CONWAY, Ark. – Adding to a pitching staff in the midst of a rebuild, the Central Arkansas softball team has signed Oklahoma State pitcher Bailie Runner for the 2024 season. Runner is the second collegiate transfer pitcher for the Bears this offseason.
 
Runner spent two seasons in Stillwater, seeing minimal playing time on a pitching staff that boasted All-American level talent. But the Oologah, Okla., native is no stranger to awards herself, earning all-district and all-state honors while in high school. She also led her Oologah High School team to an Oklahoma State Championship Semifinal finish in 2019.
 
Leaving Oklahoma State after her sophomore year, Runner has two years of eligibility left in her career. She joins a pitching staff that is replacing two All-ASUN players, including the ASUN Pitcher of the Year in Jordan Johnson. Runner and the Bears will look to replicate last season's success, hoping to repeat as ASUN champions and return to an NCAA regional.