Since the first Women's College World Series was played in 1982, it has been dominated by three teams that have won the most NCAA Softball National Titles. UCLA, Arizona and Oklahoma are the teams with the most WCWS championships, but that may be subject to change with more colleges establishing new programs and increasingly competitive teams.
| College | WCWS Titles |
Years |
|---|---|---|
| UCLA | 12 | 1982, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2010, 2019 |
| Arizona | 8 | 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2006, 2007 |
| Oklahoma | 7 | 2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| Arizona State | 2 | 2008 and 2011 |
| Florida | 2 | 2014 and 2015 |
| Texas A&M | 2 | 1983 and 1987 |
| Alabama | 1 | 2012 |
| California | 1 | 2002 |
| Cal State Fullerton | 1 | 1986 |
| FSU | 1 | 2018 |
| Michigan | 1 | 2005 |
| Washington | 1 | 2009 |
Championships a Bruin
UCLA won the inaugural Women's College World Series in 1982 and have never looked back. The Bruins are the clear leaders in WCWS national championships with 12. Led by coach Sharron Backus, UCLA won 4 of the first 5 championship tournaments that were all played in Omaha, Nebraska. Through more than 40 years of NCAA softball dominance, three separate coaches, Sharon Backus, Sue Enquist and Kelly Inouye-Perez have led the Bruins to national titles.
Arizona's 90s Dynasty Made Thier Opponents 'Catty'
Arizona women's softball is a force to be reckoned with on the national stage. With an impressive eight Women's College World Series championships under their belt, the Wildcats are a program that knows how to win. The team reached dynasty status in the 1990s with five national championships, cementing their place in softball history. But the Wildcats didn't stop there. They continued to dominate, adding three more WCWS titles in the 2000s.
Arizona women's softball has seen its fair share of legends, but perhaps none greater than Mike Candrea. From 1986 to 2003, Candrea dedicated himself to coaching the Wildcats to multiple national championships and establishing a culture of excellence that remains to this day. His contributions to the program are nothing short of remarkable, making him a timeless figure in the world of collegiate softball.
Oklahoma Softball Has Emerged to Be a Boomer
There is no doubt that the Oklahoma Sooners softball team is a force to be reckoned with. With six Women's College World Series championships to their name, they have established themselves as one of the most dominant programs in the history of the sport.
Oklahoma's first national championship in softball came in 2000, and they have been a consistent contender ever since. In the last decade, they have established themselves as the team to beat, winning four of their six championships in the last 10 years alone. The Sooners have also become known for their impressive winning streaks, including a 41-game winning streak in 2019 and a 40-game winning streak in 2021.
So, what sets the Oklahoma Sooners softball program apart from the competition? One key factor is the leadership of head coach Patty Gasso. Gasso has been with the Sooners since 1995 and has led the team to all six of their national championships. She is known for her ability to recruit top talent, develop players, and build strong team chemistry. Gasso's leadership has been instrumental in the team's success, and her impact can be felt both on and off the field.
Ed Staton
Women's College World Series FAQ
Q. Where is the WCWS played?
A. The games take place over nine days at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Q. What is the format of the WCWS?
A. The WCWS is a double-elimination tournament featuring eight teams from across the country that qualify for postseason play. Each year, eight schools compete for a championship and compete during two rounds in order to advance to the best-of-three final series.
Q. How can fans watch the Women's College World Series on television?
A. Since 2003, every WCWS game played has aired on ESPN networks or its affiliates and partners: ESPNU, ESPNews or SEC Network + with select regional broadcasts also available on various digital platforms like WatchESPN/ESPN3 or direct broadcast television (DTV). This means that fans from all over can tune in to watch some of nation’s top collegiate athletes battle it out for a national title!
Ed Staton
