Texas softball catcher Reese Atwood set the program’s all-time record with her 59th home run in Thursday’s 11-0 win over Abilene Christian in the first game of this weekend’s Bevo Classic. Atwood broke the previous record of 58 set by Taylor Hoagland from 2010-13.
The record-setting blast came in the fourth inning with classmate Leighann Goode on second base. After the game, the normally stoic slugger seemed almost stunned about setting the record.
“I mean, growing up, I don’t think I’ve ever really dreamed of this,” she said. “It’s just believing in myself and my team believing in me. It’s just it all worked out.”
And did the towering home run over the left-center wall that sailed an unofficial 228 feet feel like the record-setter?
“I mean, I knew off the bat, so, I mean, that was cool,” she said. “I didn’t want it to be one of those little awkward ones.”
There haven’t been many little home runs over the past four years for Atwood, a starter since her freshman season and also the program’s all-time RBI record at 234 and counting. She’s also the NCAA’s active career leader in both home runs and RBIs.
“It means a lot,” she said. “This program really has taken me in. I look back at my freshman year coming till now, and I just owe so much to the people here at Texas to be able to help me accomplish my goals. I could not do it without them.”
Texas coach Mike White said any time Atwood steps to the plate, he expects a home run.
“We’re just so happy for her and happy for the program,” he said. “She can really rake the ball. Every time she gets to the plate, she doesn’t get cheated. She’s going to get her best swings off.”
And what did White see from the Longhorn dugout after Atwood connected off Abilene Christian pitcher Makayla Valle?
“Just sheer joy for her,” he said. “You know it’s going to come, but it’s just a matter of when. She was able to get a good pitch and made a count.”
Speaking of those teammates, Goode and the entire Texas dugout mobbed Atwood at the plate. They also gave her a surprise ice bath after the game, which may be the only way to cool off a career .375 hitter.
“Just being able to see them all come out and celebrate me like that, those are things you don’t get often,” Atwood said. “I’m so grateful for each and every one of the coaching staff and this team to be able to help me get to where I am today.”
But Atwood also wants to keep her eye on the true prize. Records are nice, she said, but she wants to do all she can in her final collegiate season to help Texas defend its national title.
“This wasn’t my goal this year,” she said. “Truthfully, I’m out here to win the national championship. The records, they’re cool on paper, but the rings we got are a lot nicer.”