University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Andy Mead
Prater Solidifies Backstop with Additions of Buske and Cruthis
Jul 15, 2026 | Softball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis softball head coach Trena Prater announced a pair of transfer catchers joining the Tigers for the upcoming season in rising junior Mia Buske and rising sophomore Grace Cruthis.
The duo gives Memphis experience behind the plate after previously not having a rostered catcher who has played at the collegiate level going into the 2027 season.
Mia Buske | Junior | Catcher | South Dakota State | West Bend, Wis.
Buske appeared in 43 games over two seasons at South Dakota State, starting 30 games in 2026 for the Jackrabbits.
"Mia is a big addition to our battery," said Prater. "She will be a field general behind the plate. Mo goal with the transfer portal was to add another experienced catcher with a high softball IQ and elite pop time. She checks both of those boxes."
Buske was active on the defensive end as a sophomore, leading the Summit League in runners caught stealing with 10, a mark that ranks within the top 75 catchers in the country. She threw out 10 of 25 runners attempting to steal, where the Tigers only threw out 13 of 95 baserunners during the 2026 season.
She also joins incoming transfer Bree Urban in having the distinction of being the first players from their respective home states to play for the Tigers, with Buske being the first Wisconsinite and Urban being the first Nebraskan to join the program.
Grace Cruthis | Sophomore | Catcher/Utility | Alabama A&M | Patterson, Calif.
Cruthis featured in 38 games as a freshman at Alabama A&M, earning 26 starts while featuring mainly in the outfield.
"She's played at a high level in travel ball for the California Batbusters and she had great stats at her previous school," said Prater. "We really liked Grace's ability to be a defensive utility player for us. She will give us depth behind the plate and in the outfield. Offensively, adding another .400-plus batting average to our roster is going to be very impactful."
The Patterson, California native was able to shine in the latter parts of her first collegiate season, with her breakout performance being a 4-for-4 day with four RBI as she recorded her first hit, home run and RBI in the same game against Grambling State. From that point, Cruthis was a consistent piece of the Bulldog lineup, finishing the 2026 season with a .439 batting average, tied for the team's highest, as well as a 1.253 OPS. Cruthis also garnered conference recognition as both the SWAC Hitter and Newcomer of the Week after hitting .643 in a weekend series with three triples, seven RBI and six runs scored.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The duo gives Memphis experience behind the plate after previously not having a rostered catcher who has played at the collegiate level going into the 2027 season.
Mia Buske | Junior | Catcher | South Dakota State | West Bend, Wis.
Buske appeared in 43 games over two seasons at South Dakota State, starting 30 games in 2026 for the Jackrabbits.
"Mia is a big addition to our battery," said Prater. "She will be a field general behind the plate. Mo goal with the transfer portal was to add another experienced catcher with a high softball IQ and elite pop time. She checks both of those boxes."
Buske was active on the defensive end as a sophomore, leading the Summit League in runners caught stealing with 10, a mark that ranks within the top 75 catchers in the country. She threw out 10 of 25 runners attempting to steal, where the Tigers only threw out 13 of 95 baserunners during the 2026 season.
She also joins incoming transfer Bree Urban in having the distinction of being the first players from their respective home states to play for the Tigers, with Buske being the first Wisconsinite and Urban being the first Nebraskan to join the program.
Grace Cruthis | Sophomore | Catcher/Utility | Alabama A&M | Patterson, Calif.
Cruthis featured in 38 games as a freshman at Alabama A&M, earning 26 starts while featuring mainly in the outfield.
"She's played at a high level in travel ball for the California Batbusters and she had great stats at her previous school," said Prater. "We really liked Grace's ability to be a defensive utility player for us. She will give us depth behind the plate and in the outfield. Offensively, adding another .400-plus batting average to our roster is going to be very impactful."
The Patterson, California native was able to shine in the latter parts of her first collegiate season, with her breakout performance being a 4-for-4 day with four RBI as she recorded her first hit, home run and RBI in the same game against Grambling State. From that point, Cruthis was a consistent piece of the Bulldog lineup, finishing the 2026 season with a .439 batting average, tied for the team's highest, as well as a 1.253 OPS. Cruthis also garnered conference recognition as both the SWAC Hitter and Newcomer of the Week after hitting .643 in a weekend series with three triples, seven RBI and six runs scored.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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