Three Texas Longhorns are finalists for the 2025 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award, and it’s not just a testament to individual brilliance—it’s an exclamation point on one of the most dominant seasons in program history. With Texas sitting atop national rankings and barreling toward the postseason with championship aspirations, the spotlight is shining bright on three athletes who have defined excellence across every inch of the diamond. Their inclusion among the final contenders for the sport’s most prestigious individual honor sends a clear message to the rest of the country: the road to the Women’s College World Series runs through Austin.
Senior shortstop Alyssa Washington, junior pitcher Mac Morgan, and sophomore utility star Mia Scott have all been named finalists for the award, and each one has delivered performances this season that would merit top billing on any other roster. But for head coach Mike White and his Texas Longhorns, this rare convergence of elite talent within the same dugout has transformed the team from championship hopefuls to outright favorites.
Washington, a fifth-year senior and emotional leader for the Longhorns, is having the best statistical season of her career. Known for her defensive wizardry and calm presence under pressure, she has taken her offensive production to a whole new level. Washington is batting .412 on the season with 14 home runs, 61 RBIs, and an on-base percentage north of .500. She has stolen 23 bases without being caught and committed just two errors in over 120 chances at shortstop. Her combination of speed, power, and field generalship has made her indispensable.
But it’s more than just the numbers that have impressed voters and observers. Washington’s maturity, resilience, and leadership in the clubhouse have played a crucial role in keeping the Longhorns grounded through the highs and lows of the season. She is often the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave, and younger players consistently cite her as a mentor and motivator. In a season where the stakes have never been higher, Washington’s steady hand has helped Texas stay composed and focused.
In the circle, Mac Morgan has emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in college softball. The junior right-hander has been nearly untouchable this year, posting a 23-2 record with a 1.18 ERA, 187 strikeouts, and just 21 walks in 164.2 innings pitched. She’s thrown seven shutouts and recorded three no-hitters, including a masterpiece against Oklahoma that may go down as the defining moment of the season. Morgan’s ability to control games with pinpoint accuracy, devastating off-speed pitches, and unshakable confidence has made her a nightmare for opposing batters.
What makes Morgan’s season all the more impressive is the quality of competition she’s faced. Texas has played one of the toughest schedules in the country, squaring off against ranked opponents nearly every weekend. In those high-stakes matchups, Morgan has elevated her game, holding Top-25 teams to a collective batting average below .200. Whether she’s throwing 70-mile-per-hour heat or dropping changeups that vanish off the plate, Morgan’s surgical precision has made her the engine of Texas’ title chase.
Then there’s Mia Scott, a sophomore phenom who does everything—and we mean everything—for this Texas team. She’s batting .446 with 13 home runs, 55 RBIs, and a team-leading 33 stolen bases. She’s reached base in 47 straight games and boasts a slugging percentage north of .700. Her combination of blazing speed, power to all fields, and uncanny baseball IQ has made her the most complete offensive weapon in college softball. But it doesn’t stop there. Scott has also seen time at second base, third base, and even outfield, proving to be a versatile defender capable of changing the course of a game with her glove.
Scott’s instincts and aggressive baserunning have ignited countless rallies this season. She’s scored from first on singles, taken extra bases with impunity, and consistently rattled pitchers with her relentless pressure. When Texas needs a spark, Scott delivers. When they need a big swing, she provides. When they need a defensive gem, she rises to the moment. Her fearless, all-gas-no-brakes approach has made her a fan favorite and a national sensation.
Together, Washington, Morgan, and Scott have given Texas a three-headed monster that no opponent has been able to solve. And while the Player of the Year Award can only go to one, each of these Longhorns has built an unshakable case for themselves. Washington represents veteran leadership and all-around dominance. Morgan is the ace whose presence in the circle shifts the balance of every game. Scott is the rising superstar with the kind of game-changing versatility that turns heads every time she steps on the field.
For Texas, this moment is about more than accolades—it’s about legacy. The program has long been known for excellence, but this season, the Longhorns have transcended expectations and entered a new tier of greatness. They lead the nation in runs scored, rank in the top three in team ERA, and boast one of the best fielding percentages in the country. All of that is powered by the core contributions of these three Player of the Year finalists, whose talent and drive have lifted Texas to the top of the softball mountain.
Head coach Mike White couldn’t be prouder. “This is what you dream of as a coach,” White said following the announcement. “To have three players in the running for the biggest award in the sport—on the same team—is extraordinary. And what’s even more remarkable is how unselfish they are. They just want to win.”
That winning culture is why Texas remains the team to beat heading into the NCAA Tournament. With regional and super-regional play looming, the Longhorns are expected to host and make a deep run in Oklahoma City. And if they do, don’t be surprised to see Washington, Morgan, and Scott playing pivotal roles every step of the way.
Opponents, fans, and media alike are already calling this Texas trio one of the most fearsome in recent memory. Comparisons have been made to the UCLA dynasties of the 1990s and the dominant Arizona squads of the early 2000s. But make no mistake—this team isn’t interested in living in anyone else’s shadow. They’re carving their own legacy, one inning at a time.
It’s rare to see one program produce a Player of the Year finalist. To see three is historic. And while the final award will be announced in Oklahoma City during the Women’s College World Series, the impact these three players have had on the sport is already undeniable. They’ve electrified fans, set new standards for excellence, and elevated the Texas Longhorns to new heights.