IRVING, Texas — Iowa State softball has been rewriting the record books, and this season was no exception. The Cyclones tied a program milestone with four players earning All-Big 12 honors, showcasing a perfect blend of veteran leadership and rising talent on the diamond. Leading the charge was a defense that set a school record with a .975 fielding percentage, the best in the conference—proof that championship-caliber play starts with the little things.
Headlining the honors was senior Tatum Johnson, who earned a well-deserved spot on the All-Big 12 First Team. After being named to the Second Team last season, Johnson stepped up her game in a big way, leading the Cyclones in triples (2) and RBIs (51) while ranking second in runs, hits, doubles, and home runs. During conference play, she was nearly unstoppable, slashing an impressive .385/.462/.795 with 18 extra-base hits. She becomes the second Cyclone in as many years to earn First Team recognition, following in the footsteps of 2025 star Jessie Clemons.
Reagan Bartholomew capped off her Cyclone career in style, earning her first All-Big 12 nod with a Second Team selection. After battling back from an injury in 2025, she delivered one of the most dominant offensive seasons in program history. Bartholomew led the team in batting average (.415), hits (71), home runs (15), and on-base percentage (.502). Her 32 walks weren't just a team high—they shattered the single-season school record. She also joined the exclusive club of just nine Cyclones ever to surpass 70 hits in a season.
Sophomore Karlee Ford proved she's only getting better, earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors for the second straight year after making the All-Freshman Team in 2025. Transitioning into a full-time starting role, she ranked second on the team with 49 RBIs and fourth with 59 hits. Her consistency at the plate (.333 average in conference play) was matched by her reliability behind it, as she posted a stellar .983 fielding percentage as the Cyclones' backstop.
Rounding out the honors, Sydney Malott made history by becoming the first Cyclone since 2015 to be named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. Her selection marks a bright future for Iowa State softball, and she's already proving she belongs on the big stage. With this quartet of talent leading the way, the Cyclones are building a foundation that's as solid as their record-breaking defense.