The Texas softball team, with a load of quality returning veterans as well as incoming freshmen who'll compete for starting spots next season, just got stronger with the addition of Notre Dame transfer Joley Mitchell.

The Longhorns, coming off their 13th consecutive NCAA super regional appearance, will have Mitchell for two years. She had a .344 batting average, a .420 on-base percentage and a .595 slugging percentage in 116 career games, splitting time between third base and designated hitter. She ended last season on a 15-game hitting streak and a 35-game on-base streak.

“Joley will be a difference maker for us over the next two years,” Texas coach Mike White said.

The Longhorns' offense faltered last year at Tennessee, losing 5-2 and 9-0 in the super regional sweep. Nevertheless, they lost only one player to graduation and welcome back nine underclassmen who formed the core of the team.

Four of Texas' six incoming freshmen were ranked among the top 12 prospects in the nation by Extra Elite.

“I certainly feel that this is one of the best incoming classes in the nation,” White said last November on signing day. “It will truly cover all major areas of need with pitching, power, speed and defense."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Longhorns softball adds Notre Dame transfer Joley Mitchell