Texas Longhorns softball
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| Texas Longhorns softball | |
|---|---|
| Name | Texas Longhorns softball |
| University | University of Texas at Austin |
| Conference | Southeastern Conference (SEC) (2025 onward) |
| Current | 2024 Texas Longhorns softball team |
| Nickname | Longhorns |
| Stadium | Red & Charline McCombs Field |
| Capacity | 1,250 |
| City | Austin |
| Stateabb | TX |
| State | Texas |
| Headcoach | Mike White |
| Tenuresince | 2019 |
| Womencollegeworldseriesappearances | 13 |
| Womencollegeworldserieswins | 1 (2022) |
| Ncaatourneyappearances | 33 |
| Ncaatourneywins | 107 |
| Conferencechamps | 12 |
| Conference | Big 12 Conference (1996–2024) |
Texas Longhorns softball represents University of Texas at Austin in NCAA Division I competition. The program is a national powerhouse, having won the Women's College World Series in 2022 and consistently competing at the highest levels of collegiate softball. Competing historically in the Big 12 Conference, the Longhorns are set to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2025. Under the leadership of head coach Mike White, the team plays its home games at Red & Charline McCombs Field on the university's campus in Austin, Texas.
History
The Texas Longhorns softball program began varsity competition in 1997 under inaugural head coach Connie Clark. The team quickly established itself, earning its first NCAA Division I softball tournament berth in 1998. A major milestone was reached in 2005 when the Longhorns made their first appearance in the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. The program's pinnacle came in 2022 when, led by stars like Janae Jefferson and Hailey Dolcini, Texas defeated Oklahoma to win its first national championship. This victory cemented the Longhorns' status among elite programs like the UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats. The program's history is also marked by its intense rivalry with the Oklahoma Sooners within the Big 12 Conference.
Facilities
The Longhorns play at Red & Charline McCombs Field, a dedicated softball stadium located on the University of Texas at Austin campus. The facility opened in 1998 and has a seating capacity of approximately 1,250. Significant renovations were completed in 2019, which upgraded player amenities, fan experiences, and the press box. The stadium features an artificial turf playing surface and is named for prominent donors Red McCombs and Charline McCombs. Adjacent training facilities provide players with access to the state-of-the-art Denton A. Cooley Pavilion and the Moncrief–Neuhaus Athletic Center, supporting the team's athletic development.
Season-by-season results
The Longhorns have compiled a strong overall record since their inception, with numerous 40-win seasons. Key seasons include the national championship year of 2022, where they finished with a 47–22–1 record. The 2005 season, which ended with a third-place finish at the Women's College World Series, and the 2013 season, which saw a runner-up finish in the WCWS after a loss to the Sooners, are also highlights. Annual competition in the Big 12 Conference has yielded multiple regular-season and tournament titles, with results documented through official NCAA publications and the University of Texas at Austin athletics department.
Championships and awards
The program's foremost achievement is the 2022 Women's College World Series national championship. The Longhorns have also secured 12 Big 12 Conference regular-season championships and 5 Big 12 Tournament titles. Individual players have earned prestigious national honors, including USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year awards for Cat Osterman (2003, 2005, 2006) and Taylor Thom (2014). Numerous Longhorns have been named NFCA All-American selections, such as Blair Luna, Megan Willis, and Shea O'Leary. The team and its players are also frequent contenders for the ESPY Award for Best Collegiate Athlete and the Honda Sports Award.
Notable players
Many former Longhorns have achieved great success in collegiate softball and beyond. Legendary pitcher Cat Osterman is a three-time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, Olympic medalist, and member of the National Softball Hall of Fame. Infielders Janae Jefferson and Taylor Thom are among the program's all-time hits leaders. Standout pitchers include Blair Luna, who holds several school records, and Megan Willis, a powerful hitter. Several alumni have played professionally in leagues like National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and Athletes Unlimited Softball, while others have represented the United States women's national softball team and Team USA in international competition.
Head coaches
The program has been led by three head coaches. Connie Clark served from the team's inception in 1997 through the 2018 season, building the foundation for the program and leading it to its first Women's College World Series. She was succeeded by Mike White, a former coach of the Oregon Ducks, who took over prior to the 2019 season. Under White, a former pitcher for the New Zealand men's national softball team, the Longhorns won the 2022 national championship. The coaching lineage is supported by notable assistants who have moved on to head coaching positions at other NCAA Division I institutions.
Category:University of Texas at Austin Category:NCAA Division I softball teams Category:Big 12 Conference softball Category:Southeastern Conference softball Category:Sports in Austin, Texas