Alabama softball star pitcher Montana Fouts announces return for fifth season

Following Alabama softball's upset loss to Stanford in the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional, senior pitcher Montana Fouts announced Tuesday she will return for a fifth season with the Crimson Tide. Fouts was expected to return.

"I believe Jesus has a plan, and has lead me to exactly where I need to be.

I will continue to thank the Lord for any door that closes, because he knows how to open them too. That's why I will stay HOME, and keep bleeding crimson. You’ll see me proudly wearing the A next year," Fouts posted on social media. "I don’t have to think twice about that."

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Fouts pitched in 39 games this season, starting 26. She struck out 275 batters in 190 innings while winning 24 games and registering a 2.10 ERA. She also was named first-team All-SEC for the third time in her career as well as winning SEC Pitcher of the Week three times.

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Fouts is the third senior to announce her intentions to return to a fifth season, following infielder Ashley Prange and catcher Ally Shipman.

Five players are entering the NCAA transfer portal with intentions to leave the program, according to reports by Extra Innings Softball: junior pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl, freshman outfielder Dallis Goodnight junior utility player Savannah Woodard, freshman utility player Jenna Lord and junior catcher Abby Doerr.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Montana Fouts announces return to Alabama softball in 2023 season