Texas Honors Legacy of Star Third Baseman Mia Scott with Statue Celebrating Her Impact on Longhorns Softball and College Athletics
In a powerful and emotional moment for Texas Longhorns fans and the broader college athletics community, the University of Texas has unveiled a sample statue of one of its most iconic student-athletes — Mia Scott, the star third baseman who redefined excellence on and off the diamond. This symbolic move marks not only the recognition of an individual’s tremendous contributions but also a celebration of a new era for women’s sports, one where talent, leadership, and impact are permanently etched into the legacy of a program.
The unveiling took place just outside Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin, a venue where Scott built her name and became a national figure in college softball. Fans, former teammates, coaches, and university officials gathered for what became a heartfelt tribute to a player whose name is synonymous with hustle, determination, and an unmatched competitive spirit. As the bronze figure was revealed — depicting Scott in her signature defensive stance at third base — the crowd erupted in cheers and chants that echoed across the field where so many of her legendary moments took place.
Mia Scott’s journey to Longhorn greatness wasn’t by accident. From her early days growing up in Orange, Texas, her talent was evident. But it was her work ethic and unwavering commitment to the game that caught the eyes of college recruiters. By the time she arrived in Austin, she was already a high school legend — and she quickly set about becoming a collegiate icon.
Her freshman season was nothing short of remarkable. She started every game, earned All-Big 12 honors, and led the team in multiple offensive categories. Her bat was dangerous, but her glove was just as essential. Mia manned the hot corner with the type of fearlessness that made fans gasp and opponents hesitate. Diving stops, cannon throws across the diamond, and uncanny instincts became staples of her highlight reels. By her junior year, she had cemented herself as one of the best to ever wear burnt orange.
Yet it wasn’t just her on-field excellence that made her statue-worthy — it was the way she carried herself. Mia was the kind of teammate who lifted others, the kind of leader who spoke with conviction, and the kind of person who made everyone around her believe more was possible. She served as a mentor to younger players, often staying late after practice to help them with fielding drills or reviewing film. Her coaches raved not just about her statistics, but about her intangibles — her discipline, her character, her heart.
That impact extended beyond Austin. As NIL deals and national visibility began to grow in women’s sports, Mia Scott became a face of the movement — not because she sought the spotlight, but because it found her naturally. National brands saw in her what Texas had seen all along: an athlete of integrity, a competitor with class, and a person with limitless potential.
She helped lead the Longhorns to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and deep postseason runs, including a historic College World Series appearance that captivated fans nationwide. In one unforgettable postseason game, she recorded five RBIs and made two defensive plays that saved the game — a performance many still call one of the best ever by a Texas athlete in any sport.
Following her senior year, Mia’s impact was undeniable. She graduated with records in hits, doubles, and total bases. Her jersey became a top seller. And more importantly, young girls across Texas and beyond wore #16 with pride, imitating her batting stance and dreaming of one day standing where she did.
The decision to honor Mia Scott with a statue came after months of discussions within the athletics department, alumni circles, and student leadership groups. The sample statue unveiled this week is just the beginning — the full installation, planned for completion in early 2026, will include a landscaped plaza, interactive displays of her greatest moments, and a scholarship endowment in her name to support future generations of Longhorn softball players.
Chris Del Conte, Texas’ Athletic Director, spoke during the ceremony. “Mia Scott represents everything that is right with college athletics. She competed with fire, led with humility, and inspired a generation. This statue is more than metal — it’s a message to every young girl who picks up a glove or a bat. You matter. You belong. And your greatness deserves to be seen.”
Scott, visibly moved, gave a brief but powerful speech. “This is surreal. I never played for a statue. I played for my teammates, my coaches, and the fans who believed in me. Texas gave me more than I ever could’ve dreamed of — and I hope my journey helps someone else chase theirs.”
She also took time to acknowledge her parents, her longtime hitting coach, and every player she ever shared a dugout with. “They pushed me, supported me, and loved me when I didn’t believe in myself. This moment belongs to all of us.”
Longhorns head coach Mike White, who recruited and coached Scott throughout her career, called her “a generational talent and a once-in-a-lifetime leader.” He noted that future recruits now walk into a stadium where Mia’s legacy is visible in bronze, reminding them of the standard they inherit.
Social media lit up following the unveiling. Current and former college athletes, sportswriters, and fans across the country posted tributes, memories, and messages of appreciation. ESPN, which covered much of Scott’s collegiate career, ran a feature on her rise from Texas prospect to college legend. Even pro athletes from the NWSL and WNBA chimed in, praising Texas for making a bold statement about the value of female athletes.
The statue also represents a broader shift within college athletics — one where women’s sports are given the recognition and institutional backing they have long deserved. For decades, statues, stadiums, and honorifics have mostly gone to male athletes. But in honoring Mia Scott, Texas joins a growing number of schools rewriting that narrative.
As one fan at the ceremony put it, “This isn’t just a statue. It’s history being corrected in real time. And it’s about time.”
Plans are already in motion to make the Mia Scott Plaza a destination for youth softball clinics, team events, and fan tours. There’s also talk of an annual “Scott Legacy Game” to be played at McCombs Field, where current players will wear throwback uniforms and celebrate those who paved the way.
While Mia Scott’s playing days may be over, her impact is just beginning. She’s already expressed interest in coaching and has been mentoring athletes through a leadership academy she co-founded in Austin. Her future is bright — but her legacy is already eternal.
The Texas Longhorns softball program has always been strong, but with Mia Scott immortalized in bronze, it stands taller than ever. Generations of fans and athletes will now walk past her statue on their way into the stadium, reminded of what greatness looks like — and inspired to chase their own.
Mia Scott gave everything she had to the game. In return, the game — and the University of Texas — has given her a legacy that will never fade.
