(Story courtesy of Texas Lutheran University Athletics Communications)
SEGUIN, Texas -- Texas Lutheran Softball second baseman Caelee Clark was named a Rawlings Gold Glove Award Winner, the organization announced in partnership with NFCA on Thursday. Clark is the fourth Bulldog to earn the honor in Texas Lutheran history.
Clark collects TLU's first Gold Glove in program history, after the award was introduced to D-I softball in 2022 and introduced to all of college softball the following season. Clark becomes the NCAA athlete to win the Rawlings Gold Glove and New Balance/NFCA Golden Shoe Award in the same season. Clark joins Alivia Martinez (Citrus College, Cal JC) as the only athletes to achieve the feat as Martinez also won both awards in 2026.
Clark has been one of the most dynamic athletes in the nation for the past four years, and her defensive ability put her athleticism on full display. A human highlight reel at second base, Clark combined elite range and lightning-quick reflexes to consistently deliver jaw-dropping defensive plays for the Bulldogs. Whether she's charging a slow roller, laying out in the hole or turning a double play with pinpoint precision, Clark had the ability to make the extraordinary look routine.
Clark was a reliable anchor on one of the nation's most formidable defenses. Time and again, Clark found ways to make game-changing plays that showcase not just skill, but poise and instinct.
On the year, the Montgomery native totaled 69 assists and 131 putouts with just four errors in 204 total chances and a .980 fielding percentage. Clark also helped turn eight double plays in the Bulldogs infield in 2026. For her career, Clark finished with a .975 fielding percentage, making just 17 errors in 687 total chances.
Recipients of the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, presented by the NFCA, were selected by the 10 regional representatives of the NFCA's NCAA Division III All-America Committee, following regional voting to identify the finalists at each position. The group utilized fielding statistics and school-submitted video to closely examine finalists and select the winners at every defensive position.
Along with being the fourth Gold Glove recipient in TLU's history, Clark is the fourth SCAC student-athlete to earn the prestigious award in softball. Texas Lutheran is tied with Tufts and Illinois Wesleyan for the most Gold Gloves since 2023 with four honorees each.
The full release can be read here.
