Arkansas softball players Robyn Herron and Ella McDowell have been named to the Preseason All-SEC team, according to an announcement from the conference office. The recognition comes as the Razorbacks are predicted to finish fifth in the SEC, based on a vote by league coaches.
Herron, a senior left-handed pitcher, holds several records within the Arkansas program. She leads in career opponent batting average (.182), is sixth in shutouts (11), seventh in earned run average (2.23), and eighth in wins (38). Herron has recorded 10 games with at least 10 strikeouts, placing her third in program history behind Katy Henry and Mary Haff. In 2025, she was named Second-Team All-America by both D1Softball and Softball America, as well as Second-Team All-SEC and Second-Team NFCA All-Central region. That season she posted an 18-7 record with a 2.72 ERA and led the team with 160 strikeouts over 144 innings.
McDowell became the first freshman in Arkansas history to receive NFCA All-America honors when she was named Third-Team NFCA All-American at third base in 2025. She hit .352 with 63 hits, 10 doubles, seven home runs, and drove in 54 runs last season. McDowell ranked second on the team for both hits and assists, while also tying for third in home runs. Her defensive play included a .969 fielding percentage across 127 chances. She also earned Second-Team All-SEC honors and was recognized as a Freshman All-American by D1Softball and Softball America.
Both Herron and McDowell have received additional preseason accolades for the upcoming campaign, including Preseason All-America honors from Softball America and D1Softball. They were also named to the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Watch List.
The preseason All-SEC team is chosen by votes from head coaches around the conference, highlighting at least 21 players ahead of each new season.
In this year’s SEC preseason poll, Texas is favored to win after securing nine first-place votes. Oklahoma follows closely with six first-place votes; Tennessee and Florida round out the top four before Arkansas at fifth place.
Arkansas enters its 30th season ranked among national top ten teams across multiple major polls: No. 8 (ESPN/USA), No. 9 (NFCA/GoRout D1 Coaches), No. 8 (D1 Softball) and No. 7 (Softball America). The Razorbacks open their season under head coach Courtney Deifel—now entering her eleventh year—with games against Virginia and Akron at the Kickin’ Chicken Classic held February 6–8 in Conway, South Carolina.
Last year Arkansas finished with a record of 44–14, marking its eighth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and fourth NCAA Super Regional showing—all under Deifel’s leadership.
For further updates or information on scheduling changes visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com or follow @RazorbackSB on social media platforms X, Instagram, or Facebook.
