On June 6, 2025, the Texas Longhorns etched their name in softball history, clinching their first-ever NCAA Women’s College World Series (WCWS) championship with a decisive 10-4 victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Game 3 of the finals. This triumph, celebrated in Oklahoma City, marked the culmination of a thrilling best-of-three series and ended a long journey for a program that had reached the WCWS eight times without a title.
A Dominant Performance in Game 3
The Longhorns (56-12) came out swinging, erupting for five runs in the first inning to set the tone. Mia Scott’s grand slam and Leighann Goode’s three-run homer powered the early onslaught, giving Texas a lead they would never relinquish. Sophomore pitcher Teagan Kavan, the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, delivered another stellar performance, throwing 31⅔ innings without allowing an earned run—a WCWS record. Kavan’s 4-0 record and save in Oklahoma City underscored her pivotal role in Texas’ championship run.
Kayden Henry (three hits), Scott, Reese Atwood, and Katie Stewart (two hits each) fueled a relentless Longhorns offense. Texas Tech (53-13), despite a valiant effort led by star pitcher NiJaree Canady, couldn’t match Texas’ firepower. Canady, who pitched every inning for the Red Raiders in the WCWS, allowed four earned runs, as Texas capitalized on early opportunities.
The Road to Glory
The series was a rollercoaster. In Game 1, Texas edged Texas Tech 2-1, thanks to Reese Atwood’s daring two-run single during an intentional walk attempt by Canady. Texas Tech responded in Game 2, with Canady scattering six hits and escaping a seventh-inning jam for a 4-3 win, forcing the decisive Game 3. The Red Raiders, in their first WCWS appearance, had stunned the softball world by eliminating four-time defending champion Oklahoma in the semifinals, but Texas proved too strong in the final showdown.
Texas’ journey to the title was marked by resilience. After a 7-7 record in their final 14 regular-season games and a tough super regional against Clemson, the Longhorns found their stride in Oklahoma City. They dispatched Florida, Oklahoma, and Tennessee to reach the finals, with Kavan’s pitching and clutch hitting from players like Joley Mitchell and Katie Stewart paving the way.
A Milestone for Coach Mike White
For head coach Mike White, the victory was a career-defining moment. After leading Texas to the WCWS championship series in 2022 and 2024—only to fall to Oklahoma both times—White finally hoisted the trophy. “It’s surreal,” White said, as his team doused him with Gatorade. His strategic decisions, including riding Kavan’s hot hand, paid off, and he praised his team’s grit and preparation.
Texas Tech’s Remarkable Run
Texas Tech, led by coach Gerry Glasco and the phenomenal Canady, deserves immense credit. Canady, the 2024 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, signed a million-dollar NIL deal to transfer from Stanford and carried the Red Raiders to their first Big 12 titles and WCWS finals. Her 0.90 ERA and 33 wins this season cemented her as a softball superstar, though Texas’ bats proved her toughest challenge. Glasco’s aggressive style, including bold plays like stealing home against UCLA, made the Red Raiders a fan favorite.
A New Era for Texas Softball
This championship not only ends Texas’ title drought but also signals a shift in college softball’s landscape. With Oklahoma’s dynasty halted and Texas now atop the SEC in their first season, the Longhorns are poised for continued success. Kavan, just a sophomore, surpassed Texas legend Cat Osterman for the most WCWS wins (six) in program history, hinting at a bright future.
For fans, the all-Texas final was a spectacle, amplified by support from figures like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and Texas Tech alum Patrick Mahomes, who gifted the Red Raiders personalized gear. The Longhorns’ victory, however, stole the spotlight, sparking celebrations across Austin and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As Texas basks in its first softball crown, the focus shifts to 2026. Can the Longhorns build a dynasty? Will Texas Tech, with Canady’s return, make another run? One thing is certain: June 6, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day Texas softball reached the pinnacle.
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