UCLA softball made a powerful statement at the Big Ten end-of-season awards on Friday, showcasing their dominance with a conference-leading five selections to the All-Big Ten First Team. The Bruins also earned three All-Big Ten Second Team nods, three Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors, and two All-Defensive Team spots, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in the conference.
The star-studded First Team lineup features senior infielder Jordan Woolery, senior utility player Megan Grant, freshman infielder Bri Alejandre, redshirt freshman infielder Aleena Garcia, and sophomore outfielder Rylee Slimp. Notably, Woolery and Grant join an elite group as just the 10th and 11th players in UCLA program history to earn first-team all-conference honors in all four seasons of their collegiate careers.
On the Second Team, sophomore infielder Kaniya Bragg, redshirt junior catcher Alexis Ramirez, and senior pitcher Taylor Tinsley were recognized for their standout performances this season. The future looks bright for the Bruins as well, with Alejandre, Garcia, and utility player Jolyna Lamar earning spots on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. Garcia and Ramirez also showcased their defensive prowess by securing two of the nine positions on the conference's All-Defensive Team.
The spotlight, however, shone brightest on the race for Big Ten Player of the Year between Woolery and Grant. Big Ten Network's Sydney Supple even suggested the conference consider naming them co-players of the year. Ultimately, the Big Ten selected Woolery as the Player of the Year, a decision backed by her historic season.
Woolery is on track to become the first player in NCAA history to average .500 or better while hitting 30-plus home runs and driving in 100-plus RBIs in a single season. Entering the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on Friday, she boasts an impressive .509 batting average, 33 home runs, and 106 RBIs—the latter leading the nation and setting a new UCLA single-season program record.
After this season, Woolery will join teammate Tinsley with the Utah Talons, who drafted Woolery with the No. 6 overall pick and Tinsley with the No. 12 overall pick on May 4. For now, the Bruins continue their march through the postseason, carrying the momentum of these well-deserved accolades.