Newport pitcher MaKaylie Gist signs with UCA softball

NEWPORT, Ark. (KAIT) - An NEA softball standout is heading to Conway. MaKaylie Gist signed with Central Arkansas Monday afternoon.

Gist had a great year in the circle at Newport in 2023, striking out 161 batters over 110 innings. At the dish, she hit .510.

“What drew me to [UCA] was going to the college and seeing everything, and how supportive everybody was, and just the environment and the support is what I liked,” Gist said.

The former State Tournament MVP said the biggest things she’s working on over the offseason are mechanics and recovery. Gist had surgery on a torn labrum, she says she is close to 100 percent.

The lefty played a huge role at Tuckerman, winning back-to-back state titles in 2021 and 2022.

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