LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 27, 2026) – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove winners on Wednesday.
Kathy Garcia-Soto was named the Gold Glove winner at second base, becoming the first in the University of South Florida softball team's history.
Garcia-Soto became the first NCAA softball player to earn three conference Defensive Player of the Year awards, further cementing her reputation as one of the sport's most accomplished defenders. Her consistency and impact have been unmatched throughout her career, and she also became the only player in NCAA history to record at least 115 assists and 115 putouts in three consecutive seasons.
The Bulls' second baseman has been the centerpiece of one of the nation's top defensive units, demonstrating elite range, quickness, and reliability at the middle infield position. Whether turning double plays, making difficult plays look routine, or controlling the defensive tempo, Garcia-Soto has consistently delivered in the game's biggest moments.
This season, Garcia-Soto ranks second nationally with 164 assists, the highest total among all second basemen in the country, and also leads the American Conference. Her defensive production reflects both her individual talent and the trust placed in her as a leader on the field.
Garcia-Soto's historic accomplishments continue to add to an already decorated career and further highlight the standard of excellence within South Florida softball.
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About USF Softball
The South Florida softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 19 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women's College World Series in 2012. Under head coach Ken Eriksen, who enters his 29th season in 2026 and has accumulated 1,214 wins, ranking seventh among active DI head softball coaches, USF has produced 10 NFCA All-Americans, two USA Softball Top 10 Players of the Year, one NFCA Pitcher of the Year, and one NFCA/Rawlings Gold Glove winner. In 2022, Georgina Corrick became the first player in softball history to earn the NCAA Pitching Triple Crown. She led the nation in ERA (0.51), Victories (37), and total strikeouts (418).
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