In a historic moment that will echo through the annals of collegiate athletics, Jocelyn Briski — the former ace of the Alabama Crimson Tide softball team — has officially been named the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in college women’s softball. The prestigious announcement was made during an ESPN broadcast on Friday night, followed by a celebratory ceremony held at Rhoads Stadium, where thousands of fans and alumni gathered to honor one of the most iconic figures in the sport’s history.
Briski, who led Alabama to multiple Women’s College World Series appearances and shattered an array of NCAA records, now stands atop the mountain of softball greatness — a summit once populated by the likes of Cat Osterman, Jennie Finch, Monica Abbott, and Rachel Garcia. Her GOAT status is more than justified, thanks to an unprecedented combination of dominance, leadership, and generational impact on the game.
The Rise of a Softball Icon
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Jocelyn Briski was a hometown hero long before she donned the Crimson Tide jersey. A high school phenom with a 70+ mph fastball and a devastating changeup, she arrived in Tuscaloosa with the weight of lofty expectations — and exceeded every single one.
Briski’s career began in 2022, and by the time she wrapped up her final collegiate season in 2025, she had already amassed a résumé unmatched in the sport:
- Career Record: 138–14
- ERA: 0.86 (NCAA career leader)
- Strikeouts: 1,902 (2nd all-time)
- No-Hitters: 18 (NCAA record)
- Perfect Games: 7 (Tied NCAA record)
- Wins Above Replacement (WAR): 41.6
- WCWS Appearances: 3
- National Titles: 1 (2023)
Briski’s presence in the circle wasn’t just dominant — it was transformative. Teams game-planned entire weeks around how to survive her rise ball and deceptive screwball. Opposing hitters, even elite ones, would often leave the batter’s box shaking their heads, having seen pitches that seemed to defy physics.
2023 National Title: A Defining Moment
While her accolades are numerous, the moment that sealed Jocelyn Briski’s place in history came during the 2023 Women’s College World Series. Alabama, unseeded and underestimated, made an underdog run to Oklahoma City behind Briski’s golden arm. Over seven days, she pitched five complete games, three of them shutouts, including a title-clinching 1–0 victory over perennial powerhouse UCLA.
Briski struck out 15 Bruins and allowed just three hits, including two in the final inning, before sealing the title with a wicked backdoor slider that froze the final batter. The image of Briski screaming, glove flying, and teammates charging toward her is now etched in Crimson Tide lore.
She was named Most Outstanding Player of the WCWS — and rightfully so.
Legacy Beyond the Numbers
Jocelyn Briski wasn’t just a statistical marvel. She was a leader, mentor, and fierce competitor who galvanized Alabama softball through one of its most successful eras. Her attitude toward preparation, competition, and teamwork became the gold standard for excellence under head coach Patrick Murphy.
Off the field, Briski was the epitome of a student-athlete. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Sports Management and was a three-time Academic All-American. She also championed mental health awareness among college athletes, starting the “Mind Over Mound” initiative to provide peer counseling and advocacy on mental wellness in high-pressure sports.
Her impact extended to the community as well. In partnership with Alabama Athletics, Briski organized youth softball camps across the state, reaching over 4,000 young athletes and inspiring a new generation of girls to dream big — and throw harder.
Endorsements and NIL Trailblazing
In the NIL era, Jocelyn Briski became one of the most marketable faces in college athletics. She inked deals with major brands like Nike, Gatorade, and Rawlings — but unlike many athletes, she used her platform for purpose.
A portion of her NIL earnings went to fund scholarships for underprivileged girls pursuing youth softball. She also launched her own line of customized cleats and gloves, the “Briski Line,” with designs inspired by Alabama colors and female empowerment themes.
Briski’s business acumen and commitment to social impact earned her a feature in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2024.
ESPN’s GOAT Panel Speaks
The decision to name Jocelyn Briski the GOAT came after months of deliberation by a panel of ESPN analysts, Hall of Fame players, and coaches. The final vote was reportedly unanimous.
Jessica Mendoza, Olympic gold medalist and ESPN commentator, said:
“Jocelyn Briski changed how we talk about pitching. Her stats alone are worthy of this honor, but what truly sets her apart is how she elevated everyone around her — her team, her sport, and young girls watching at home.”
Coach Patrick Murphy, who guided Briski through all four seasons, added:
“She’s the most complete player I’ve ever coached. Mental strength, discipline, heart — she had it all. And she never took a day off. This honor is overdue and absolutely deserved.”
Cultural Impact and the “Briski Effect”
Jocelyn Briski didn’t just dominate — she inspired. The “Briski Effect,” as fans and analysts coined it, refers to the surge in national interest and participation in college softball directly linked to her performances.
During her 2023 and 2024 seasons, Alabama home games sold out for the first time in program history. ESPN recorded record-breaking viewership for regular-season and postseason matchups in which Briski pitched. She became a household name not just in the South, but nationwide.
Her jersey — No. 22 — became the best-selling softball jersey in NCAA history, with replicas flying off shelves in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and even in far-flung markets like Seattle and New York.
Honors and Awards
Briski’s trophy case is legendary. Some of her major awards include:
- 3× USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year
- 2× Honda Sports Award for Softball
- 4× All-SEC First Team
- 4× NFCA All-American
- 2023 WCWS MOP
- 2025 ESPY Nominee for Best Female College Athlete
She will be eligible for induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2030, and there is growing speculation that a statue of Briski could be erected outside Rhoads Stadium — making her the first female Alabama athlete to receive that honor.
Life After Alabama
Briski has hinted at continuing her career in professional softball, with rumored interest from WPF and Athletes Unlimited. She’s also expressed a desire to pursue broadcasting and coaching, signaling a future as a mentor for the next wave of elite pitchers.
In a post-announcement interview, Briski said:
“Being called the GOAT is surreal. I’ve always just tried to be the best version of myself, to compete and inspire. But this… this means everything to me, my family, my teammates, and Bama Nation. Roll Tide forever.”
A Legend Immortalized
Jocelyn Briski’s rise from a local Alabama prodigy to the GOAT of college softball is a story for the ages. Her legacy will live on not just in record books and highlight reels, but in the hearts of fans, players, and dreamers who believe in the power of greatness achieved through grit and grace.
The Crimson Tide may have had many legends across its storied athletic history — from Bear Bryant to Derrick Henry — but in the world of women’s softball, Jocelyn Briski is now the standard.
