Ole Miss softball added a key component to the future of the program with the signing of Oklahoma pitcher Brittany Finney, head coach Mike Smith announced Thursday.

Finney will be immediately eligible for the Rebels beginning in the spring of 2017 and have three years of eligibility remaining. The 6-foot right-hander made nine appearances in 2016 for the Sooners, helping the squad to the Women’s College World Series Championship.

“We are excited to add Brittany to our team for next year,” Smith said. “She will be able to make an immediate impact in our pitching staff. Adding Brittany adds another piece to our puzzle and helps us take one step closer to fulfilling our overall goal to win a national championship. She knows first-hand what it takes to attain one of those, and she will be a huge asset to our pitching staff and the rest of the team with her experience and work ethic to be the best in the country.”

The Wichita, Kansas native totaled 18.2 innings in the circle for Oklahoma with a 1.12 ERA. She started four contests for the club that finished the year 53-7 atop the collegiate softball ranks and was the pitcher of decision once earlier in the year.

“After taking a hard look at what I really wanted to accomplish in my collegiate softball career, and meeting with the coaching staff at Ole Miss, the transfer just seemed to make sense,” Finney said. “The family atmosphere on the team and the drive, focus and determination of the players and staff really fit with how I feel about the game. To be given the opportunity to join such an outstanding group, and to help Ole Miss Softball as they reach even greater heights is exactly what I’m looking for, and I’m honored to have the opportunity.”