UCLA’s Jordan Woolley Earns Big Ten Player of the Year

In a standout season for UCLA softball, senior infielder Jordan Woolley was honored as the Big Ten Conference Player of the Year on Friday. Woolley has been making waves, boasting a remarkable batting average of .509, hitting 33 home runs, and leading the nation with 106 RBIs. This achievement is quite notable, as she’s the first player in NCAA history to maintain a batting average over .500 while also reaching over 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in a single season.

This recognition marks the first time since 2024 that a Bruins player has received the conference player of the year award, a title previously won by Maya Brady when UCLA was still part of the Pac-12 Conference. Additionally, Woolley joins the ranks of UCLA alumni Stacey Neubman and Rachel Garcia, making her one of only three players to have won both the Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year honors in the conference.

Other award recipients included Nebraska’s Jordy Frahm, named Pitcher of the Year, while her teammates Alexis Jensen and Rhonda Revell took home Newcomer of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively. UCLA also excelled in All-Big Ten first team selections, achieving five spots: Bri Alejandre, Alina Garcia, Megan Grant, Riley Slim, and Woolley. Notably, Grant, Slim, and Woolley were unanimous choices.

The first team also featured Lauren Putz from Michigan, along with several players from Nebraska, Northwestern, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, and Washington. On the second team, UCLA was represented by Kaniya Bragg, Alexis Ramirez, and Taylor Tinsley. The Bruins also topped the conference with three players making the All-Freshman Team, including Alejandre, Garcia, and Jolina Lamar.

Furthermore, Garcia and Ramirez earned spots on the All-Defensive team, further showcasing their skill and talent on the field.