[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.

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