TYLER, TEXAS – UT Tyler softball alumnus Sam Schott has been named the NCAA Woman of the Year as announced by the National Collegiate Athletic Association on Wednesday.
 
Schott becomes the first ever UT Tyler athlete to earn the award, and is now the fifth Division II athlete, third Texas athlete, and second softball athlete to earn the honor.
 
The award, established in 1991, is rooted in Title IX and recognizes female student-athletes who have completed their undergraduate studies and distinguished themselves in their community, in athletics and in academics throughout their college careers. 
 
"Words cannot fully express how loved and honored I feel after receiving this award," Sam Schott said. "My life verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — "give thanks in all circumstances" — perfectly captures my heart right now. I'm simply giving thanks to the One who has filled my life with blessings. To me, this award is a beautiful reminder of God's goodness and how He has worked through me during my four years at UT Tyler."
 
She was previously selected as a top 30 finalist from a record-breaking 631 nominees submitted by member schools — a group that was then narrowed to 167 nominees at the conference level — the Top 30 honorees included 10 from each of the three NCAA divisions. She was then narrowed down to one of nine finalists spanning all three NCAA divisions before being selected as this year's honoree.
 
"When I arrived on campus six months ago, it quickly became clear that Sam Schott was special," said UT Tyler Director of Athletics Sam Ferguson. "On the field, in the community, and in the classroom, Sam continues to set herself apart. Her service to others is unmatched, as is her resilience. I've been personally inspired by Sam and consider it a true blessing to be on her team. Past recipients of this prestigious award include Olympic athletes, WNBA professionals, and leaders in both community and industry — and those women are in elite company with Sam Schott."
 
Schott is currently enrolled in the UT Tyler School of Medicine and is in the class of 2029. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Medicine (MD) and has yet to decide on a specialty.
 
Her playing career saw her play 235 games, the most in program history, and made 211 starts, the second most in program history. She is a three-time all-region selection, three-time All-LSC selection, two time LSC Golden Glove winner, and hit .327 for her career with 59 extra base hits, 137 RBI, and is the UT Tyler record holder for sacrifice hits.
 
Her softball coach, Mike Reed, stated "Sam is a true balance of excellence and kindness in everything she does. This has defined her character over the past four years as a Patriot. She has carried high expectations for herself and her teammates, leading with hard work and poise. She is so deserving of this honor of NCAA Woman of the Year, which exemplifies her ability to excel in all areas of sport, academic, leadership, and character."
 
Schott in addition to a brilliant athletic career, was also named the 2025 recipient of the ELITE 90 Award for softball, given to the athlete with the highest GPA at the final site of competition. She has twice been named a CSC Academic All-American, is a three-time CSC Academic All-District honoree, earned the 2024 Lone Star Conference Fred Jacoby Female Academic Athlete of the Year, the 2024 LSC Academic Player of the Year, and a recipient of the 2025 LSC Scholar-Athlete Award.
 
She served as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes speaker, and volunteered throughout her collegiate career with Refuge International, providing supplies and support for medical missions across the globe. She has traveled multiple times to Guatemala to help provide primary care and surgical services, and supports community initiatives throughout Tyler, including Special Olympics, Miracle League, and the East Texas Food Bank.
 
"The university and softball program have shaped me in more ways than I can count, but one of the most meaningful lessons I've learned from UT Tyler is to make the most of each day and be grateful for every opportunity it brings," Schott said. "Life has its busy seasons, but there's always time to pause and be grounded in gratitude for all that life offers."