UT Tyler won its second straight NCAA Division II Softball National Championship Wednesday in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by beating Tampa 3-0 to win the series 2-0.
The Patriots are the first back-to-back championship winners in Division II softball since California (Pa.) went back to back in 1997-1998. They are also the first team to not allow a run in the championship series since the Division II championship moved to its current format in 2016.
See the story by Dalton Johnson, UT Tyler Sports Information, on the university’s athletic website.
Announcement from Athletic Director Sam Ferguson
Dear Patriots Family,
I am overjoyed and proud to share the incredible news — your UT Tyler Patriots Softball Team are back-to-back NCAA Division II National Champions! We are the first team to successfully defend our championship since California University of Pennsylvania did it in 1998.
This past week in Chattanooga, our team represented the University and the City of Tyler well. Our student-athletes displayed grit, heart, and unrelenting determination, as they overcame adversity to triumph humbly. One story that comes to mind is the dominance of Primrose Aholelei in the circle for the Patriots – she was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. When opponent runners found themselves in scoring position, she dug deep and found a way to lead us through the adversity and out of the inning. In the postgame press conference, she focused on her coaches and teammates instead of her own ability. She proved to be a competitive champion on the field with five wins, 35 strikeouts, and a 0.93 ERA in 29 innings pitched over the week. More importantly, she displayed champion character with how she handled her success. That’s just one of many stories that will make you proud.
As we celebrate this landmark achievement, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you — our dedicated students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and friends of the university. This championship belongs to you, too. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and investment in our student-athletes have helped make this moment possible. From creating a championship culture as an alumna of the program, to facility upgrades and scholarship funding to travel support and championship-level resources, your belief in our mission has empowered these young women to reach the pinnacle of collegiate athletics. WE ARE GRATEFUL!
This is more than a trophy. It’s a testament to what we can accomplish together — when a community rallies behind a common purpose and believes in excellence on and off the field.
On behalf of Coach Reed, our assistant coaches, and most importantly, our champion student-athletes — thank you for making this historic journey possible. We look forward to celebrating with you in person and continuing to build on this incredible momentum.
We are champions. We are Patriots. And with you in our corner, there are more triumphs to come!
Gratefully,
Sam Ferguson, Director of Athletics
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