Exceeding Expectations Utah Utes first wcws appearance in 29 years

After narrowly missing the 2022 postseason, the Utes took it upon themselves to come back better than ever. The 2023 season was a historic year for the Utes, after being selected to finish 8th in preseason Pac-12 Polls, they went on to win the inaugural Pac-12 tournament and eventually host NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals in Salt Lake City. After a victory over San Diego State in Super Regionals, the Utes were headed to their first Women's College World Series since Head Coach Amy Hogue went as a player in 1994.

"I think that we've known from the start of the year that we were gonna make it here... we know we should be here." -Pitcher Mariah Lopez

After a long season of weather delays and shoveling snow off their home field, the Utes were no strangers to inclement weather. With looming thunderstorm conditions in the forecast, the Utes were unsure when they would get their chance to play.

"Weather conditions may not be great but we're gonna go out and play Utah Softball"- Infielder Ellessa Bonstrom

"The pride that these ones displayed and the way they wore those colors, super proud... they accomplished so much" - Head Coach Amy Hogue