Softball On SI

Washington Softball Benefits from Historic House Settlement

Allison Smith|
June 2: Washington's Rylee Holtorf rounds third base past head coach Heather Tarr after hitting a two-run homer against Utah in the second inning. The Huskies won Game 4 of the WCWS 4-1.
June 2: Washington's Rylee Holtorf rounds third base past head coach Heather Tarr after hitting a two-run homer against Utah in the second inning. The Huskies won Game 4 of the WCWS 4-1. | Bryan Terry / USA TODAY NETWORK

In the collegiate athletic landscape, men's football and basketball are rightfully sitting in the revenue distribution driver's seat.

However, Washington Husky athletics recently announced that, in addition to football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, and softball would also reap the revenue distribution benefits.

Athletic departments can share up to $20.5 million with their athletes and the discretion to determine what sports to prioritize is institutionally based. Pat Chun, Washington's athletic director has decided to validate the rich history of the softball program and its popularity in Seattle.

Washington Softball under head coach Heather Tarr has been able to create a culture of winning and success as the Huskies have secured four regular season titles, competed in the NCAA post season for 31 consecutive years, reached the Women's College World Series 15 times, and were runners-up in 1996, 1999, and 2018, and won the national title in 2009.

Washington coach Heather Tarr talks with Sami Reynolds (10) during a softball game between Utah and Washington in the WCWS.
Washington coach Heather Tarr talks with Sami Reynolds (10) during a softball game between Utah and Washington in the Women's College World Series at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Friday, June 2, 2023. Washington won 4-1. | BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Thus, Tarr feels that her program is put on a pedastal compared to other softball programs around th country. She said in an interview with the Seattle Times, "Not every conference and school are going to put softball on that pedastal. Pat Chun and our administration have done that for us, and it's huge. It's a big step."

It is important to recognize that although softball is receiving compensation it pails in comparison to football and men's and women's basketball.

However, Tarr is grateful for the support provided by her athletic department and realizes that in the new era of college athletics and the transfer portal, being able to offer potential softball players revenue share will allow her to continue to recruit top talent.

Tarr stated, "There are a lot of other sports that didn't have that opportunity whether it be at our school or other schools, so we feel very supported by that."

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Allison Smith
ALLISON SMITH

Allison Smith is an expert in leadership and organizational behavior in collegiate and professional women’s sports. Smith is a professor (Georgia State University), researcher, and writer. Smith holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in Kinesiology and Sport Studies. Smith’s research centers on combatting the underrepresentation of women leaders in sport, lack of organizational structure for work life integration for sport employees, and lack of programming and oversight for preparing athletes to transition to life after sport. Since graduating with a bachelor’s in journalism in 2011, Smith has sought opportunities to write about sports as a contributing writer focused on the growth of women’s collegiate, Olympic, and professional sports in this new age and movement for multiple outlets including Athletic Director U, and now Forbes.com. As a former Division I and II pitcher and Division III pitching coach Smith will bring unique insight and expertise to Softball on SI.

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