YUMA, Ariz. - The Arizona Western Softball program announces seven sophomores moving on to four-year schools. The Lady Matadors reached the NJCAA DI Softball World Series for the second year in a row this season under Head Coach Joel Prickett. Arizona Western won multiple games on the national stage for the first time since 2001.

"None of this is a surprise to me, as these girls were some of the hardest working girls I've ever coached," Head Coach Joel Prickett said. "They loved the game, they loved AWC, and they loved working to make this program what it should be. I have no doubt they will all see success at this next level, and I look forward to following them."

Players moving on include...

Jessica Smith - University of South Carolina Upstate (NCAA-DI)

Analy Trejo - San Jose State University (NCAA-DI) 

Rauni Gallegos - New Mexico State University (NCAA-DI)

Alissa Pinon - Coppin State University (NCAA-DI)

Larissa Rueda - New Mexico Highlands University (NCAA-DII)

Lea Frechette - University of Northwest Ohio (NAIA)

Laisha Ibarra - Ottawa University - Kansas (NAIA)

"I am really excited for the sophomores that will be playing at the next level," Prickett said. "Jessica (Smith), Analy (Trejo), Alissa (Pinon) and Rauni (Gallegos)all were able to secure spots at the division one level. Larissa (Rueda) signed in the fall with New Mexico Highlands will be able to play in her home state. Lea (Frechette) signed with a strong NAIA program closer to home and hometown girl Laisha (Ibarra) will be traveling to Kansas to play at Ottawa University."

Another feather in Prickett and the softball program's hat is finishing with the top team grade point average on the campus with a 3.710 GPA. The mark tops the team's fall 2025 semester GPA of 3.64 which also landed the Lady Matadors in first place.