MARTINSVILLE, VA- It’s safe to say former Greenbrier East softball player and 2024 graduate Kayla Bartley’s first season at Patrick & Henry CC was a success.
On Thursday, Bartley was named the 2025 NJCAA DIII National Pitcher of the Year. The award is the first for a pitcher in the school’s history.
Bartley spent just one season in Fairlea after transferring for her senior year from Covington (VA) High School and helped lead the Lady Spartans to their first ever state tournament appearance.
This past year for Patrick & Henry, she pitched 177 innings, had an ERA of just 1.99, and averaged seven strikeouts per outing.
When she received the news of her prestigious honor, Bartley was shocked.
“Honestly I was shocked when I found out the news. It’s an honor to be recognized. As a little kid I always dreamed of playing on the big stage and I got the opportunity this past year to say the least. I am very grateful and blessed to have received this award, but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and coaches always having confidence in me, Bartley said.
After a successful individual and team showing this year, Bartley was satisfied with her growth and maturity as a player from the start of the year until the final out.
“I feel like I matured more as I moved up to the collegiate level. Going into the fall at P&HCC, my goal was to get better and just be able to help my team in any way possible. Although we did come up a little short in the national championship, we had a great year, and they all pushed me to be better. Overall, I do think I improved from my senior year at East to freshman year of college,” she explained.
The freshman is extremely thankful for the opportunity she has and plans to play every game like it’s her last and her support throughout her career does not go unnoticed to her.
“I am thankful that God gave me the ability to be able to play. There have definitely been a lot of people who have helped me get where I am today. First my dad, uncle, and grandpa for the countless hours they spent coaching me or sitting on a bucket catching me. All my past and present coaches that gave me an opportunity to play the sport I love. Thankful for all the teammates and friendships that I have made along the way. And lastly, to all the fans and relationship this sport has given me, it all means so much,” Bartley finished.
