AMES, Iowa – Cyclone softball coach Jamie Pinkerton announced the signing of Michigan State transfer Ava Mullen Thursday morning.

Mullen, a right-handed pitcher who hails from New Buffalo, Michigan, joins Iowa State after spending her first two years in East Lansing with the Spartans.

“We’re super excited to add Ava to our softball program,” said Coach Pinkerton. “Over the course of the recruiting process, it was evident that she would be a great fit for both our bullpen and the culture that we’ve created. She will provide both depth and experience and will be a nice complement to the pieces we have in place.”

In two seasons with the Spartans, Mullen made 20 appearances in the circle and holds a 7.29 career ERA. Mullen trimmed nearly three points off her ERA from her freshman to sophomore season and quadrupled her appearances.

Named Miss Softball in the state of Michigan in 2023, Mullen had a dominant high school career as she finished 49-8 and recorded 636 strikeouts with a 1.09 ERA. Mullen helped lead Lakeshore High School to a state championship in 2022.

A multi-sport athlete in high school, Mullen also played both basketball and volleyball. She garnered multiple All-State, All-Region, All-District and All-Conference honors in softball, but was also All-Conference in volleyball, showcasing her well-rounded athleticism.

She becomes the second transfer to join the Cyclones this offseason, joining Missouri infielder Kadence Shepherd. The addition of Shepherd and Mullen, along with five incoming freshmen, will take the team roster to 25 student-athletes.