Texas Longhorns make history with dual Rawlings Gold Glove awards
The catcher and outfielder lead Texas into the NCAA postseason with defensive accolades, setting the stage for a title run against Tennessee.
The Texas Longhorns softball program has etched its name into the record books, with Reese Atwood and Ashton Maloney becoming the first players in school history to receive the Rawlings Gold Glove Award. The announcement, made on Wednesday following the conclusion of the college softball regular season, recognises the duo’s defensive excellence and marks a significant milestone for the institution.
Atwood, a catcher, has cemented her status as one of the programme’s most decorated players. She finishes her tenure at the Forty Acres as a three-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American, joining an elite group of only four Longhorns to earn at least three such selections. She joins former standouts Janae Jefferson, Blaire Luna, and Cat Osterman in this distinguished category.
In addition to the Gold Glove, Atwood secured SEC All-Defensive Team and Second-Team All-SEC honours this season. Her consistent performance behind the plate has been a cornerstone of the team’s defensive structure, providing a stable foundation as the squad transitions into the high-stakes environment of the NCAA postseason.
Maloney, an outfielder, complemented Atwood’s achievements with remarkable consistency throughout the 2026 campaign. The Liberty High School graduate posted a .979 fielding percentage, recording 39 putouts, seven assists, and one double play. Her defensive reliability has been a key asset, allowing the Longhorns to maintain fielding precision during critical moments of the regular season.
With the regular season concluded, Texas now shifts its focus to the national title chase. The team is set to begin its postseason journey on Thursday with a match against No. 7 Tennessee. The path forward leads to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, where the programme aims to convert its defensive prowess into a championship result.
For Atwood, this postseason represents her final run as a Longhorn. She has expressed a desire to maximise the remaining opportunities, focusing on creating lasting memories with her teammates during the Oklahoma City trip. The combination of individual accolades and team readiness suggests a well-equipped squad as it faces the Volunteers.
Atwood and Maloney’s selection as the first Gold Glove winners in program history underscores their impact on the team’s defensive identity. Their achievements highlight the depth of talent within the Longhorns’ roster as they prepare to compete for the national title.
