Texas softball may be the reigning NCAA champion, but the team ranks No. 2 behind Texas Tech in Softball America’s preseason poll.
The Longhorns welcome back six of its nine starters from the team that beat Texas Tech in Game 3 of the championship round at the 2025 Women’s College World Series. They also return ace pitcher Teagan Kavan, who leads a deep pitching staff.
Texas Tech counters with star pitcher NiJaree Canady and a roster bolstered by several high-profile portal additions.
Kavan, a junior, joins senior catcher Reese Atwood on Softball America’s preseason first-team All-American squad. Kavan, the Most Outstanding Player at last season’s WCWS, went 28-5 with a 2.16 ERA and 230 strikeouts through 207 innings a year ago. Atwood, who has won multiple All-American awards during a decorated career, posted a .393 batting average with 21 home runs and 89 RBIs last season.
Junior catcher/infielder Katie Stewart and junior outfielder Kayden Henry earned spots on the preseason second team. Stewart hit .381 last season with 17 home runs and 80 RBIs while Henry hit .409 with 30 RBIs and led the team with 72 runs and 33 stolen bases.
The Longhorns open the season Feb. 6 at the UTSA Invitational against No. 11 Nebraska in San Antonio.