Annabelle Widra finds new home

[aubiefifty 18,114]

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Former Auburn INF/P Annabelle Widra finds new home

Taylor Jones

~2 minutes

One of Auburn’s most valuable roster pieces from last season’s roster has found a new home.

Annabelle Widra, who played a variety of infield positions as well as pitched during her two-year stint at Auburn, announced this week that she is transferring to Florida State to play her final eligible season of college softball.

Widra departs Auburn after spending two seasons as a versatile roster piece. Last season, the Hoover native split her 38 starts between third base (21), second base (8), shortstop (1), and designated player (1). In the circle, she made 49 appearances with five starts.

As a pitcher, Widra built a 5-3 record with a 2.86 ERA and 38 strikeouts over 41 2/3 innings in 2024, which was a step back from her 2023 efforts where she struck out 75 batters over 79 2/3 innings. As a hitter, Widra hit .259 with 22 hits, two home runs, and 11 RBI.

Widra was the first player from the 2024 roster to declare her intention to enter the transfer portal. Widra was later joined by Riley McNemar and Mariah Penta.

Widra’s departure is a tough blow for Auburn as both maddie penta and Shelby Lowe have both graduated, leaving behind just Emmah Rolfe and Malayna Tamborra from last season’s staff. The duo combined to strikeout eight batters over 28 2/3 innings in 17 appearances.

New head coaches Chris Malveaux and Kate Malveaux are working to rebuild Auburn’s pitching staff by welcoming in former Oklahoma pitcher SJ Geurin from the transfer portal.

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[EagleEye67 1,948]

Wish her the best!

[Golden Eagle 463]

I'm happy for her and wish her the best.  And, unfortunately, IF Auburn makes it to the post season next spring, we will probably meet her again in the Tallahassee regional (ugh).

P.S.  Also interesting to note that while some people complained about CMD and left last year, Widra and Maddie Penta praised him effusively at the end of this season.  Makes me wonder if she (and maybe Mariah Penta) left Auburn because CMD was ousted? 

[OlderWhiskey 997]

Following the trail blazed by Kara Bilodeau a few years back.  Your question about her and Penta's reason for leaving is intriguing.  Widra would have been set up to be the #1 pitcher.  Ms. Penta may have intended to transfer after this season the whole time.