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5 Impact Players Returning from Injury in 2026

by: Jason Rhea01/22/26

The harsh reality is that injuries can quickly derail a team’s trajectory. In some cases, the team was able to absorb the loss and continue with a productive season. These are five college softball players who return from injury that can impact the 2026 season.

Aleena Garcia, UCLA

Garcia had an excellent start to her Bruin career before she was lost to an upper-body injury early last year. Her start included a 4-for-6 performance during UCLA’s wins over Missouri and Nebraska at the Mary Nutter Classic. She had a home run, a double, and a triple in the tournament. She was held out in the Spring but should be ready to reacclimate herself in the starting lineup at shortstop for UCLA.

2026 UCLA Softball Preview

Abby Dunning, Clemson

Dunning is the lone transfer on this list, moving from Boston College to Clemson. She missed most of last year, but has 29 career wins in over 400 innings pitched as an Eagle. In 2024, she was a third-team All-ACC selection. Dunning should have a lot more run production this year with the Tigers. If she can come close to the 2024 version, she could win 15-20 games in her senior season.

2026 Clemson Softball Preview

Bridget Nemeth, Penn State

The 2024 Big 10 season was taken by storm with the arrival of Nemeth. She tied the single-season record at Penn State with 22 wins. Additionally, she led Freshman in the Big 10 in wins and was a participant on the 2025 USA Softball National Player of the Year watch list. Nemeth missed the large majority of the season last year. She should be good to go for the season and could help the Nittany Lions get back to the NCAA Tournament.

2026 Penn State Softball Preview

Ava Gall, Stanford

Gall had a tremendous freshman season as part of the Stanford team that reached the Women’s College Series in 2024. She led the Cardinal with 11 home runs and was set to be a key power bat in Stanford’s lineup, which took a significant step forward in 2025. However, an infection in her throat and lungs limited her playing time before she took a redshirt. She’s back and ready to take over behind the plate.

2026 Stanford Softball Preview

Viviana Martinez, Texas

The Longhorns must feel like they received a huge shot in the arm with Martinez back in the fold in Austin. Her loss was significant, but Texas still won the College Softball National Championship. Having her back will have a big impact on both sides of the ball. Martinez is a great defender at shortstop and also drove in 52 runs in 2024.

2026 Texas Softball Preview

More from Softball America:

2026 Softball America Preview Central
2026 Preseason Top 100 Players
2026 Freshman Watch List

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