Former Manhattan softball standout excited to join Washburn's squad

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A familiar face will step into the circle for Ichabod softball next season.

It's somewhat of a homecoming for former Manhattan High School standout Kierra Goos, who recently signed with Washburn.

"Being around the community was so great in high school," Goos said. "To be in a community who is so supportive of women's sports, and to come back to something like that, I'm so excited about."

The two-time Kansas class 6A All-State selection transfers from Division I South Dakota State University. She's a right-handed pitcher who joins the Ichabods as a junior. Goos has two years of collegiate experience under her belt, appearing in nine games as a Jackrabbit.

The Manhattan native led the Indians both on the mound and at the plate. In her senior season, she pitched 112 innings, struck out 204 batters and recorded a 2.18 ERA. At the plate, Goos led the team with a .462 batting average, totaling 27 RBI.

"One thing that will make her a little different than the other girls on our staff right now is just the velocity she throws with," Washburn head coach Brenda Holaday said. "She'll throw 65 to 67 mph. That's upper end of Division II. She's got an elite rise ball which is something that can lead to a lot of strikeouts."

Goos will get the chance to pitch in front of her family and friends, as Washburn is just an hour away from where she grew up.

"My heart was at Washburn the entire time," Goos said, speaking about her recruiting process. "I'm really excited to be close to home. My friends are super excited for me to actually be able to see them throughout the year."

"This is a special place, but anytime you can put talent in your program that's local builds a lot of excitement in the area," Holaday said. "Also good for her to be able to play in front of friends and family, I think that's always really rewarding."

Goos joins her freshman year roommate, Maddie McGee, who also transferred to Washburn from South Dakota back in 2024.

"I'm super excited to get to be on the same team again," Goos said. "To see what we can both do here."

The 'Bods now have nine total players from Kansas officially on their roster.