The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced on May 27 that Kathy Garcia-Soto has been named the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove winner at second base, marking the first time a University of South Florida softball player has received this honor.
Garcia-Soto is also recognized as the first NCAA softball player to earn three conference Defensive Player of the Year awards. She became the only player in NCAA history to record at least 115 assists and 115 putouts in three consecutive seasons. This season, she ranks second nationally with 164 assists, leading all second basemen and topping the American Conference in this category.
Throughout her career, Garcia-Soto has been described as a central figure for one of the nation’s top defensive units. Her performance includes turning double plays, making challenging plays look routine, and controlling defensive tempo for her team. The Bulls’ coaching staff and teammates have placed significant trust in her abilities on the field.
The South Florida softball program has made 19 NCAA tournament appearances and reached the Women’s College World Series in 2012. Under head coach Ken Eriksen, who enters his 29th season in 2026 with over 1,200 wins, USF has produced multiple All-Americans and national award winners. In addition to its athletic achievements, University of South Florida Athletics participates in the American Athletic Conference and promotes community involvement while embracing values of inclusion and equity; it features updated venues for sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball; has produced Olympians representing several countries; earned numerous conference championships; captured national titles; and is linked to the University of South Florida campus, according to the official website.
Garcia-Soto’s recent accomplishments add further distinction to both her individual career milestones and USF Softball’s record.
