While it is uncertain if Bradi Gallaway or Avery Howerton have Peaches & Herb’s “Reunited” on their musical playlists, it seems they might have heard it a time or two.
Having played together for almost a decade, the two played for different teams – Gallaway at Louisiana Tech, Howerton at Whitesboro – last spring. In 2027, however, the duo will be reunited.
Gallaway recently announced her transfer to Texas Tech – the same school Howerton signed with a year ago. The duo hopes to guide the Lady Red Raiders to a national championship after a pair of runner-up finishes the last two seasons.
“The biggest factor for me (transferring) was competing at a higher level,” Gallaway said. “The most appealing thing that stood out to be at Texas Tech was the level of ball. I left Louisiana Tech because I wanted to compete at a higher level and that’s what Texas Tech competes as.”
Gallaway had a stellar freshman season at Louisiana Tech. She appeared in all 56 games for the Lady Bulldogs and recorded a .317 batting average, 11 home runs, 47 RBIs and 28 walks.
Louisiana Tech is the alma mater of her sister and high school coach, Preslee Gallaway-Boyter. Gallaway actually received support from her older sister when she broke the news.
“I don’t expect (Preslee) to agree with every decision I make,” Gallaway said. “But when I told her she said, ‘Do what’s best for you, sis.’”
At Whitesboro, Gallaway-Boyter, Gallaway and Howerton rewrote the softball program’s history books. From 2023-25 – the three years that trio was together – the Lady Cats reached the state quarterfinals three times, the state semifinals twice and the state championship game once.
This past season, Gallaway-Boyter and Howerton guided Whitesboro to its fourth straight state quarterfinal where it lost to Mineola. Howerton is happy to have another opportunity to play with Gallaway.
“We started playing together when I was 9 for the Texas Reign,” Howerton said. “We had an amazing run at Whitesboro going to state twice and we made some really cool memories together. Hopefully, there are more coming.”
Howerton chose Texas Tech over North Texas, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. The impression left by Tech coach Gerry Glasco is what made her become a Lady Red Raider.
“I went to several of Coach Glasco’s camps and loved how he ran his program,” Howerton said. “When I visited Tech, I just knew (it was the place for me). All of the coaches are amazing.”
Both Gallaway and Howerton expect to have to work to earn a starting position with the Lady Red Raiders. There’s no guarantee Gallaway will remain a shortstop or Howerton a pitcher.
“I’ll play anywhere I’m needed,” Howerton said. “I’m also an outfielder.”
“I will have to work every day, day in and day out, to prove I can compete at that level,” Gallaway added.
Gallaway also believes the weather in Lubbock won’t be “as humid as it is in Louisiana.” She is grateful for the time she had at Louisiana Tech.
“I learned time management and how to manage my time with classes, practice, weights, etc.,” Gallaway said. “Going into college, you have to learn to be independent.”
Both Gallaway and Howerton have the same goal in mind as their Tech teammates – win a national championship.
“That’s the main goal,” Howerton said. “But I know at Tech, I’ll be getting great coaching and will be playing with some amazing players as well.”
“Winning a national championship is the biggest goal, but my overall goal throughout my entire softball career has been to spread the glory of our savior, Jesus Christ,” Gallaway added. “The Lord has gifted me with this ability to play ball and all that He asks of us as disciples is to love Him and make Him known.”
