TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Softball's Regan Shockey and Sydney Stewart earned unanimous selections to the Preseason All-Big 12 team and Arizona was picked to finish third in the Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll, announced by the conference on Wednesday.
 
This is the second straight season that the Wildcats were picked to finish third in the Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll. Last season, Arizona finished second in the Big 12 in the regular season and in the Big 12 Softball Tournament.
 
Shockey is earning her second preseason all-conference honor entering her junior season. Last season, the center fielder led the Wildcats with 88 hits, 57 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases. She ranked second on the team with a .415 batting average and three triples. Shockey earned NFCA All-Region honors for the second consecutive season and was named to the All-Big 12 second team in 2025.
 
Stewart's selection to the Preseason All-Big 12 team is her first preseason all-conference honor. The senior catcher earned NFCA All-American status last season after leading Arizona with 20 home runs, 68 RBI, an .819 slugging percentage, 48 walks, and a .542 on-base percentage. Stewart also earned All-Big 12 first team honors last season.

The duo was named to the USA Softball Player of the Year Watch List, the D1 Softball Top 100 list, and Softball America's Preseason College Top 100 rankings ahead of the 2026 season.
 
The Wildcats will open the 2026 season at Hillenbrand Stadium February 5-8 with the fifth-annual Candrea Classic. Arizona will host Southern Utah for a doubleheader on opening day and will play a three-game series against Oklahoma to round out the weekend schedule.
 
Season tickets, single game tickets, and mini plans for the 2026 season are currently available and can be secured by clicking HERE or by calling 520-621-CATS.