Preseason polling hasn’t changed the mindset of this Texas softball team.
The reigning national champions were ranked No. 2 by Softball America, just behind Texas Tech, a team Texas beat in the World Series Final. Even so, a poll won’t change the Longhorns’ goals for this season.
“Nothing’s given, everything has to be earned,” senior outfielder Ashton Maloney said. “Last year doesn’t matter. It was great to win a national championship, great to bring it home to the University of Texas, but we have to win another one.”
Former Longhorns Mia Scott and Joley Mitchell were critical players in the 2025 Women’s College World Series, executing clutch plays in key moments for the team. Without them, the defense is set to introduce some new players who have large shoes to fill.
Freshman infielders MaTaia Lawson and Jaycie Nichols show promise in replicating Scott’s talents offensively and defensively. Even as freshmen, Lawson’s batting and Nichols’ reflexes in the infield will be valuable when replacing a player as dynamic as Scott. Additionally, five freshmen were named to the D100 Freshman Watchlist, showing the fresh talent this team has coming off a national championship.
“(Pitcher and utility Hannah Wells) looks really great on both sides of the ball,” junior pitcher Teagan Kavan said. “She’ll be a really strong force, and I think she’s really good mentally and obviously physically.”
Texas will face No. 11 Nebraska, No. 22 Washington and UTSA in early February at the UTSA Invitational. The portal delivered Nebraska two pitchers this season, one from Arkansas and one from Arizona State. With these additions, Texas will be challenged at the plate, but head coach Mike White thinks the competition will give the team a look at how the season will go.
“We’ve got a tough weekend ahead of us, but that should let us know where we’re at straight away,” White said.
Competition among the team has kept Texas motivated throughout the offseason, with junior infielder Katie Stewart finding enjoyment in some friendly contests.
“Having teammates to compete against each other to hold each other to the highest level … it really shows the depth we have in our dugout,” Stewart said.
Junior infielder Viviana Martinez is returning to the field after missing the previous season with a knee injury. The season proved difficult for the shortstop position, with multiple players filling in, none being particularly reliable.
A national championship is difficult, but a repeat is even harder. The season will have its challenges, but White and his team are ignoring the chatter with eyes ahead.
