ESPN REPORT: Congratulations — Cat Osterman Named the Greatest of All Time in College Women’s Softball
In a historic and emotional announcement, ESPN has officially named legendary Texas Longhorns softball pitcher Cat Osterman as The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in college women’s softball history. The honor recognizes not only her staggering statistical achievements but also her transformative influence on the game and the Texas Longhorns program. This accolade reaffirms what fans, players, and coaches have long believed: that Cat Osterman is the gold standard for excellence in collegiate softball.
A Legacy Built on Dominance
Cat Osterman’s career is etched into the annals of NCAA softball history. Pitching for the University of Texas from 2002 to 2006 (with a year off in 2004 to compete in the Athens Olympics), Osterman compiled a record that is as close to perfection as college sports has ever seen. She ended her college career with an incredible 136–25 win-loss record, a 0.51 career ERA, and 2,265 strikeouts in just over 1,100 innings pitched. Her strikeout-per-seven-innings ratio of 14.34 remains one of the highest in NCAA Division I history.
She threw 20 no-hitters and seven perfect games, routinely baffling hitters with her lethal combination of velocity, spin, and precision. Opponents feared her rise ball, which seemed to defy gravity, and her poise in high-pressure moments made her virtually untouchable. Her dominance was not just statistical—it was psychological.
Awards and Honors: A Trophy Case for the Ages
Osterman’s individual accolades form a list few can rival. She was a three-time USA Softball National Player of the Year (2003, 2005, 2006), a four-time NFCA First-Team All-American, and won the Honda Sports Award twice. She led Texas to multiple Women’s College World Series (WCWS) appearances, and although a national title eluded the Longhorns during her tenure, Osterman’s impact was undeniable.
Beyond her college career, Osterman also shined on the international stage. She was a key figure on the USA Softball National Team, winning Olympic gold in 2004 and silver in 2008 and 2021, further cementing her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Yet, for all her global success, it’s her time in burnt orange that left the deepest mark on the softball community.
The Face of Texas Softball
When Osterman arrived at the University of Texas, the softball program was still seeking a national identity. Under her leadership and with her otherworldly talent in the circle, Texas quickly became a national powerhouse. She didn’t just play softball — she redefined the expectations of what was possible at Texas and across the sport.
By the time she graduated, Osterman had turned the Texas Longhorns into a perennial top-10 program. Her performances brought national attention to Austin and inspired a new generation of girls in Texas and beyond to dream of playing college softball.
Her iconic number 8 jersey was retired by Texas, an honor reserved for the most legendary athletes. Longhorns head coach Mike White recently said, “Cat wasn’t just a player — she was a movement. She changed the trajectory of this program forever.”
A Legacy That Transcends Stats
Perhaps what makes Osterman the GOAT is more than just her numbers. It’s her dedication, leadership, and love for the game that set her apart. She’s continued to serve the sport as a mentor, coach, and broadcaster, always advocating for growth and visibility in women’s softball.
Her coaching stint with Texas State and her role as a volunteer assistant at Texas after her playing days ended allowed her to pass on the knowledge and discipline that made her great. Osterman also played professionally in the NPF (National Pro Fastpitch) and Athletes Unlimited, continuing to compete at an elite level long after college.
Congratulations, Cat
As ESPN officially recognizes Cat Osterman as the Greatest of All Time, the softball world pauses to celebrate a career that was as inspirational as it was dominant. Her journey—from a Houston-area standout to a national icon—proves that greatness isn’t just about wins or strikeouts, but about impact.
Cat Osterman didn’t just play the game — she elevated it.
Congratulations to Cat Osterman — the GOAT. Texas forever. Softball forever changed.
