USA TODAY Sports Network 2026 All-American softball awards, coach and player of the year

The USA TODAY Sports Network announced its 2026 All-American softball team, recognizing standout players and coaches ahead of the Women’s College World Series. UCLA senior Megan Grant was named Player of the Year after breaking the NCAA single-season home run record with 40, surpassing Laura Espinoza’s 1995 mark of 37. Grant is hitting .469 with 87 RBIs for the Bruins, who enter the WCWS as a top contender. Nebraska’s Jordy Frahm earned Pitcher of the Year honors for her dual-threat performance, posting a 20-4 record with 12 saves, a 1.14 ERA, and 234 strikeouts on the mound while batting .416 with 19 homers and 50 RBIs. Frahm previously won two NCAA titles with Oklahoma before transferring to Nebraska, where she has become a cornerstone of the Cornhuskers’ offense and pitching staff. Oklahoma freshman Kendall Wells was named Freshman of the Year after setting school and national records with 39 home runs, a .358 average, and 88 RBIs. Despite Oklahoma’s upset loss to Mississippi State in the Norman Super Regional, Wells’ historic season cemented her as a top prospect. Alabama’s Patrick Murphy was selected Coach of the Year for guiding the Crimson Tide to a 54-7 record and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they aim to claim their second national championship. The All-American team includes unanimous selections across positions: Grant and Ella Parker (UCLA/Oklahoma) in the outfield, Jordan Woolery (UCLA) at first base, Isa Torres (Florida State) at shortstop, and Wells at catcher. Frahm rounds out the team alongside Alabama’s Jocelyn Briski, Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady, and Belmont’s Maya Johnson, all of whom contributed to the Crimson Tide’s pitching dominance. The USA TODAY Sports Network’s All-American team was voted on by a panel of writers from outlets including The Oklahoman, Knoxville News-Sentinel, and Gainesville Sun. The selections highlight the depth of talent in NCAA softball, with players like Grant and Frahm setting records that redefine excellence in the sport. As teams prepare for the Women’s College World Series, these awards underscore the impact of individual performances on the 2026 season.