Texas Longhorns to Honor Legendary Pitcher with Bronze Statue: A Monument to Greatness
The University of Texas at Austin has officially announced plans to immortalize one of the most iconic figures in collegiate softball history. The Texas Longhorns softball program will honor their legendary pitcher with a life-sized bronze statue to be installed outside Red & Charline McCombs Field. The university confirmed that work on the monument is scheduled to commence on August 15, 2025, with an unveiling ceremony planned for the start of the 2026 NCAA softball season.
This tribute represents more than just a statue—it’s a symbol of excellence, legacy, and the transformative impact one athlete can have on an entire university and sport.
Honoring a Texas Titan
Though the university has not yet publicly disclosed the name of the pitcher, multiple sources within the athletic department have confirmed that the statue will depict Cat Osterman, a name synonymous with dominance, determination, and Texas softball greatness.
A three-time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, four-time All-American, and two-time Olympic medalist, Osterman redefined what it meant to be a pitcher in women’s college softball. She was the face of Texas softball during her collegiate years from 2002 to 2006 and remains one of the most decorated athletes in the university’s storied history.
In her time with the Longhorns, Osterman compiled a staggering 136-25 record, with a 0.51 ERA and 2,265 strikeouts, ranking her among the top pitchers in NCAA history. Her 20 no-hitters and seven perfect games were the stuff of legend, cementing her place as an icon in both college and international circles.
The Monument: Design and Placement
According to UT Athletics, the statue will feature Osterman mid-pitch, in her iconic wind-up form, frozen in time as a lasting image of her competitive spirit and technical brilliance. Sculpted by award-winning artist Ben Victor, whose previous works include statues of sports icons across college campuses nationwide, the bronze monument will stand eight feet tall and be installed at the main entrance to McCombs Field.
“It’s not just about honoring Cat Osterman as an athlete,” said Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte. “It’s about acknowledging what she stood for—her leadership, her excellence, and her ability to inspire not just teammates, but generations of young athletes across the country.”
A Vision Years in the Making
Plans to honor Osterman had been discussed privately for years, but the final decision to move forward with a permanent tribute gained momentum following Texas’ 2023 Women’s College World Series run and the continued growth of women’s sports visibility across the NCAA.
“It’s the right time,” said Head Coach Mike White. “Cat laid the foundation for everything we’ve built here at Texas. Her statue will be a daily reminder to every player who walks through our gates of what’s possible through hard work and belief.”
The statue is part of a broader initiative by the University of Texas to invest in women’s athletics facilities, storytelling, and branding. The monument is expected to include an adjacent digital kiosk that shares highlights of Osterman’s career, interviews, and historical context for fans and future recruits alike.
Cat Osterman Reacts
Cat Osterman, now a coach and mentor to young athletes, issued a heartfelt statement after the announcement:
“I’m deeply humbled and honored. To think that my time as a Longhorn left such a lasting impression—it’s overwhelming in the best way. I poured my heart into every inning, every pitch, and every moment wearing burnt orange. This statue isn’t just about me; it’s about the teammates, the coaches, and the fans who made my journey unforgettable.”
Osterman is expected to attend the unveiling ceremony in spring 2026, which will also serve as an alumni reunion and celebration of Texas softball history.
Reactions Across the Softball Community
The news quickly reverberated through the national softball scene, with former players, coaches, and analysts praising the university’s decision to honor one of the game’s all-time greats.
ESPN analyst and former UCLA great Jessica Mendoza tweeted: “Cat Osterman getting a statue at Texas is exactly the kind of energy women’s sports deserve right now. One of the fiercest competitors and best humans to play the game. Well earned.”
Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso, a longtime rival and admirer, also weighed in: “Cat changed how we prepare for pitchers. Her dominance raised the bar for all of us. It’s fitting she’ll have a permanent place on campus.”
More Than a Statue
Beyond the athletic community, the decision to honor Osterman with a statue is a powerful cultural statement. In recent years, universities across the country have begun to recognize the contributions of female athletes with the same reverence long afforded to male sports icons. The Texas Longhorns are now part of that transformative wave.
Dr. Jay Hartzell, President of the University of Texas, emphasized the importance of the statue in the broader university mission. “It’s about equity, visibility, and celebrating excellence in all its forms. Cat Osterman’s legacy deserves to be etched in bronze, not just for what she achieved on the field, but for the way she carried the torch of Longhorn pride across the globe.”
Legacy Beyond the Field
Since retiring from professional play, Osterman has devoted herself to coaching and advocating for the growth of women’s sports. She continues to mentor athletes across Texas and the U.S., and her influence has grown through broadcast appearances and keynote speeches. Her impact now spans far beyond the circle.
Former teammate Megan Willis summed it up best: “Cat didn’t just pitch games—she pitched dreams to every young girl who thought maybe, just maybe, she could do it too. This statue tells those girls: yes, you can.”
Looking Ahead
Construction of the monument will begin on August 15, 2025, and is expected to be completed by February 2026, just in time for the Longhorns’ home opener. The university will host a commemorative event that includes player tributes, highlight reels, and guest speakers, followed by a primetime matchup against a nationally ranked opponent.
As Texas softball continues to push toward new heights, the presence of Cat Osterman—etched in bronze and memo
ry—will stand as a timeless reminder of where it all began.
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