Texas Softball Creates History: For the First Time Since 2017, They Make It to the Third Round!

In a season marked by grit, unity, and resurgence, the Texas Longhorns softball team has officially turned back the clock and made program history. For the first time since 2017, the Longhorns have advanced to the third round of the NCAA Softball Tournament—an achievement that not only reaffirms the talent in Austin but also signals the rebirth of a national contender. With a combination of veteran leadership, breakout stars, and tenacious coaching, Texas has taken the college softball world by storm.

The Longhorns have always been a storied program in the NCAA softball landscape, boasting multiple Women’s College World Series (WCWS) appearances and a tradition of excellence. But since their 2017 third-round run, Texas had struggled to recapture that magic, falling short in regional and super regional play in recent years.

The drought was not for lack of effort. Under head coach Mike White, who took over in 2019 after a highly successful stint at Oregon, Texas began laying the foundation for a revival. Each recruiting class brought in fresh talent, and the coaching staff worked tirelessly to instill a winning mentality. This year, all of that investment finally paid off.

“We knew it was coming,” Coach White said following their second-round clincher. “We’ve been building toward this moment for years. Our girls earned this. This program earned this.”

Texas entered the NCAA Tournament as the No. 6 national seed and hosted their regional at McCombs Field. With a roaring home crowd behind them, the Longhorns wasted no time asserting dominance. They opened the regional with a run-rule victory over Morgan State, showcasing their explosive offense.

In the winner’s bracket, Texas clashed with a feisty Texas State team and walked away with a tense 5-3 win behind clutch hitting and a complete-game performance by ace Citlaly Gutierrez. In the regional final, the Longhorns once again faced Texas State and sealed their ticket to the Super Regionals with a 7-1 blowout—highlighted by a towering home run from junior slugger Viviana Martinez and a sparkling defensive effort from shortstop Alyssa Washington.

“The energy was just different this year,” Martinez said. “We weren’t just trying to win games—we were trying to prove something.”

With the regional win secured, Texas advanced to host the Super Regionals in Austin for the first time since 2013. Their opponent? A red-hot Washington Huskies team that had upset several higher seeds during the regular season and carried a chip on their shoulder.

Game 1 saw Texas deliver a defensive clinic. Freshman pitcher Mac Morgan continued her sensational rookie campaign, throwing a shutout and collecting seven strikeouts in a 3-0 win. Game 2, however, was a thriller. Washington jumped out to an early lead, but Texas responded with a dramatic sixth-inning rally. Down 4-2, the Longhorns loaded the bases, and senior catcher Reese Atwood smashed a bases-clearing double to turn the tide. A scoreless seventh by Gutierrez iced the 5-4 victory—and punched Texas’s ticket to the third round.

This year’s Texas team is a masterclass in balance. While previous squads often relied heavily on one or two superstars, the 2025 Longhorns have succeeded through depth and role clarity.

• Citlaly Gutierrez (P): The sophomore has grown into one of the most consistent arms in the country. Her control, poise, and ability to mix speeds make her a nightmare for opposing hitters.
• Viviana Martinez (3B): A power-hitting dynamo, Martinez leads the team in RBIs and has delivered in nearly every pressure situation.
• Alyssa Washington (SS): Known for her glove, Washington has turned countless would-be hits into outs and stabilized the infield with veteran leadership.
• Reese Atwood (C): A vocal leader behind the plate, Atwood’s clutch hitting has made the difference in multiple postseason games.
• Mac Morgan (P): The freshman phenom has taken the NCAA by storm with her competitive edge and fearless approach.

And then there’s the outfield trio of Bella Dayton, Mia Scott, and Leighann Goode—each bringing speed, defense, and consistent bats to the lineup.

“Everyone knows their role, and everyone buys in,” Coach White said. “That’s how winning teams are built.”

Back in 2017, Texas’s third-round appearance was powered by the likes of Paige von Sprecken and Kaitlyn Washington. That team was known for its scrappy identity and resilience. While the 2025 team shares that same heart, they bring more firepower and a deeper rotation.

Comparisons are inevitable, and even alumni from that 2017 squad have taken notice. Former Longhorn standout Janae Jefferson tweeted during the Super Regionals: “This team’s got it. Proud to see the program thriving again.”

Texas fans, too, are feeling nostalgic—yet optimistic about what lies ahead. McCombs Field has been sold out in each postseason game, and student sections have transformed every inning into a celebration.

Much has been made of Mike White’s decision to leave Oregon in 2019 and take over Texas. Critics questioned the move, especially as Texas experienced growing pains early in his tenure. But this postseason run vindicates his long-term vision and validates his player development pipeline.

Known for his fiery coaching style and attention to detail, White has shaped Texas into a team that excels in the small moments—situational hitting, defensive shifts, and baserunning efficiency.

“We don’t play for the big innings—we play to win every pitch,” White said. “That’s how you build champions.”

With the third-round berth secured, Texas now enters elite territory. The remaining field includes powerhouses like Oklahoma, UCLA, Florida, and Stanford. But if the Longhorns’ current form is any indication, they belong in that conversation.

Their next matchup will be against the No. 3-seeded Florida Gators, a team known for its high-octane offense and aggressive base running. The game will take place at a neutral site, with WCWS implications on the line.

“Florida’s a tough team, but so are we,” said pitcher Mac Morgan. “We’re not just happy to be here—we want it all.”

Texas will look to exploit Florida’s inconsistent pitching and capitalize on their speed to manufacture runs. Expect Martinez and Dayton to be focal points, as well as some creative in-game decisions from White.

Beyond the statistics and the wins, this moment carries emotional weight. For the senior class, it’s a culmination of years of perseverance. For the younger players, it’s an invitation to dream even bigger. And for the Texas fan base, it’s a promise fulfilled.

“We knew this team had it in them,” said Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte. “This isn’t just about softball. It’s about belief. It’s about what happens when you invest in your people and your culture.”

Texas’s run has also brought increased visibility to the women’s sports program in Austin. Ticket sales, merchandise, and viewership have all surged—proof that when teams succeed, the community responds.

Now that Texas has broken through to the third round, the expectations are sky-high. And that’s exactly how this group wants it.

“No one’s satisfied,” Martinez said. “We’re not just here to make history—we’re here to make a statement.”

The Longhorns will spend the coming days studying film, fine-tuning mechanics, and preparing for what may be the most important game of their careers. But regardless of what happens next, this postseason run has already etched itself into the program’s rich history.

Texas is no longer rebuilding. Texas is here. And if their current momentum is any indication, they might not be going anywhere for a long time.

Texas softball’s journey to the third round in 2025 is more than a milestone—it’s a transformation. After years of setbacks, the Longhorns have emerged as a force in college softball once again. With a deep roster, elite coaching, and a unified locker room, they’ve captured the hearts of fans and the attention of the nation.

And while the road to Oklahoma City isn’t complete just yet, one thing is certain: the eyes of Texas are upon them.