Alabama softball lands high profile pitcher from transfer portal

By WVUA 23 Sports Reporter Juliet Brown

For five years, Alabama softball fans grew accustomed to Montana Fouts pulling out wins in difficult situations. Fans knew that when #14 stepped in that circle, the Crimson Tide would have a great chance at coming out on top, no matter the opportunity. After putting her heart and soul on the line for her team, Fouts exhausted her collegiate eligibility and Alabama is left without its ace pitcher.

Alabama softball head coach Patrick Murphy hit the transfer portal to find his team’s next ace. Former Central Arkansas pitcher Kayla Beaver seems to be the prime subject to fill Fouts’s shoes. The fifth-year senior finished last season with a 25-7 record and ranked third nationally in shutouts (11). She ended with a 1.15 ERA and 194 strikeouts over 201.2 innings of work.

“We are so excited that Kayla will be joining us for her final year of softball,” Murphy said. “She will give us a power right arm and tremendous experience in the circle.”

Beaver’s 1.52 career ERA is the best in Central Arkansas program history. Her 74 total wins, .209 opponent batting average, and 23 shutouts ranks second in program history.

Beaver is the fourth newcomer on the 2024 roster. She joins junior college transfer Kendal Clark, freshman pitcher Jocelyn Briski, and freshman outfielder Lauren Johnson.