Koko Wooley Named SEC Co-Player of the Week: A Star on the Rise
Texas A&M shortstop Koko Wooley has been named the SEC Co-Player of the Week, the Southeastern Conference announced Tuesday afternoon. The honor comes on the heels of an electrifying series that saw Wooley dominate both sides of the game, showcasing her trademark speed, precision defense, and a bat that has become increasingly dangerous this season.
Over the past week, Wooley batted .615, going 8-for-13 across four games, including a critical SEC series against nationally ranked LSU. She tallied two triples, one double, four RBIs, and scored six runs. But it wasnโt just the numbers that captured the attention of the leagueโit was the moments she chose to deliver. With the Aggies trailing in the sixth inning of Saturdayโs game, Wooley sparked a two-out rally with a scorching triple to right center, eventually scoring the tying run. In Sundayโs rubber match, she went 3-for-3 with a walk and a pair of stolen bases, setting the tone early and often.
On the defensive side, Wooley was equally impressive. Anchoring the middle infield, she recorded 12 assists and turned two critical double plays, one of which came in the bottom of the seventh with the tying run on second. Her range up the middle and quick release have been highlights of the Aggiesโ defensive identity all season, but this week she seemed to elevate that standard even further.
โSheโs the heartbeat of this team,โ head coach Trisha Ford said. โKoko brings this intensity and focus thatโs contagious. Sheโs a leader by example and this recognition is more than well-deserved.โ
Wooley, a junior from Columbus, Mississippi, is no stranger to high expectations. As a freshman, she earned SEC All-Freshman honors and has only improved each season since. Her current batting average sits at .389, with a career-best on-base percentage of .452. She leads the team in stolen bases and is among the top five in the SEC in that category.
Her performance this past week not only helped boost the Aggies in the conference standings but also cemented her growing reputation as one of the top shortstops in college softball. Sharing the weekly honor with Georgiaโs slugger Sydney Kuma, Wooleyโs recognition is a testament to the depth of talent in the SECโbut also a nod to her unique skill set and relentless work ethic.
With postseason play looming, Wooleyโs form couldnโt come at a better time for Texas A&M. The Aggies are now eyeing a top-four seed in the SEC Tournament, and with Wooley leading the charge, their confidence is rising.
โItโs an honor,โ Wooley said after the announcement. โBut itโs not just meโitโs this whole team. Iโm just proud to represent them and keep pushing forward.โ
If this past week is any indication, Koko Wooley is not just chasing awardsโsheโs chasing greatness.