FULLERTON, Calif. – Cal State Fullerton Softball's associate head coach Jorge Araujo was named a D1Softball National Assistant Coach of the Year Top 25 finalist following the 2026 season, the publication announced Wednesday morning. 

The annual award, launched in 2024, recognizes the top NCAA Division I softball assistant coach for their outstanding impact on team tactical performance and player development. 

In his 10th season as associate head coach and 14th overall season with the Titans, Araujo helped lead the Titans to an undefeated run at the 2026 Big West Championship. He is the only coach to represent The Big West and one of six mid-major coaches on the list. 

"Jorge Araujo has been an incredible part of our program and has made an impact that goes far beyond the softball field," head coach Gina Oaks Garcia said. "As our defensive specialist, Jorge has consistently found ways to put our athletes in the best position to succeed, helping keep our defense among the best in the country year after year."

The Titans finished their 2026 campaign with a 41-15 overall record and 24-3 in Big West play before earning an automatic bid to their 33rd postseason appearance at the NCAA Los Angeles Regional. 

Fullerton's defense, led by Araujo, set a new program record with a .976 fielding percentage, which ranked 17th-best among all NCAA Division I programs, while their 33 double plays ranked fourth in the country. The .976 fielding percentage surpassed the previous program record of .9749, set by Araujo's 2019 squad, while the 2015 team posted a .9748 fielding percentage.

"What makes Jorge truly special is the way he connects with our athletes," Oaks Garcia said. "He teaches them life lessons through his own stories and experiences, challenges them to see the bigger picture, and reminds them of what truly matters. His perspective on life, and his influence can be felt in the way our athletes grow not only as players, but as people." 

Araujo played a major role in developing junior shortstop Sarah Perez to become the 2026 Big West Field Player of the Year and an NFCA All-West Region Third Team recipient. At shortstop, Perez recorded 74 putouts with 103 assists, including 12 double plays. 

He also helped develop sophomore Sarah Coccillos, who was named Big West Defensive Player of the Year after making 38 putouts and 70 assists, at third base. She contributed to eight double plays and posted a .982 fielding percentage at the hot corner.

"Jorge means so much to our staff and entire Titan family," Oaks Garcia said. "I am incredibly proud to call him my associate head coach, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of being a finalist for [D1Softball's] National Assistant Coach of the Year." 

The other Top 25 finalists included: Adrianna Baggetta (Penn State), John Bargfeldt (Arizona State), JT D'Amico (Georgia), Elizabeth Economon (Wichita State), Lisa Fernandez (UCLA), Kat Frakes (Grand Canyon), DJ Gasso (Arkansas), JT Gasso (Oklahoma), Jeff Harger (Texas A&M), Emlyn Knerem (Belmont), Lauren Lappin (Arizona), Corey Lyon (North Carolina), Lance McMahon (Alabama), Matt Meuchel (Arkansas), Diane Miller (Nebraska), Taryne Mowatt-McKinney (Mississippi State), Lisa Navas (South Florida), Bryan Sabatella (Louisville), Lori Sippel (Nebraska), Megan Rhodes Smith (Tennessee), Pattie Ruth Taylor (Texas), Aric Thomas (Florida), Taylor Wike (Duke), and Lea Wodach (Louisiana-Monroe). 

D1Softball will announce its 2026 National Assistant Coach of the Year on Monday, Aug. 31.

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