For the first time in program history, the Baylor Bears softball team has been ranked first in the Softball America Top 25 Poll, a source of pride and remarkable achievement for the university. This historic victory ushers in a new era for Bears athletics and demonstrates the team’s unwavering dedication, discipline, and belief that has formed its extraordinary season.
The climb to the top did not occur overnight. The Bears, led by head coach Glenn Moore, are in their 24th season and have slowly created a program marked by resilience, culture, and performance. This year’s club, however, has taken Baylor softball to a new level, demonstrating dominance and consistency that few teams in the country can match.
“This is a special group,” Coach Moore stated during a press conference at Getterman Stadium. “They’ve kept focused, committed to the process, and competed every day. This No. 1 rating is a reward for their efforts, but it is not the ultimate goal. “We still have work to do.”
The Bears now have an impressive 36-3 record, including a 13-game winning run against ranked opponents such as Oklahoma, Florida State, and Texas. Their play on both sides of the ball has been nothing short of incredible.
Pitching has been a key component of the Bears’ success. Junior star Gracie Alexander leads the staff with a 1.08 ERA and 142 strikeouts this season. Along with sophomore closer Kayla Ortiz, who leads the Big 12 in saves, the pitching staff has become one of the most feared in the country.
On offense, the Bears are similarly deadly. Mikayla Johnson, a senior infielder, is batting. 409 and has 12 home runs and 45 RBI. Sophie Daniels, a freshman star, has added a spark to the lineup by mixing power and speed to become a vital contributor in her first season.
Beyond the metrics, what has distinguished this team is its chemistry. The Bears play with excitement, confidence, and unity, demonstrating the program’s strong leadership and family-like environment. Their camaraderie has resonated with fans, who have packed Getterman Stadium game after game, resulting in one of the most electrifying home environments in NCAA softball.
“This is bigger than softball,” stated senior catcher Lena Morales. “It’s important to proudly represent Baylor, our families, and each other. We believe in one another, and that belief has taken us places we’ve never been before.
The enthusiasm in Waco is palpable. University President Linda A. Livingstone lauded the team’s accomplishment, describing it as “a milestone for Baylor athletics and an inspiration to student-athletes everywhere.”
With the postseason approaching, the Bears are focused on the Women’s College World Series. For the time being, however, the No. 1 rating is a significant confirmation of everything the squad has worked for.
Waco is humming, history has been created, and the Baylor Bears are only getting started.