CEDAR CITY, Utah — The start of the 2026 softball campaign is just one week away, and the Western Athletic Conference has announced its preseason polls and accolades. Southern Utah University softball placed two standout student-athletes on the 2026 WAC Preseason All-Conference Team, highlighted by Arianna Ramirez earning Co-Preseason Player of the Year honors, as announced by the league office on Thursday.
Head Coach Don Don Williams Said
"Ari is an elite competitor whose consistency, confidence, and presence set the standard for our program, and being voted Co-Player of the Year speaks to the respect she has earned across the conference. Micha brings explosive speed and has taken a big step forward in her game, making her a dynamic threat on both sides of the ball. Together they anchor our defense and drive our offense, and we are excited to see them lead us this season."
Ramirez, a junior infielder from Long Beach, California, was also named to the Preseason All-WAC Team after a dominant sophomore campaign in 2025. She appeared in every game for the Thunderbirds and led the team with a .380 batting average, 1.100 OPS, and .662 slugging percentage. Ramirez paced SUU in home runs (9), RBIs (38), and total bases (94) while posting a stellar .438 on-base percentage and striking out just seven times in 142 at-bats.
Her season included multiple signature performances, including a standout outing against UTA on April 26, where she collected four hits, drove in six runs, and blasted two home runs. Ramirez was named WAC Player of the Week twice and earned First Team All-WAC recognition at season's end. As a freshman in 2024, she appeared in 49 games, recording 38 hits, eight doubles, five home runs, and 18 RBIs.
Joining Ramirez on the Preseason All-WAC Team is Michaella Salvatierra, a sophomore outfielder from Chula Vista, California. Salvatierra burst onto the scene during her freshman season in 2025, appearing in every game and finishing second on the team with a .364 batting average. She led the Thunderbirds with 56 hits, 31 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases, while anchoring the top of the lineup with a .417 OBP and 14 walks.
Salvatierra recorded four-hit games twice during the season and posted a seven-at-bat performance against UTA on April 26. She was named Second Team All-WAC following her debut season. Prior to arriving at Southern Utah, Salvatierra compiled an impressive résumé, including Alliance Tier 1 National Championship honors, multiple CIF championships, and All-League and All-Tournament Team selections.
Southern Utah was picked to finish fifth in the WAC preseason poll after posting a third-place regular-season finish a year ago. With Ramirez and Salvatierra leading the way, the Thunderbirds return to the field with momentum and expectations heading into the 2026 season.
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