Key Takeaways
- UCLA seniors Megan Grant, Taylor Tinsley, and Jordan Woolery have been named to the 2026 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Watch List
- The list consists of 53 student-athletes from 24 universities, with UCLA’s three selections tied for fifth-most in terms of representation
- Grant and Woolery have appeared on the Watch List for the third straight year, while Tinsley has been selected for the second consecutive year
- The 2026 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award will be announced prior to the NCAA Women’s College World Series, with the Top 25 Finalists to be announced on April 29
Introduction to the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Watch List
The 2026 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Watch List has been announced, and UCLA seniors Megan Grant, Taylor Tinsley, and Jordan Woolery have been recognized as three of the top players in the country. The list, which consists of 53 student-athletes from 24 universities, is a prestigious honor that recognizes the most outstanding players in NCAA Division I Softball. UCLA’s three selections are tied for fifth-most in terms of representation, demonstrating the strength and depth of the Bruins’ program.
UCLA’s Representation on the Watch List
This marks the third straight year that Grant and Woolery have appeared on the Watch List, and the second consecutive year for Tinsley. Last season, Grant and Woolery were USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Finalists, with Grant making the cut for the Top 25 and Woolery advancing to the Top 10. The recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the UCLA players, who have consistently performed at a high level throughout their careers. The Bruins have a rich history of producing talented players, with two UCLA athletes having received the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award a total of three times.
Past Winners and Finalists
The USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award is considered the most distinguished individual honor in NCAA Division I Softball. Two Bruins, Rachel Garcia and Stacey Nuveman, have received the award, with Garcia winning back-to-back awards in 2018 and 2019. Additionally, six UCLA student-athletes have been Top 3 Finalists for the award a total of nine times, with Maya Brady being the most recent finalist in 2023. The award is a significant recognition of a player’s outstanding performance and contributions to their team.
Player Achievements
Grant, Tinsley, and Woolery have achieved numerous accolades and records throughout their careers. Last season, they were named National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Americans, with Grant and Woolery earning First Team honors and Tinsley on the Third Team. Grant and Woolery combined for 167 runs batted in, the most-ever by a UCLA duo, and 49 home runs, which was second among all duos in the country for 2025. Grant’s 26 home runs broke the Big Ten Conference single-season record and were second in UCLA’s record book. Woolery registered career-bests across the board with a.424 batting average, 23 home runs, and 86 RBIs.
Tinsley’s Pitching Performance
Tinsley was one of three Bruin arms to log 100.0-plus innings in 2025, posting a 15-6 record and leading the staff with a 2.44 ERA over 137.2 innings. She was extremely efficient, ranking fourth in the nation with a 6.63 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 11th with a 0.95 WHIP. Tinsley’s performance on the mound was a key factor in UCLA’s success last season, and her selection to the Watch List is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work and dedication.
Upcoming Schedule and Ticket Information
The Top 25 Finalists for the 2026 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award will be announced on Wednesday, April 29. While an athlete does not have to be on the Watch List to be considered for the Top 25, the eventual USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year will come from the Top 25 Finalists. The Top 10 Finalists will be revealed on Wednesday, May 13, and the Top 3 will be released on Monday, May 18. The 2026 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year will be announced prior to the NCAA Women’s College World Series. UCLA opens the 2026 season at Easton Stadium on Friday, Feb. 6 with two games versus UC Santa Barbara and Northern Colorado. Single-game home tickets are now available to purchase, and fans with a 2025-26 Olympic Sports Card will gain admission to every home game.
Preseason Recognition
In addition to being named to the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Watch List, Grant, Tinsley, and Woolery have also received preseason recognition from Softball America and D1Softball. Grant and Woolery were named First Team Preseason All-Americans by both publications, while Tinsley was named First Team by Softball America and Second Team by D1Softball. The preseason recognition is a testament to the high expectations surrounding the UCLA program and the talented players who will be leading the team this season.
