Softball Lands Transfer Outfielder Kalista Birkenstock
Softball Lands Transfer Outfielder Kalista BirkenstockSoftball Lands Transfer Outfielder Kalista Birkenstock

Softball Lands Transfer Outfielder Kalista Birkenstock

by Ryan Ladika

ORLANDO – Head coach Cindy Ball-Malone and the UCF softball team have announced the program’s third addition from the transfer portal this summer in rising sophomore outfielder Kalista Birkenstock from FGCU.

A native of Marlboro, New York, Birkenstock appeared in 41 games for the Eagles throughout her freshman 2025 campaign, going 6-for-14 (.429) at the plate accompanied by 13 runs scored, one walk and 23 stolen bases in 28 tries.

“After talking with the coaches and a few players on the team, I knew that the culture was what I was looking for. All the girls seemed really close, and they want to win and compete for the conference title and in regionals.”

Kalista Birkenstockoutfielder

Her first career hit came in the form of a pinch-hit infield single in FGCU’s 5-2 loss to South Florida Feb. 12, and she later hit safely in contests against Wisconsin, Omaha, Columbia, West Georgia and Central Arkansas.

A frequent choice of her staff to pinch run off the bench, her 23 stolen bases represented the fourth-most in the ASUN as well, a mark that ranked 64th in the nation. Her 23 stolen bases also would have been good for UCF’s top mark in 2025.

“That’s something I was looking for in my next home, was a team that can be a family with a supportive coaching staff and a competitive attitude. I’m also able to continue my academic career in civil engineering while playing at a high level. It was the right fit for me in all aspects.”

Kalista Birkenstock

Prior to her collegiate career, the outfielder finished her career at Marlboro Central High School with a .504 average, 137 hits, 122 runs scored, 109 stolen bases and 50 walks.

She represented one of three players in her high school program's last 25 years to accrue at least 100 hits, runs scored and stolen bases, and was a three-time All-New York State selection with back-to-back First Team honors.

Birkenstock joins rising senior left-handed pitcher/outfielder Carley Jo Penner and rising sophomore outfielder Zoe Calvez as the third member of UCF’s 2025 transfer class.

About UCF Athletics

UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida’s preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as “Orlando’s Hometown Team”. To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.