NEW ORLEANS – The Sun Belt Conference announced the 2018 Softball Preseason All-Conference Team, Players of the Year and Coaches' Poll Thursday, as voted by the league's head coaches. Texas State senior right-handed pitcher Randi Rupp was named Preseason Pitcher of the Year, while senior shortstop Ariel Ortiz was honored as Preseason Player of the Year. Both players were selected to the Preseason All-Conference team. As a team, Texas State garnered six of the 10 first-place votes, securing 95 points and the top spot in the Coaches' Poll.
Rupp, who earned her third consecutive Sun Belt Preseason Pitcher of the Year accolade, is a three-time first team All-Sun Belt Conference honoree and a two-time second team NFCA All-Central Region selection.