Former WKU softball player Olivia Watkins will continue her softball career after signing with the Akron Racers, the organization announced Wednesday. 

Watkins is the first ever WKU player to sign with a National Pro Fastpitch team after leading the Lady Toppers in her senior season in batting average (.380), stolen bases (117) and stolen base attempts (129). 

“Olivia has set and broken many records at WKU, including this great accomplishment to continue her playing career at the highest level,” WKU coach Amy Tudor said in a university press release. “To my knowledge, she is the first player to represent WKU in the NPF. I am very proud of Liv and all that she has done at WKU and how she continues to elevate the WKU softball program.” 

Watkins was also named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Central Region Third Team in 2014 and First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference for the second straight year at second base. 

The Akron Racers, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, are the oldest existing team in the NPF. The Racers competed in the Women’s Pro Softball League for two seasons in 1999 and 2000 and in the NPF since 2004.