Kaia Johnson is a red shirt Junior for the California State University, Bakersfield Runners Softball team. She is a centerfielder with big hopes for a great season. In past seasons the Runners have been ranked last in their conference and Kaia is hoping to help turn that around this year.  

Kaia is from Palm Springs, CA. She started playing softball when she was eight years old. She started off by playing soccer, but quickly got over it and decided to try softball. Kaia eventually realized she was pretty good at softball and her goal was to make it to a D1 school. Kaia was scouted to come play for CSUB, and they continuously showed interest in her. This made it was an easy choice for her to come to CSUB to play softball.  

Kaia worked very hard to be able play in college. “I want to make sure that my parents wouldn’t have to pay for my education,” said Kaia about what drove her to play sports in college. She knew that the softball program at CSUB wasn’t really talked about, and she was hoping that she could make a difference by playing for the Runners. 

This season Kaia is already putting up some very impressive stats. She is currently batting over .300 and nine stolen bases this year. She is nationally ranked in the 30’s and ranked second in the Big West Conference in stolen bases. “I would like to continue on the stolen bases and create havoc on the bases,” said Kaia when asked about her personal goals this season. 

When Kaia isn’t playing softball, she likes to cook, eat, spend time with friends and family, and go to the beach. Kaia is very hopeful about the Runner’s season this year. With the CSUB softball having new coaches and a lot of new players they are ready to get out this season and prove themselves. “We have a lot of potential. Our goal is obviously to win conference, but a more realistic goal I would say is to find ourselves in the middle of the pack to set us up and see where can be for the tournament,” said Kaia when asked about the Runner’s goals this season. Kaia is ready to get out there this season and continue her dominance on the field.