On Tuesday, Longhorns softball had a reason to celebrate as Reese Atwood made history. The Longhorn star became the first catcher in program history to win the Johnny Bench Award. Each year, the award is given to the top NCAA Division I male and female catchers in the nation.
As the Longhorns ended their title drought just a few weeks ago Atwood was key to their success. In 68 games during the 2025 campaign, the Texas native posted a .393 batting average while driving in 89 runs. She also showed off her power with 37 extra-base hits including 21 home runs. The Tuloso Midway High School product rewrote the record books, becoming the first Longhorn with 20 or more home runs in back-to-back seasons.
While Atwood was a force at the plate she was also very good defensively. The talented junior posted a .988 fielding percentage and only committed four errors. When runners did reach base they did not test Atwood’s arm. She threw out four-of-seven would-be base stealers.
With Atwood’s bat leading the way, the Longhorns offense was one of the most potent in the country. They led Division 1 with 630 hits. They also finished second in RBI with 460 and had the third highest batting average. Regardless of the opponent, they were not a lineup pitchers were thrilled to face.
Through 191 games in a Longhorns uniform, Atwood has been a hits machine. In that stretch she has driven 222 runs and hit 55 home runs. Each year she has been a bat Texas can rely on and on Wednesday finally got national recognition for her play. With one more year left in her college career, Atwood will look to continue making history.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns softball star Reese Atwood makes history, wins Johnny Bench Award
Reporting by Jamie Gatlin, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
