Texas softball has a new star to celebrate, as junior first baseman Katie Stewart was named the SEC's Player of the Year by league coaches on Friday. This honor marks a historic moment for the Longhorns, making Stewart the first player in program history to claim the award since joining the conference.

Stewart's standout season is rewriting the record books. She's smashed a single-season program record with 24 home runs, while boasting a blistering .441 batting average and a 1.015 slugging percentage. With 61 RBIs under her belt, she entered this week's SEC Tournament leading the conference in batting average and ranking second in home runs and fifth in RBIs. It's no surprise she's also a top 25 finalist for USA Softball's Collegiate Player of the Year Award—and now a three-time All-SEC selection.

Stewart isn't the only Longhorn making waves. Texas placed seven players on the All-SEC teams, tying with Oklahoma for the most selections in the conference. Joining Stewart on the All-SEC First Team are junior centerfielder Kayden Henry, junior pitcher Teagan Kavan, and redshirt junior shortstop Viviana Martinez. The All-SEC Second Team features senior catcher Reese Atwood, senior second baseman Leighann Goode, and freshman utility player Hannah Wells. Atwood also earned a spot on the All-SEC Defensive Team, showcasing the depth of talent in Austin.

The All-SEC Teams, chosen by the league's head coaches, include 25 first-team players, 26 second-team players, and a nine-member defensive squad. Stewart's achievement adds to Texas's rich legacy of conference player of the year winners, following in the footsteps of Reese Atwood (2024), Taylor Thom (2014), and Amy Hooks (2011)—all Big 12 honorees.

As the Longhorns gear up for Friday's SEC Tournament semifinal against Georgia, Stewart and her teammates are proving that Texas softball is a force to be reckoned with. Whether you're a fan of power hitting or stellar defense, this squad has something to cheer about.