2025 national champion UT Tyler Softball team receives national title rings

TYLER, Texas (KETK) — The UT Tyler Softball team captured the 2025 Division 2 Softball National Championship, becoming the first D-II softball team in 27 years to win back-to-back national titles.

The Patriots were recognized on Saturday during halftime of the UT Tyler men’s basketball game with a ring ceremony in which they received new bling to celebrate their latest national title.

Hall of fame UT Tyler head softball coach Mike Reed, who recently announced his decision to leave coaching, joined his players for the ceremony and shared how special it was to come together and celebrate Patriot Softball’s third national title with the rings.

“Just couldn’t be more proud. It’s so fitting that we get to honor so many people that were a part of this and made this happen. From Dr. (Julie) Philley, our student-athletes, our players, our coaches, our trainers, I mean, just what a fitting way to honor them as we get into the new year,” Reed, who started the UT Tyler Softball program in 2003 and led the Patriots to 880 wins and three national championships, said.

“I think something special about this team is that we just gave God the glory all year. Between the coaches, our teammates, it’s just a special group and such a special moment for all of us just to get together again and just celebrate that win one more time and just be together and just love on each other today,” Sam Schott, who played for the 2024 and 2025 national title-winning UT Tyler Softball teams, said.

“Coming from the Division 1 level to the Division 2 and coming a part of a team that did win one last year it was like a culture shock. You’re completely learning a new program, getting on that national championship mindset, right. You have to learn what all it took for them that first year and what worked for them, with a completely different team. It was tough but we did it and we stuck together through the entire thing,” Bailey Krolczyk, who transferred from Southeastern Louisiana to UT Tyler and won the 2025 Division 2 National Championship with the Patriots, said.

“We are all so thankful for everyone that has supported us along the way, and especially the university and the community of Tyler. We couldn’t have done it without y’all, and shoutout to Coach Reed and all the time and all the hours that he’s poured into every single person on this team. It’s just such a great accomplishment and I’m so excited that I get to share it with everyone here,” Taryn Barney, who played on the 2024 and 2025 national title-winning UT Tyler Softball teams, said.

The Patriots will begin their quest for a three-peat when UT Tyler Softball returns to the field for its’ season opener in the 2026 DII First Pitch Invitational on Friday, January 30, with first pitch against Saint Martin’s set for 1:30 p.m. in Conroe.

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