Alabama softball is nearing the start of its 2024 season. The Crimson Tide is under three weeks away from its Feb. 8 season-opener in the Buzz Classic against Villanova in Atlanta.

The Tide is ranked No. 14 in the ESPN.com/ USA Softball top 25 poll entering the season. Before the first pitch is thrown, here are three questions for the Tide to answer in 2024.

How will coaching changes impact the team?

One of Murphy’s longtime assistants left during the offseason, with Alyson Habetz retiring. Murphy looked to a familiar face to fill the role, bringing in Kayla Braud, a former all-American outfielder for the Crimson Tide, who played in Tuscaloosa from 2010-2013.

She was working in TV before the job at her alma mater opened.

“What I was really missing was the one-on-one with young women,” Braud said. Helping them develop into the best players and people they can be. And I just wanted to be in those moments celebrating because it meant so much to me. Everything I am, really was owed to Alabama softball, who I am in my career. I became the young woman I am today because of Alabama softball.”

The NCAA added a third softball assistant position for this season, with Adam Arbour taking that role. He’ll be focused on UA’s hitters and catchers.

Meanwhile, Braud is filling Habetz’s roles with the team’s outfielders. She’s already earning rave reviews.

“She’s played that position before,” senior outfielder Jenna Johnson said. “She’s been able to teach us so much out there, having that player perspective, and she’s a national champion, so getting to learn from her has changed everything.”

Can Alabama replace Montana Fouts?

One of the biggest names in school history is gone. Montana Fouts was Alabama’s ace throughout her five-year career, one of the top pitchers in college softball.

Now someone has to replace her. That someone could be senior Jaala Torrence, though to hear her tell it, Alabama has plenty of options.

“This pitching staff that we have is really exciting,” Torrence said. “There’s six of us and I feel like we all bring something different to the table and I feel like that’s going to be our biggest strength.”

Torrence had an ERA of 2.08 last season, along with 75 strikeouts. Finishing the year with a 9-3 record.

Besides Torrence, Alabama returns Alex Salter and Lauren Esmen. Newcomers include freshman Jocelyn Briski, and a pair of transfers, Alea Johnson (LSU) and Kayla Beaver (Central Arkansas).

How good can the Crimson Tide be?

Last season’s Alabama team made it to Oklahoma City before bowing out in two games. This year’s team is ranked No. 14 entering the season.

The Tide returns 15 starters, including Johnson, who opted to take her COVID-19 year and return for a fifth season.

“It’s a phenomenal team that does it the right way,” Braud said, filling in for a sick Murphy at the team’s preseason press conference. “I think we have a ton of speed and a ton of athleticism. I think we’re gonna surprise a lot of people this year so I’m really excited for what’s to come.”

There are three SEC schools ranked ahead of Alabama. Those include No. 2 Tennessee, No. 6 Georgia and No. 12 Arkansas.

Alabama is closely followed by No. 15 LSU, No. 18 Florida, No. 20 Auburn and No. 22 South Carolina. The Crimson Tide opens SEC play on March 9 with the first matchup in a three-game series against Florida.