Bellevue University head softball coach Michala Cimino announced today the fourth signee in the 2025-26 recruiting class with the addition of catcher Bayla Bodnar (Ralston, Neb./Ralston HS). Bodnar will begin her academic and athletic careers at BU beginning in the fall of 2025.
The daughter of Katie and Pat Bodnar, Bayla prepped at Ralston High School under head coach Michael Gentry.
Bodnar earned first-team all-conference honors her senior season while batting .489 with seven home runs, 14 doubles, two triples, and 43 RBIs. She also added nine stolen bases. For her career, Bodnar drove in 75 runs and batted .356 with 14 home runs and 25 doubles.
She earned team MVP honors in 2024 and broke the school record for best fielding percentage by a catcher, coming in at .991.
Bodnar, who plans on majoring in Criminal Justice, was named to Ralston High School's Merit Honor Roll.
Bodnar joins earlier signees right-handed pitcher Carly Bertolini (Papillion, Neb./Papillion-LaVista High School), catcher Alivia Courter (Yutan, Neb./Millard West HS), and infielder Macie Wyman (Omaha, Neb./Millard West HS) in the 2025-26 recruiting class.
The Bruins will begin the 2025 season on Feb. 7-8, when they travel to Branson, Mo., for four games. On the opening weekend, BU will battle Sterling, Mission (Mo.), Calumet, and Central Methodist.
