OKLAHOMA CITY — College softball games offer a constant soundtrack of players loudly cheering for their teammates.
The sport is ultracompetitive, yet for decades, the participating athletes have brought a light-hearted nature to dugouts and the vibe of the games, complete with cheers, chants, dances and props. Some creations are elaborate while others are simple, but something interesting is almost always happening.
The sport’s surge in popularity in recent years has drawn more attention to the antics. The vibrant tradition was on display again Wednesday night at OGE Energy Field at Devon Park, where Texas faced Texas Tech to open the best-of-three championship finals in the Women’s College World Series.
“I think energy is just a huge part of this game, and just in women’s sports in general,” Texas junior standout Reese Atwood said. “We show a lot of passion, and I think it shows our heart and love for the game. And I think it brings just like the team together as one instead of being all about yourself.”
Beneath the light-hearted approach, there’s a serious purpose: supporting teammates, regardless of circumstances. Texas ace Teagan Kavan said that Longhorns assistant coach Kristen Zaleski “says you’re either doing a thing or supporting a thing, and I think that puts it really well.”