News Summary
UCF softball has gained a strong addition to their roster with the transfer of Kalista Birkenstock from Florida Gulf Coast University. A talented outfielder originally from Marlboro, New York, Birkenstock had an impressive freshman season, showcasing her speed with 23 stolen bases. She chose UCF for its family-like culture and commitment to athletic excellence, while also pursuing a degree in civil engineering. Birkenstock joins UCF in building a competitive softball team as they prepare for upcoming seasons, enhancing their roster and fostering a supportive environment for student-athletes.
Orlando, Florida – UCF softball has officially welcomed Kalista Birkenstock, a rising sophomore outfielder, who transfers from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) ahead of the 2025 season. The announcement was made by head coach Cindy Ball-Malone, confirming that Birkenstock will join the Knights this upcoming season.
Birkenstock, originally from Marlboro, New York, significantly impacted the Eagles’ program during her freshman year in 2025. Competing in 41 games, she achieved an impressive batting average of .429, including a 6-for-14 performance at the plate. Throughout the season, Birkenstock scored 13 runs, contributed one walk, and succeeded in 23 stolen bases out of 28 attempts, ranking fourth in the ASUN conference and 64th nationally.
Her journey with FGCU included her first career hit, an infield single as a pinch-hitter against South Florida. This game, held on February 12, did not end in favor of the Eagles, as they lost to South Florida 5-2. Despite that, Birkenstock went on to secure hits in multiple other games against teams such as Wisconsin, Omaha, Columbia, West Georgia, and Central Arkansas. Her remarkable speed and agility on the base paths illustrated her potential as she frequently served as a pinch runner.
Notably, her 23 stolen bases from last season would have led the UCF team’s performances in 2025, showcasing her talent and strategic advantage on the field. Birkenstock expressed that her move to UCF was heavily influenced by the team culture, which she described as “family-like,” as well as UCF’s strong competitive spirit and commitment to excellence in athletics.
Academically, Birkenstock is pursuing a degree in civil engineering, an area where she hopes to excel while also contributing to the UCF softball team at a high competitive level. Her commitment to balancing athletics with academics highlights UCF’s approach to empowering student-athletes.
Before joining FGCU, Birkenstock had an impressive record at Marlboro Central High School, ending her high school career with a batting average of .504. Over her high school years, she recorded 137 hits, scored 122 runs, achieved 109 stolen bases, and walked 50 times. Her talent was recognized as she received back-to-back First Team All-New York State honors, along with being a three-time selection to the All-New York State team, solidifying her reputation as a standout athlete in high school softball.
Birkenstock is notably the third addition to UCF’s transfer class for 2025, joining rising senior pitcher/outfielder Carley Jo Penner and rising sophomore outfielder Zoe Calvez. UCF is proud to be a member of the Big 12 Conference and aims to make a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes through their commitment to sports and academics.
This transfer marks a strategic step for UCF Softball as they continue to build a competitive roster, aiming to enhance their performance in future seasons while fostering a supportive and family-oriented team environment.
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Additional Resources
- UCF Knights: Softball Lands Transfer Outfielder Kalista Birkenstock
- Wikipedia: Softball
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- Google Search: UCF Knights Softball
- UCF Knights: Softball to Host No. 3 Florida in Homestand Finale
- Google Scholar: UCF Softball
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball
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- Google News: UCF Knights Softball
