Mike White has already reaped the rewards of turning the Texas Longhorns' softball team into a powerhouse program, and baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle has his team heading in that direction just two years after taking hold of the reins.
This week, that incontrovertible fact was put on display on the recruiting trail as both Schlossnagle and White landed commitments from the No. 1 prospects in the class of 2028 for their sports.
White received a commitment from Michaela Landers, a Texas native and middle infield prospect, and Schlossnagle earned a commitment from Theo Swafford, a native of California who is viewed as the top MLB prospect in his class.
Texas baseball lands commitment from All-American Theo Swafford
Swafford has played a little bit of everything throughout his high school career, making appearances at shortstop, second base, and outfield.
During his freshman season at Sierra Canyon High School, he was named the program's varsity defensive player of the year, while also mounting an incredible offensive resume. He hit a .353 batting average, with 30 hits, 26 runs, and only seven strikeouts.
Swafford has played in high school All-American games and represented the United States in the USA Prime 16U.
While it was a massive commitment for Schlossnagle to earn, there is the always-looming risk of a top prospect like Swafford forgoing his collegiate eligibility to head straight to the MLB, so only time will tell if he ever actually suits up for the Longhorns.
Swafford's commitment was the fourth for Texas from the class of 2028, joining right-handed pitchers Chase Cotton, Tommy Driver, and Parker Klug.
Longhorns bolster hopes of more WCWS titles with Michaela Landers' commitment
While it hurt for the Horns to miss out on Sophia Schlader, the No. 1 pitcher in the class of 2028, earlier this week, the wound lost its sting when they received the commitment from Landers, the No. 1 overall recruit in the class.
Landers has dominated the high school softball scene in the Lone Star State, leading Waxahachie High School to a regional semifinal appearance, as well as representing the red, white, and blue at both the U15 and U18 national team levels, and securing the Pan American Championship with Team USA.
In 2026, she earned an astonishing .639 batting average, producing 73 runs, 52 extra-base hits, and 25 home runs.
Unlike baseball, high school softball players do not head straight to the AUSL, almost always playing all four years of college ball before going to the pros. So, barring a decommitment, Landers will most certainly suit up in burnt orange in two years.
Her commitment was the first for White and the Longhorns from the class of 2028.
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