​In case you've missed our NCAA season previews so far this year, we've already broken down the top teams in the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12. This week we're moving the Big 12 and letting you know what to expect from the best teams in the conference. Having already previewed Oklahoma and Baylor, today we take a look at what you can expect from the University of Texas this season. 

The University of Texas is somewhat of a latecomer to the softball game, but that hasn’t stopped the Longhorns from experiencing success at the national level.

Beginning a varsity program in 1997, the Longhorns have only experienced the Connie Clark Era and it’s been a good one. Entering her nineteenth year at the helm, Clark has put Texas on the map and has managed to position the Longhorns among the best softball programs in the country.

In its short history, Texas softball has made five Women’s College World Series appearances, 15 postseason appearances, won four Big 12 Conference Championship tournament titles, and four Big 12 regular-season titles.


Connie Clark enters her nineteenth season with Texas and has been the program's only head coach since its varsity debut in 1997.

The Longhorns begin the 2016 season having only lost two seniors. Pitcher Gabby Smith leaves a sizable hole in the Texas pitching staff. Smith was the no. 2 pitcher all season last year and posted a 2.54 ERA with 10 wins. The Longhorn’s other loss is outfielder Marlee Gabaldon, who started all 55 games for Texas in right field.

Texas has a strong core of returners for 2016. Leading the Longhorn offense will be senior centerfielder Lindsey Stephens. The perfect blend of power and speed, the lefty led the team in several offensive categories including hits (55), triples (5), home runs (15), and runs batted in (47) while batting .343 on the season. Her power at the plate was matched by her speed on the base paths, also leading the team in steals with 14.


Expect senior centerfielder Lindsey Stephens to dominate for the Longhorns at the plate this season

Expect junior shortstop Devon Tunning to contribute heavily to the Longhorns’ success as well this season. Tunning led Texas’ offense last season with a .350 batting average while starting all 55 games for the Longhorns at short. Left fielder Stephanie Wong will be another key returner for the Longhorns, batting .323 last season and stealing 12 bases.

Pitcher Erica Wright returns for the 2016 season after a breakout freshman campaign. The right-handed pitcher was Texas’ ace last season, posting a team-best 2.42 ERA with 18 wins and 137 strikeouts on the season.


As a freshman, Erica Wright led the Texas pitching staff with a 2.42 ERA and 18 wins

Texas brings in three freshman and two transfers for the 2016 season. Leading the way for the rookie class is FloSoftball Hot 100 no. 64 player Reagan Hathaway. The former Wichita Mustang should see action for the Longhorns immediately given her versatility on the field and power at the plate.

The Longhorns also add infield utility player Christina Bardwell and outfielder Bekah Alcozer. Infield transfer Celina Fox will add depth to the Longhorns’ left side of the infield while transfer pitcher Paige Von Sprecken provides another options for the Longhorns in the circle.

Since the beginning of the program in 1997, Texas softball has a been a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12, and 2016 will be no different. Expect Texas to be battling it out with Oklahoma and Baylor for the top spot in the Big 12.