AUBURN, Ala. – Adding experience to the pitching circle, co-head coaches Chris and Kate Malveaux announced the signing of 2024 Big West Pitcher of the Year Haley Rainey on Monday.
A right-handed pitcher from Adna, Washington, Rainey posted a 26-12 record behind a 1.69 earned run average and 238 strikeouts in her two seasons at Cal State Fullerton.
“Haley is a game changer in every way,” Kate Malveaux said. “She comes with strong experience and success in the circle. Her mentality as a competitor and outlook on life will benefit our team in such a big way. Even more, she’s a great human who wants to leave no stone unturned and believes in the vision we have for this team. We are both lucky and excited to welcome her to The Plains.”
As a junior with the Titans, Rainey made 37 appearances and 27 starts in the circle. She led the Big West in earned run average (1.68), batting average against (.210), wins (19) and fewest home runs allowed (2) en route to being named an All-Big West First Team performer and Big West Pitcher of the Year. She also added National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-West Region Third Team honors in 2024.
“We are so pumped to have Haley at Auburn!” added Chris Malveaux. “In a sport that revolves around pitching, she brings everything to the table. She will bring competitiveness, experience and high character to our program. She comes from a strong family background and believes in a strong team environment. We will look to lean on Haley in the circle and off the field. The Plains are lucky to have her on board!”
Rainey also turned in an All-West Coast Team performance as a sophomore in 2023. That season, Rainey went 9-5 in the circle with a save. She added a 1.53 earned run average with 87 strikeouts.
Prior to transferring to Cal State Fullerton, Rainey competed at Idaho State where she was named Big Sky Freshman of the Year and earned All-Big Sky Conference Second Team honors. In her first season of collegiate softball, Rainey went 15-11 with a 3.46 earned run average and 163 strikeouts in 157 innings pitched.
Rainey was a three-time all-state honoree out of Adna High School in Washington, where she also earned letters in volleyball and cross country.