In a social media post early on Sunday morning (Sept. 28, 2024), one of the top high school juniors in the nation—infielder Paige Stanfield who plays for the Fury Platinum X travel team coached by Jeremy Higdon—announced that she would be playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide at the collegiate level.

On her “X” (Twitter) page, Stanfield wrote:

“I am super excited to announce my commitment to the University of Alabama! First off I would like to thank my family for all the sacrifices they have made, without them none of this would be possible. Next I want to thank my coaches, Jimmy Hutchins, Jeremy Higdon, Brandon Carr, Matt Helton and Ashley VanBoxmeer. Of course I want to thank the UA coaching staff, Coach (Patrick) Murphy, Coach Adam (Arbour), Coach (Kayla) Braud, Coach Ryan (Iamurri), Coach Lance (McMahon) and the rest of the support staff! Lastly I want to thank the Lord for blessing me with the ability to play this sport! ROLL TIDE!!

COMMITTED!!
ROLL TIDE 🐘!! @UACoachMurphy @KaylaBraud1 @adamarbour @lmcmahon7 @RyanIamurri32 pic.twitter.com/bnqlqcpUiI

— Paige Stanfield 2026 (@Paige_2026) September 8, 2024

This summer playing against elite competition in the club space, Paige put up stellar stats as she had 11 home runs in 38 games with 32 RBIs, 30 runs scored and an OPS of 1.250.

Coach Higdon told Line Drive Softball this afternoon:

“Paige is really strong, has great vision, great hands and great plate coverage. She really stands out defensively at both corners and she can catch if needed. Personality-wise, she just kinda fits at Alabama.”

The Fury Platinum X program has long been a fertile recruiting ground for the Alabama softball program as noted by Coach Higdon:

“By the time Paige finishes her career, we will have had a former player on the Tide softball team for 15 consecutive years!”

The 2026 standout committed to Alabama on Saturday during her campus visit in Tuscaloosa.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball