AUBURN, AL – A new era of Auburn softball is beginning under the direction of co-head coaches Chris and Kate Malveaux and with them are eight new Tigers on The Plains looking to help make a mark in year one.
The 2024 West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year, Haley Rainey joins the Tigers after a pair of seasons at Cal State Fullerton and brings veteran experience to Auburn’s young bullpen. A game changer with a competitor mentality, the Adna, Washington native brings everything to the table.
Q: How old were you when you started playing softball? What are your earliest memories of the sport?
Rainey: I was around 10 when I started playing. My earliest memory is calling time during my at bat and notifying my mom, who was in the stands, that there were geese flying in the spring in Washington. I do not hit anymore.
Q: What has been the highlight of your softball career so far?
Rainey: Beating Florida my sophomore year at Fullerton. I didn’t know that I was starting until after I warmed up and was halfway done with my lunch.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
Rainey: RELAX! Stand up for yourself better. It will be a very hard thing to learn so practice now.
Q: Why did you decide Auburn was the best fit to continue your collegiate career?
Rainey: It truly felt like home. I had so much fun on my visit, and I heard incredible things about the coaches from people in the community of softball who I am close with. (which matters a lot in a such a short amount of time!) They surpassed everything anyone had said.