Sometimes, it doesn’t take long to realize a player is different. For Alabama softball fans, that realization came quickly with Vic Moten.
A 🌟Star🌟 is Born
— Alabama Softball (@AlabamaSB) February 10, 2026
The @SoftbalAmerica Freshman Star of the Week#Team30#RollTidepic.twitter.com/SBHJUfQwfu
After a dominant opening weekend at the Buzz Classic in Atlanta, the Crimson Tide freshman was named D1 Softball National Freshman of the Week and Softball America Freshman Star of the Week, national honors that reflect just how impressive her collegiate debut truly was.
Moten didn’t ease her way into college softball, she attacked it.
The Daphne, Alabama native made her first career start in Alabama’s season opener against Villanova and immediately looked comfortable in the circle. Working as part of a combined no-hitter, Moten tossed three innings, overpowered hitters with six strikeouts, and allowed just one baserunner. It was a calm, confident performance that set the tone for what was to come.
And what came next was even louder.
Moten followed that outing with back-to-back six-inning starts against tournament host Georgia Tech, showing not only electric stuff, but composure well beyond her freshman status. In Friday’s matchup, she limited the Yellow Jackets to just two hits while striking out seven in a shutout performance. On Saturday, she once again handled Georgia Tech, allowing only two runs early before settling in and finishing strong with six strikeouts.
Across the weekend, Moten went a perfect 3-0 in the circle, posting a sparkling 0.93 ERA over 15 innings while striking out 19 batters. More importantly, she consistently controlled games, trusted her defense, and showed the ability to adjust when challenged, traits that separate good pitchers from special ones.
For Alabama, this is exactly what you hope to see from a freshman stepping into a major role. Moten didn’t just survive her first weekend at the collegiate level, she owned it.
Her poise, command, and competitiveness were evident from pitch one, and national recognition quickly followed.
Early-season awards don’t define a career, but they can certainly signal what’s ahead. If this opening weekend is any indication, Vic Moten is just getting started, and Alabama softball may have found a new cornerstone in the circle.
One weekend in, and the rest of the country is officially paying attention.