Charlotte, N.C. - Johnson & Wales Charlotte head softball coach Courtney Orr is excited to announce the signing of Sarah Burns as the seventh member of the Wildcats' 2026 recruiting class.

Burns is a right-handed pitcher from High Springs, Florida that attends Newberry High School. In 2025, she helped lead the Panthers to a 20-6 record and a 2A District 5 title. She has been named an All-Area pitcher for three consecutive years. Burns also plays club softball for VA Unity 18U Pryor.

She is the daughter of Katie and Christopher Burns, and plans to major in Health Science at Johnson & Wales. When asked why she chose to attend JWU, she replied, "It felt like home as soon as I visited, and I wouldn't want anything else from a college. Also, the softball program is amazing and I can't wait for my next four years here."

Coach Orr heard great things about Burns from her high school coach, Michele Roundtree "We actually came across Sarah from her high school coach who had nothing but great things to say about her. When I watched her play, I saw a lot of that feedback in action, and she has the drive and values we are looking for within our program. We cannot wait to see what Sarah can do at JWU!" Burns herself is excited about what the future holds for her. "Joining the softball team at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte wasn't just about continuing to play the game I love, it was about finding a new family, wearing the Wildcat name with pride, and stepping into the next chapter stronger than ever."