KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For the second time in her historic career, senior Harley Culie has been crowned the MIAA Pitcher of the Year, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. This marks Culie's second career accolade, joining freshman pitcher Kinsley Hill (2X) as the second Hillcat this season to achieve this honor.
 
Culie had an outstanding week in the circle, finishing with a 2-1 record and three complete-game performances. She posted a 0.33 ERA, allowing just one earned run in 21.0 innings pitched. Additionally, Culie struck out 27 batters, limited opponents to a .090 batting average and tallied just three walks.
 
The Peggs, Oklahoma, native made history with an 8.0 inning no-hitter, the longest thrown in program history. In the showcase, she recorded 14 strikeouts, including seven consecutive, during the 3-1 Senior Day victory over rival Northeastern State.
 
Culie and the No. 6 seed Hillcats are set to open the 2026 MIAA Softball Tournament on Thursday against the No. 3 seed Pittsburg State Gorillas. The quarterfinals are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at the Trussell Sports Complex in Emporia, Kansas.