HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOFTBALL TEAM

On 2026-06-09, Representative Craig A. Goldman (R-TX-12) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOFTBALL TEAM" in the House.

HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOFTBALL TEAM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E551] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOFTBALL TEAM ______ HON. CRAIG A. GOLDMAN of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Mr. GOLDMAN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Texas Longhorns Softball Team on winning the 2026 NCAA Women's College World Series National Championship, the program's second consecutive national title. This incredible victory cements Texas Softball's place among the Nation's elite collegiate athletic programs. The Longhorns secured the championship with a 4-1 victory over Texas Tech in Game Two of the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. Texas finished the season with an impressive 53-12 record and became just the fifth team in Women's College World Series history to lose its opening game but still capture the national title. This championship run showcased the talent and determination of the entire team. Senior pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez earned the victory in the national championship finale, while junior pitcher Teagan Kavan closed out the championship with a dominant relief performance, striking out five of the six batters she faced. Kavan was named the Women's College World Series Most Outstanding Player for the second consecutive year, becoming the first player in tournament history to earn that distinction twice. Junior first baseman Katie Stewart, whose outstanding postseason performance included four home runs during the Women's College World Series, joined Kavan on the All-Tournament Team. Stewart's efforts were critical to helping the Longhorns throughout their championship run. The Longhorns received key contributions throughout the postseason from standout players, including Viviana Martinez, Kayden Henry, Leighann Goode, Kaiah Altmeyer, and Ashton Maloney. Under the leadership of Head Coach Mike White, Texas completed the NCAA Tournament with an 11-2 record and recorded 26 victories over nationally ranked opponents during the season. Coach White's 24 career victories in the Women's College World Series rank among the best in collegiate softball history and stand as a testament to his commitment to excellence. I include in the Record the names of the members of the 2026 University of Texas Championship Softball Team, together with the program's distinguished coaching staff and dedicated support personnel: Caigan Crabtree, MaTaia Lawson, Adayah Wallace, Kaydee Bennett, Ashton Maloney, Alisa Sneed, Shylien Brister, Victoria Hunter, Hannah Wells, Reese Atwood, Teagan Kavan, Katie Stewart, Kayden Henry, Brenlee Gonzales, Viviana Martinez, Jaycie Nichols, Cambria Salmon, Taylor Anderson, Anne Wallace, Leighann Goode, Kaiah Altmeyer, Citlaly Gutierrez, Drea Wilson, Mike White, Ehren Earleywine, Kristen Zaleski, Pattie Ruth Taylor, Keely McMillon, Nick Williams, Melissa Schmitz, and Raiza Aguilar. On behalf of the 12th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate all the student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and supporters of Texas Softball on this extraordinary achievement. Their dedication and perseverance have made their families, university, and the State of Texas proud. I wish them continued success and many more victories in the years ahead. ____________________