Malaya Johnson Revives Old-School Grit on the Mound for UCSB Softball
Malaya Johnson’s recent performances harken back to an era when dominant pitchers shouldered the bulk of their team’s innings, leading them deep into postseason play.
In 2008, I had the honor of pitching every game for Arizona State during the Women’s College World Series, culminating in our program’s first national championship. I also threw every inning during Regionals and Super Regionals. Such feats are increasingly rare in today’s game, making Johnson’s endurance all the more commendable.
2025 Season Highlights:
Big West Champions 2025: Johnson pitched every inning for UC Santa Barbara during the Big West Championship series, amassing 35.1 innings with a 2.34 ERA and 14 strikeouts. Her efforts earned her the Big West Championship MVP honors.
Big West Pitcher of the Year (2025): Leading the conference with 17 wins and ranking third in ERA at 2.70, Johnson’s dominance was recognized with this prestigious award.
NFCA Third Team All-Region: Her outstanding performance secured her a spot on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s All-Region team, highlighting her as one of the nation’s top pitchers.
Echoes of Legends:
Malaya Johnson’s resilience brings to mind the grit of pitchers who defined eras with their dominance and endurance.
Danielle Lawrie led the University of Washington to its first national title in 2009, pitching every inning of the Women’s College World Series and logging over 1,500 pitches during the postseason. Monica Abbott, the NCAA’s all-time leader in wins (189) and innings pitched (1,448), was known for her unmatched workhorse mentality – often carrying Tennessee on her back through entire weekends of play.
Cat Osterman was another generational talent. During her time at the University of Texas (2002–2006), she threw over 1,100 innings with a career ERA of 0.51, earning three USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year awards. Her ability to command the circle with dominance and poise made her one of the most feared and reliable pitchers in NCAA history.
Malaya Johnson joins that elite company – not only because of the 283 pitches she threw in one day, but because of her mental toughness, competitive spirit, and ability to carry her team through the highest-pressure moments of the postseason.
The Evolution of the Game:
Over the years, the approach to pitching has evolved:
Then (early 2000s and before): Teams often played around 60 games per season, with pitchers frequently throwing the majority of innings.
Now: While teams still play approximately 56 regular-season games, there’s a greater emphasis on pitcher health, leading to deeper pitching staffs and more rotation.
Reasons for the Shift:
Load Management: Increased awareness of overuse injuries has prompted teams to manage workloads more cautiously.
Specialization & Strategy: Coaches now employ strategic matchups, utilizing different pitchers for specific situations.
Increased Competition: The game’s growth has led to heightened competition, necessitating deeper rosters.
Despite these changes aimed at preserving athlete health, there’s been an uptick in injuries. Some attribute this to pitchers throwing with more velocity and spin, leading to increased strain. Additionally, the rise in home runs and high-scoring games extends innings, placing further demands on pitchers. Johnson continues to excel in an era defined by strict load management and limited innings for pitchers. She’s the type of pitcher that reminds us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.
A Modern-Day Workhorse:
Malaya Johnson stands out not just for the 283 pitches she threw in a single day but for her unwavering composure and determination. Her ability to lead her team through challenging postseason moments is reminiscent of the endurance displayed by pitchers in earlier eras. For those who remember the softball of the early 2000s and before, Johnson’s performance is a refreshing nod to the game’s storied past.
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Malaya Johnson Merch: https://myplayerathlete.com/collections/malaya-johnson
Katie Burkhart is a former professional softball pitcher and Arizona State University alumna, where she was a three-time All-American and led the Sun Devils to a national championship. She played professionally in the U.S., Japan, and Italy, and has coached at the Division I level. She now provides private pitching instruction and mindset training for athletes of all levels. Katie is also the author of Mental Muscle and Beyond the Game, books focused on athletic performance and life after sports.