TOPEKA, Kan. – Washburn Ichabod softball head coach Brenda Holaday has announced the signing of NCAA D1 transfer Grace Birk, a Burlington, Kan., native, who will join the Ichabods with three seasons of eligibility remaining after spending her freshman season at Northwestern (La.).
 
"Grace is a player who attended our camp and someone we followed throughout her high school career at Burlington," said Holaday. "When she decided to transfer, we jumped at the chance to add her to our program. Her work ethic and desire to be in the circle leading her team is something we are excited about. She has a strong passion for the game, is self-motivated and will fit in great to our softball family."
 
In her first season for the Demons, Birk made five starts with 17 total appearances in her freshman season. She threw 33.0 innings with 22 strikeouts and a 1-3 overall record. She pitched 2.0 scoreless innings allowing one hit with three strikeouts in her collegiate debut against No. 24 Mississippi State. At Burlington High School, she was a two-sport athlete in softball and basketball earning three-time unanimous First-Team All-Pioneer League and First-Team All-State selection on the diamond. During her senior season she led Burlington to a single-season record for wins with 27 and a third-place finish at the Kansas 3A State Tournament. She broke her own single-season strikeout record with 296 punch outs, her second straight 240+ strikeout season, to go with a 0.58 ERA and 25-1 record. As a senior she threw 16 shutouts and five no-hitters, also school records.  The 296 Ks was among the top five in the state of Kansas and she finished her career with a state record 780 career Ks. She was a member of National Honor Society and the Presidential A Honor Roll for four years and was part of Student Athletic Leadership Team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes along with three other student clubs and organizations. She is the daughter of Derek and Amy Birk. She has three brothers, Caleb, Miles and Alex and plans to major kinesiology. Her father played basketball at Newman.
 
"After taking some time and praying about the next step in my academic and athletic journey, I'm excited to continue my softball journey at Washburn," Birk said. "This opportunity allows me to be closer to home and my family while competing for a terrific program. I'm grateful for the coaches who have believed in me and for the chance to make an impact both on and off the field. Go Bods!"