Texas Longhorns Softball to Immortalize Mia Scott With Commemorative Statue, Honoring One of the Program’s Brightest Stars as Construction Begins on Historic Monument…

In a landmark decision that celebrates the legacy of one of its brightest stars, the University of Texas at Austin announced on June 14, 2025, that it will erect a commemorative statue of softball standout Mia Scott outside Red & Charline McCombs Field. Reported by ESPN and Burnt Orange Nation, the statue honors Scott, a 2024 All-American shortstop and cornerstone of Texas’ first-ever Women’s College World Series (WCWS) championship in 2025. Construction began this week, aligning with Texas’ cultural momentum, including Matthew McConaughey’s recent statue unveiling and Teagan Kavan’s appointment as South Africa’s assistant softball coach.

Scott, a senior from Angleton, Texas, redefined Longhorn softball during her four-year career (2022-25). A three-time All-Big 12 selection, she batted .395 in 2025, with 12 home runs, 55 RBIs, and a program-record 38 stolen bases, earning NFCA First-Team All-American honors. Her clutch performance in the WCWS, including a game-tying homer against Texas Tech in the 10-4 championship clincher, cemented her as a Longhorn legend. Scott’s versatility—playing shortstop, third base, and outfield—and leadership as team captain were pivotal in Texas’ 52-10 season, culminating in a sweep of the WCWS finals. “Mia’s the heart of our program,” coach Mike White told ESPN. “This statue immortalizes her impact.”

The decision to honor Scott mirrors Texas’ tradition of celebrating transformative figures, like McConaughey’s “Mr. Longhorns” statue. Approved by athletic director Chris Del Conte and funded by alumni donations, the bronze monument will depict Scott mid-swing, capturing her dynamic athleticism. Set to be unveiled before the 2026 season opener, it will stand alongside plaques commemorating legends like Cat Osterman, whose career strikeout record (2,265) Scott helped complement with her defensive prowess (97.8% fielding percentage in 2025). Fans on X erupted, posting, “Mia Scott’s statue? Longhorn Nation’s unstoppable! ,” though some rival fans, per Austin American-Statesman, questioned prioritizing a player over coaches.

Scott’s legacy extends beyond stats. Her mentorship of freshmen like Katie Stewart, who hit .340 in 2025, and her community work through Texas’ “Horns Helping Horns” initiative endeared her to Austin. A 2025 kinesiology graduate, Scott’s post-college path includes coaching aspirations, inspired by Kavan’s South African role. Her statue symbolizes Texas softball’s ascent, as the program’s $515 million in facility upgrades and No. 1-ranked 2026 recruiting class, featuring pitcher Ava Gall, signal sustained dominance.

For Texas, the timing is electric. Coming off a football CFP quarterfinal win and a softball national title, the Longhorns are riding a wave of momentum. Scott’s honor, alongside football’s recruiting coups like DJ Lagway, positions Texas as a multisport powerhouse. Critics argue the statue diverts focus from team achievements, but Del Conte countered, “Mia represents our fight, our heart.” As construction progresses, Scott’s monument will stand as a beacon for future Longhorns, embodying resilience and excellence in burnt orange.