STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford softball will welcome Taryn Kern, a transfer from Indiana, to The Farm this fall. The Big Ten Player and Freshman of the Year, Kern was also a top 3 finalist for the TUCCI/NFCA Division I Freshman of the Year in 2023.
"We are so excited to welcome Taryn and her family to Stanford," said head coach Jessica Allister, who just completed her sixth season at the helm of the program. "Taryn's on field accolades speak for themselves, and it became abundantly clear the more time we spent with her that she would be an excellent fit in the clubhouse as well. There is no question Taryn will play a significant role in our quest to bring Stanford softball's first Women's College World Series Championship back to The Farm."
Kern led the Hoosier's offense with a .404 batting average, 63 hits, 13 doubles and 68 RBI. Her 23 home runs tied for the second most in the nation. Kern boasted an impressive 1.520 OPS along with 45 walks and 23 hit by pitches, reaching base in 57 out of 62 games with a 47-game streak.
"When it came to the decision of choosing my new home, I knew Stanford was the right place for me. The combination of academic and athletic excellence, being close to home, and the ultimate opportunity that Stanford University provides was the deal breaker for me," said Kern.
The All-American second baseman was on top of the Big Ten leader board in eight offensive categories: slugging percentage (.942), home runs (23), RBI (68), walks (45), hit by pitch (23), runs scored (68), on base percentage (.578) and OPS (1.520).
An All-Big Ten First Team and Freshman Team selection, Kern rewrote the record books at Indiana during her rookie campaign, breaking single season records in runs scored, home runs, RBI, and slugging percentage.
"The chance to play in the World Series for a national championship, and to be a part of the incredible and unique program that Coach Allister has created is a dream come true. I can't wait to get on the field with these girls and make history for Stanford Softball," added Kern.