College softball players bring cheers, chants to dugout

OKLAHOMA CITY — Women’s college softball games offer a constant soundtrack of players loudly cheering their teammates from the dugouts.

The sport is ultra-competitive, yet for decades, softball players have brought a light-hearted nature to dugouts and the vibe of the games, complete with cheers, chants, dances and props. Some creations are elaborate and some are simple, but something interesting is almost always happening.

The sport’s surge in popularity in recent years has drawn more attention to the antics. The vibrant tradition will be on display again on Wednesday, when Texas plays Texas Tech in Game 1 of the best-of-three championship series at Oklahoma City’s Devon Park.

“I think energy is just a huge part of this game and just in women’s sports in general,” Texas star Reese Atwo