Bucknell University Athletics
Softball Signs Latest Recruiting Class
11/12/2023 1:54:00 PM | Softball
LEWISBURG, Pa.- After making its first Patriot League Tournament appearance since 2019, the Bucknell Bison softball team added another stellar recruiting class to the fold. Coach Sarah Caffrey's program added four players that will excite Bison fans when they make their Bucknell debut in the 2025 season.Â
"I am thrilled to introduce our 2024 recruiting class," said Caffrey. "This group is so exciting to watch compete, and I know they will be a crucial part of our program for the next four years. "It was fun to recruit this class, and I am grateful that my staff and I were able to put together such a wonderful group. Each one of them embodies the core values that we look for in our athletes. I know they will thrive in the community, on the softball field, and most importantly, in the classroom."
Pitcher Payton Hale adds another Keystone player to the Bison herd. The Avondale, Pennsylvania native will bring greater depth to Caffrey's deep rotation. She missed 2023 with an injury, but the hard-throwing pitcher tossed 285 strikeouts in the 2022 season. The feat earned her First Team All-Chesmont, First Team All-Area, Second Team All-State, and All-Area Pitcher of the Year honors. Hale plays for the PA Chaos 18U Spina Club Team. The Pennsylvanian was ranked 22nd in the Class of 2024 by Extra Innings Softball.Â
Caffrey on Hale: "I am thrilled to welcome a talented pitcher from PA to our staff. Payton brings depth to what we already have. She throws with a lot of spin and movement so she will be a great addition to the rotation. I can't wait to watch her throw for the Orange and Blue!"
First Baseman Hailey McCutchan crosses the border from Clayton, Delaware, to join the Bison herd. The slugging first-sacker has racked up numerous honors during her high school career. She hit a sparkling .483 in 2023 to win Smyrna High School Softball MVP. Outside organizations noted her tremendous seasons decorating her First Team All-State, 2x First Team All-Conference, and Third Team All-State. McCutchan's team are the North Henlopen Conference Champions. She is familiar with the Keystone State, having played with the club team PA Chaos. A skilled athlete, she plays Unified Flag Football. McCutchan's future goals include working as a constitutional lawyer.Â
Caffrey on McCutchan:Â "I am so excited to welcome Hailey to our team; she brings a ton of experience and versatility to our group. She is a huge asset as a hitter and will bring some depth to our lineup in the upcoming years."
Middle Infielder/Utility player Skye Perez committed to Bucknell from Taylor, Texas. The Lone Star State product will bring Texas-sized power to the Bison offense. She tied the school home run record with 11 bombs, set the RBI record (69) in 2023, and scored 60 runs (2022) to set another record. With the record-breaking has come a dazzling collection of awards, including 2x First Team All-State, Second Team All-State, 3x 1st Team All-District, First Team All-Centex, 2x Co-District MVP, a slot in the Top 50 Athletics list, and was nominated for Austin Sports Award Softball Player of the Year. Her team has gone 75-8 the last two seasons, including a 43-3 mark in 2023 when they were district champions and state runner-ups. The 2022 squad was regional champions. She led the 2023 Texas Bombers Gold National 18U team in batting average (.517). Perez goes boxing and volunteers at animal shelters in her free time. Perez is a member of FCA and Young Life.Â
Caffrey on Perez: "Skye brings a ton of competitive success with her, and her athletic ability adds so much to our infield. She can make great plays on the field. She also swings a big bat. We look forward to her addition to our infield."
Shortstop/Utility player Reagan Powell crosses the Mason-Dixon Line to join the Bison. The Sunderland, Maryland, resident will bring plenty of pop to the Bison lineup. She doesn't sacrifice average for power, as Powell has hit above .300 twice in the past three campaigns. Her high school team has collected an SMAC Title and two regional titles. An all-around athlete, she has lettered in five high school sports: basketball, cross country, indoor track, softball, and volleyball. Powell is no stranger to Patriot League softball. Her sister Marisa plays for Lafayette. Interestingly, it will be the second time a pair of sisters competed simultaneously at Bucknell and Lafayette. Bucknell volleyball player Abby Nieporte has a sister at Lafayette. Powell has club experience with TNT Maryland and Virginia Glory.
Caffrey on Powell: "Reagan is such a well-rounded athlete. She has the unique ability to be a true utility player since she excels at catching, middle infield, and outfield. She allows us to be versatile with her in the lineup. She will be a great addition to our team."
The Bison completed fall ball and await the 2024 season. The 2024 schedule will be released in the upcoming weeks.Â
Â
"I am thrilled to introduce our 2024 recruiting class," said Caffrey. "This group is so exciting to watch compete, and I know they will be a crucial part of our program for the next four years. "It was fun to recruit this class, and I am grateful that my staff and I were able to put together such a wonderful group. Each one of them embodies the core values that we look for in our athletes. I know they will thrive in the community, on the softball field, and most importantly, in the classroom."
Pitcher Payton Hale adds another Keystone player to the Bison herd. The Avondale, Pennsylvania native will bring greater depth to Caffrey's deep rotation. She missed 2023 with an injury, but the hard-throwing pitcher tossed 285 strikeouts in the 2022 season. The feat earned her First Team All-Chesmont, First Team All-Area, Second Team All-State, and All-Area Pitcher of the Year honors. Hale plays for the PA Chaos 18U Spina Club Team. The Pennsylvanian was ranked 22nd in the Class of 2024 by Extra Innings Softball.Â
Caffrey on Hale: "I am thrilled to welcome a talented pitcher from PA to our staff. Payton brings depth to what we already have. She throws with a lot of spin and movement so she will be a great addition to the rotation. I can't wait to watch her throw for the Orange and Blue!"
First Baseman Hailey McCutchan crosses the border from Clayton, Delaware, to join the Bison herd. The slugging first-sacker has racked up numerous honors during her high school career. She hit a sparkling .483 in 2023 to win Smyrna High School Softball MVP. Outside organizations noted her tremendous seasons decorating her First Team All-State, 2x First Team All-Conference, and Third Team All-State. McCutchan's team are the North Henlopen Conference Champions. She is familiar with the Keystone State, having played with the club team PA Chaos. A skilled athlete, she plays Unified Flag Football. McCutchan's future goals include working as a constitutional lawyer.Â
Caffrey on McCutchan:Â "I am so excited to welcome Hailey to our team; she brings a ton of experience and versatility to our group. She is a huge asset as a hitter and will bring some depth to our lineup in the upcoming years."
Middle Infielder/Utility player Skye Perez committed to Bucknell from Taylor, Texas. The Lone Star State product will bring Texas-sized power to the Bison offense. She tied the school home run record with 11 bombs, set the RBI record (69) in 2023, and scored 60 runs (2022) to set another record. With the record-breaking has come a dazzling collection of awards, including 2x First Team All-State, Second Team All-State, 3x 1st Team All-District, First Team All-Centex, 2x Co-District MVP, a slot in the Top 50 Athletics list, and was nominated for Austin Sports Award Softball Player of the Year. Her team has gone 75-8 the last two seasons, including a 43-3 mark in 2023 when they were district champions and state runner-ups. The 2022 squad was regional champions. She led the 2023 Texas Bombers Gold National 18U team in batting average (.517). Perez goes boxing and volunteers at animal shelters in her free time. Perez is a member of FCA and Young Life.Â
Caffrey on Perez: "Skye brings a ton of competitive success with her, and her athletic ability adds so much to our infield. She can make great plays on the field. She also swings a big bat. We look forward to her addition to our infield."
Shortstop/Utility player Reagan Powell crosses the Mason-Dixon Line to join the Bison. The Sunderland, Maryland, resident will bring plenty of pop to the Bison lineup. She doesn't sacrifice average for power, as Powell has hit above .300 twice in the past three campaigns. Her high school team has collected an SMAC Title and two regional titles. An all-around athlete, she has lettered in five high school sports: basketball, cross country, indoor track, softball, and volleyball. Powell is no stranger to Patriot League softball. Her sister Marisa plays for Lafayette. Interestingly, it will be the second time a pair of sisters competed simultaneously at Bucknell and Lafayette. Bucknell volleyball player Abby Nieporte has a sister at Lafayette. Powell has club experience with TNT Maryland and Virginia Glory.
Caffrey on Powell: "Reagan is such a well-rounded athlete. She has the unique ability to be a true utility player since she excels at catching, middle infield, and outfield. She allows us to be versatile with her in the lineup. She will be a great addition to our team."
The Bison completed fall ball and await the 2024 season. The 2024 schedule will be released in the upcoming weeks.Â
Â
In The Herd: NCAA National Championships Preview And Wade Shomper And Evelyn Bliss Features
Tuesday, June 09
Bucknell Women's Soccer - Emmitt Field at Holmes Stadium 2026 Teaser Trailer
Tuesday, June 09
Bucknell Wrestling - June Update 2026
Thursday, June 04
In The Herd - 2026 Bucknell Reunion Weekend
Sunday, May 31