FOLLOW CALI ON SOCIAL
Instagram | @calilegz
TikTok | @calilegz
X | @CLegzdin
WHY CALI CHOSE PENN STATE
“I chose Penn State because it provides the opportunity to return home while pursuing my goals as a student-athlete. Being closer to my family and representing my home state that helped shape who I am carries a great deal of meaning to me. Penn State offers a strong foundation in academics, softball and Army ROTC, allowing me to develop as a leader on and off the field. Throughout the recruiting process, I saw a culture built on accountability, commitment and excellence, values that align closely with my own. I am honored and excited to continue my softball career at Penn State.”
COACH CROWELL ON LEGZDIN
"We are thrilled to welcome Cali to our Penn State Softball family. She has already proven herself at a high level, and her athleticism, versatility, and competitive spirit will make her a great fit for our program. She is a utility infielder who also has the ability to have a big impact offensively. Cali is a proven competitor with a strong work ethic, and she will bring experience and toughness to Happy Valley. We can't wait to see the impact she will have on our program both on and off the field."
FOLLOW THE NITTANY LIONS
Visit GoPSUSports.com for more information on Penn State softball. Fans can keep up to date with the Nittany Lion softball team on Facebook at /pennstatesoftball as well as Twitter and Instagram @PennStateSB.
The Penn State softball season is presented by Highmark.