BIG CONGRAT: Texas Longhorns star Reese Atwood has set

BIG CONGRAT: Texas Longhorns star Reese Atwood has set single-season program records and is announces the America’s Player of the Year…

Texas Longhorns star Reese Atwood needs no introduction. The sophomore catcher has set single-season program records with 23 home runs, 160 total bases, and 90 RBIs, with her RBI count leading the nation. On May 28, she was named Softball America’s Player of the Year.

Atwood, also the Big 12 Player of the Year, boasts a .435 batting average, 36 extra-base hits, and a slugging percentage of .904.

“She’s like a big puppy who just wants to please,” said Texas head coach Mike White, referring to Atwood as the “golden retriever.”

Even before conference play began, Atwood credited her team’s strength for her outstanding performance. “I don’t feel pressured to be bigger than I am because I know there are 20 girls behind me who can do the same thing,” she said.

Atwood wasn’t the only standout from Texas. While she was the only first-team All-American from Austin, Softball America recognized several of her teammates. Utility player Mia Scott was named a second-team All-American, and both Katie Stewart and Big 12 Freshman of the Year Teagan Kavan earned spots on the Freshman All-American list.

“This is definitely the most talented team I’ve ever played for,” Atwood remarked. “It’s almost unreal how much talent we have, across all classes and positions.”

Next up for Atwood and Texas Softball is a game against Stanford on May 30 as they pursue an unprecedented national championship.