UCLA softball is celebrating a historic season, and senior infielder Jordan Woolery is leading the charge with a well-deserved honor: the 2026 Big Ten Player of the Year award. Announced Friday by the Big Ten Conference, this recognition places Woolery in elite company, making her just the third Bruin ever to win both Freshman Player of the Year and Player of the Year during her career.
Woolery joins UCLA legends Rachel Garcia and Hall of Famer Stacey Nuveman—a two-time Olympic gold medalist—in this exclusive club. The last Bruin to earn conference Player of the Year honors was Maya Brady in 2024, when UCLA was still in the Pac-12. Now, Woolery is carrying that torch into the Big Ten with authority.
Her numbers tell the story: a blistering .512 batting average, 84 hits, and 72 runs, highlighted by a dominant 19-5 run-rule victory over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. She also posted a staggering 1.226 slugging percentage, second only to teammate Megan Grant's 1.346. It's the kind of performance that makes you want to grab a jersey and hit the field.
Woolery wasn't alone in the spotlight. She was one of five Bruins named to the All-Big Ten First Team, joined by freshman infielder Bri Alejandre, redshirt freshman infielder Aleena Garcia, sophomore outfielder Rylee Slimp, and Grant. That's the most First Team selections of any program in the conference, showcasing UCLA's depth and talent.
The honors kept coming: sophomore infielder Kaniya Bragg, redshirt junior center fielder Alexis Ramirez, and senior right-handed pitcher Taylor Tinsley earned spots on the All-Big Ten Second Team. Meanwhile, Alejandre, Garcia, and utility player Jolyna Lamar were named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. Garcia and Ramirez also snagged All-Defensive Team nods, proving that this squad is as strong in the field as they are at the plate.
Whether you're a lifelong Bruins fan or just love great softball, this is a team to watch—and maybe rep in your next game-day gear.