SAN DIEGO — University of San Diego softball catcher Natalie McCliman has been selected as a recipient of the Gender Equity in Action Award at the 2026 Gender Equity Awards, presented by the USD Women's Commons. McCliman will be honored at the Gender Equity Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, April 14th at UC Forum C.

"Natalie embodies everything that we hope to see in a student-athlete," said head coach MJ Knighten. "Her commitment to creating spaces where female athletes feel empowered and supported goes far beyond the field, and this award is a testament to the kind of leader she is. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the impact she has made on our program and our campus."

The Gender Equity in Action Award recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership by taking an active role in campus organizations and developing projects and programs that address issues of gender equity. McCliman exemplified that standard through her founding of EmpowerHER, a student-athlete community dedicated to fostering confidence and connection among female student-athletes. Her advocacy extends beyond campus — she organized a personal hygiene drive for a local women's shelter and collaborated with a women-owned health app to help athletes better advocate for their own physical and mental well-being.

McCliman is a senior catcher from Eastvale, California, and has been a member of the Toreros softball program since 2023. Her recognition at the 2026 Gender Equity Awards reflects the values of leadership, service, and community that she has brought to USD both on and off the field.