STONY BROOK, N.Y. – Stony Brook softball announced the signing of four new transfers to the program on Wednesday: junior infielder Karri Pritchard, junior utility player Ella Hayes, graduate student pitcher Jayci Finch, and graduate student catcher Rachael Brown.

These four join six incoming freshmen who signed back in January.

"We were very fortunate this summer to welcome four quality student-athletes to our softball program and Seawolves family," stated head coach Megan T. Bryant. "All four young women are a great match for Stony Brook academically, athletically and personally."


Karri Pritchard | Jr. | INF | 5'7" | Mount Evelyn, Australia | Pensacola State
Pritchard holds the unique distinction of being the first Australian player in program history. Over the last two years, she has competed in the United States at JUCO level with Pensacola State. In 80 games she owned a .324/.404/.597 (1.001 OPS) slash line with 43 runs batted in and 18 home runs. As a freshman she was named Second Team All-Panhandle after posting 11 home runs and a .738 slugging percentage. Across both seasons she totaled 20 multi-hit games and 12 multi-RBI games.

"Karri Pritchard is a slick fielding infielder with a quick release and international as well as junior college experience," remarked Bryant. "Karri was a member of the U16 Australia squad. She can swing the bat with power and does have experience in the lead-off spot."

Pritchard also has overseas experience, playing for Australia Team A in the 2023 Canada Cup and the U18 Aussie Diamonds in the 2022 Canada Cup, as well as being a part of the U16 Australia Squad (2020) and the Victoria State team (2018-2023) which  won the Open 1 Premiership in 2022 and 2023.


Ella Hayes | Jr. | UT | 5'7" | Kansas City, Mo. | Salem CC
An NJCAA All-American in 2024 and a two-time Region 19 Player of the Year, Hayes was one of the top JUCO players in the country during her first two seasons at Salem CC. In 83 career games she batted .586/.644/.973 (1.617 OPS) and racked up 16 home runs, 42 doubles, 64 extra-base hits, 115 RBIs, 117 runs, and 34 stolen bases in 35 attempts.

"Ella Hayes is an athletic defender who can help us in the infield and the outfield," said Bryant. "She is another top of the order hitter with power, and led her team in RBIs with 54 last season."

Hayes' elite combination of power and plate discipline culminated in her reaching base safely in 76 games, recording an extra-base hit in 42 games (16 with multiple), and notching at least one hit in 68 games (47 with multiple), all while striking out just three times in 315 at bats.


Jayci Finch | Gr. | P | 5'9" | Clearfield, Utah | Weber State
A veteran arm with 80 appearances (18 starts) and over 200 innings pitched, Finch has been a fixture in Weber State's pitching staff since 2023. In three seasons with the Wildcats she posted a 4.75 ERA with 92 strikeouts and 29 total outings without allowing an earned run. 

"Jayci Finch is a proven winner and fierce competitor in the circle," noted Bryant. "Her ability to command the zone and attack hitters will be effective and exciting. With Jayci's experience at both Salt Lake City CC and Weber State, she is an important addition to our young pitching staff."

Last year, she helped Weber State clinch its fifth ever Big Sky Tournament title after recording the final five outs in the championship game against Idaho State. Then, in the NCAA Tournament, she secured just the second tournament win in program history after tossing five innings with zero earned runs allowed against Binghamton in an elimination game. 


Rachael Brown | Gr. | C | 5'7" | Kaysville, Utah | Utah Valley
An experienced backstop with 77 career games caught behind the plate, Brown comes to Long Island after two seasons with Utah Valley. With strong bat to ball skills and a great eye at the plate, Brown slashed .323/.395/.516 (.911 OPS) with 11 multi-hit performances and only 21 strikeouts in her time with the Wolverines. 

"Rachael Brown brings extensive experience at both the JUCO and Division I levels to our squad and will be a key factor behind the plate with her leadership and handling of our pitchers," said Bryant. "Rachael has good pop with her bat and will be a great addition to the middle of our line-up."

Before her time at Utah Valley, Brown was leading the College of Southern Idaho to back-to-back SWAC titles and NJCAA Tournament bids. Across 107 games she hit .364 with 35 home runs and 107 RBIs. As a sophomore she was named NFCA All-West Region Second Team and All-Region 18 First Team.


"We have added talented players in the circle, behind the dish, in the field and at the plate," added Bryant. "The experience and competitiveness this group brings is exciting! We are thrilled to welcome Karri, Ella, Jayci, and Rachael and their families to Stony Brook."

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