The UCLA Bruins softball team has once again proven why they are a powerhouse in college softball, making their 33rd appearance at the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) in 2025. With a storied legacy that includes 12 NCAA championships, the most of any Division I program, UCLA continues to set the standard for excellence. This year, the No. 9 seeded Bruins have shown resilience, talent, and clutch performances, highlighted by a thrilling walk-off victory against Oregon in the opening round of the WCWS. Let’s dive into their journey, key players, and what lies ahead in Oklahoma City.
UCLA’s softball program has been a force since the NCAA began sponsoring the sport in 1982, winning the first-ever NCAA title that year. With 11 national championships and a reputation for consistency, the Bruins have made the WCWS in nine of the last ten seasons, a testament to their enduring excellence. Despite Oklahoma’s recent dominance, with eight titles since 2013, UCLA’s overall championship count keeps them atop the historical rankings. Their 2025 campaign, which includes a 54-11 record, showcases their ability to compete at the highest level, even in their first season as a Big Ten member after transitioning from the Pac-12.
The Bruins’ journey to Oklahoma City was not without challenges. After a strong showing in the Los Angeles Regional, where they outscored opponents 31-2, UCLA faced a tough test in the Columbia Super Regional against No. 8 South Carolina. Down 9-2 in Game 1, the Bruins rallied in Game 2, thanks to a walk-off, two-run home run by star junior Jordan Woolery, forcing a decisive Game 3. They sealed their WCWS berth with a 5-0 shutout, demonstrating their pitching depth and offensive firepower.
The 2025 WCWS kicked off with a bang for UCLA, as they faced off against No. 16 Oregon, a fellow Big Ten team and longtime rival, on May 29. The game was a nail-biter, with both teams showcasing why they are among the nation’s elite. Tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh, UCLA’s Jessica Clements stepped up in her WCWS debut, smashing a walk-off home run to secure a 4-2 victory. This dramatic win sent the Bruins to the winners’ bracket, where they are set to face Texas Tech on Saturday, May 31.
The victory over Oregon was a statement for UCLA, who have faced the Ducks in a competitive Big Ten race all season. Oregon, with a 53-9 record, won the conference’s regular-season title, while UCLA finished second. The WCWS matchup highlighted the intensity of their rivalry, with UCLA’s offense capitalizing on key moments. Jordan Woolery started the rally with a soft line-drive single, followed by Megan Grant drawing a walk, setting the stage for Clements’ heroics.
UCLA’s success in 2025 is driven by a dynamic duo: juniors Jordan Woolery and Megan Grant. Together, they have combined for a record-breaking 161 RBIs, the most by any UCLA pair in a single season. Woolery, a starting infielder and one of the nation’s top hitters, has had a breakout year, earning a spot as a Top 10 finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award. Her clutch performance in the Super Regional, including the walk-off homer against South Carolina, has solidified her as a leader on and off the field.
Megan Grant, nicknamed “Chef Megan” for her sharpshooting hitting style, complements Woolery perfectly. A first-team All-Big Ten selection, Grant has been a consistent force in the lineup, hitting a home run in the Los Angeles Regional to cap a 9-1 win over UC Santa Barbara. Their chemistry, both as friends and as teammates batting back-to-back in the order, has been a cornerstone of UCLA’s offensive success. Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez has praised their ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, noting their impact on the team’s mindset and performance.
While Woolery and Grant grab headlines, UCLA’s pitching staff has been equally impressive. Kaitlyn Terry, a versatile right fielder and left-handed pitcher, has been a standout. In the Los Angeles Regional, she threw a gem against UC Santa Barbara, allowing just three hits and one earned run in a 12-1 rout. Terry also contributed offensively, hitting a three-run homer in the same game. In the WCWS opener against Oregon, she held the Ducks to three hits, keeping UCLA in control until the offense erupted in the seventh.
Taylor Tinsley, another key pitcher, has provided stability in the circle. Despite a loss in the Big Ten tournament championship game to Michigan, Tinsley’s performance in the postseason has been stellar, including a shutout in the Super Regional clincher against South Carolina. The pitching staff’s ability to improve as the postseason progresses—allowing fewer runs each game in the Super Regional—has given UCLA confidence heading into the WCWS.
UCLA’s win over Oregon positions them well in the double-elimination format of the WCWS. Their next challenge is No. 12 Texas Tech, led by pitcher NiJaree Canady, last year’s USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. A victory would move UCLA closer to the semifinals, while a loss would send them to an elimination game against either Oregon or Ole Miss. The bracket is stacked, with five SEC teams (Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Ole Miss) and one Big 12 team (Texas Tech) joining UCLA and Oregon. The depth of talent in the 2025 tournament underscores the competitiveness of college softball, with UCLA poised to make a deep run.
Under the leadership of Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez, UCLA has embraced a holistic approach to success. The team’s investment in a mental coach has paid dividends, helping players stay focused during a grueling season. After a slow start, the Bruins found their stride in the second half, earning Softball America’s Coaching Staff of the Year award. Inouye-Perez’s emphasis on mental toughness and team chemistry has created a squad that thrives under pressure, as evidenced by their comeback victories in the Super Regional and WCWS.
UCLA’s move to the Big Ten has also added a new layer to their story. Facing tough competition from teams like Oregon and Nebraska, the Bruins have adapted to a new conference while maintaining their national prominence. Their 26 mercy-rule wins this season highlight their dominance, and their ability to rally from deficits shows their resilience.
The Bruins’ 2025 WCWS appearance is more than just another trip to Oklahoma City—it’s a chance to add to their unmatched legacy. With a roster full of talent, from Woolery and Grant’s offensive firepower to Terry and Tinsley’s pitching prowess, UCLA is built for success. Their ability to deliver in clutch moments, like Clements’ walk-off homer, makes them a fan favorite and a team to watch.
As the WCWS unfolds, UCLA fans and softball enthusiasts alike will be glued to ESPN2 and ESPN+ to see if the Bruins can reclaim the national title they last won in 2019. With their history, talent, and determination, UCLA softball is once again proving why they are the gold standard in college softball. For more on their journey, check out ESPN’s WCWS coverage or follow UCLA Softball’s official updates.
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