Speedy Arguijo Gives Wildcats a Threat on the Bases
Evan Nemec
2/25/2026
Ciana Arguijo didn’t waste any time announcing her arrival at Abilene Christian. Just a few weeks into her first season, the freshman outfielder has already carved out a critical role at the top of the lineup, bringing a new dimension of speed and energy to the Wildcats’ offense.
Through 14 games, Arguijo has hit leadoff in 11 of them and started 13 in the outfield. Her quickness on the bases has been a game-changer for ACU, which lacked that element last season. She’s swiped eight bases on 10 attempts — a pace that puts pressure on opposing defenses every time she reaches first.
“Getting the opportunity at leadoff and to start the game, I think it’s a really important position,” Arguijo said. “I just do my best to get on — whether it’s a walk, a hit, or getting hit by a pitch — whatever it takes to start the game strong for my team.”
Finding Her Place at the Top
Arguijo, who came to ACU from Leander Rouse High School near her hometown of Round Rock, Texas, has embraced the responsibility that comes with leading off. She knows her job is simple: set the tone and trust the hitters behind her.
Her approach is aggressive but disciplined. If there’s an extra base to take, she’s going for it.
“I just take extra 60s because I know that puts me in position,” she said, referring to advancing 60 feet at a time. “Offense is a big part of the game, and if I can move over and get another base, I know the people behind me will bat me in. We can win the game that way.”
ACU was not a threat on the basepaths in 2025. The Wildcats' leader in stolen bases was Roo Stone with five. As a team, ACU swiped 21 bags all season which ranked 268th in the country.
Arguijo's speed is a weapon, and it’s changed the way the Wildcats manufacture runs. When she takes off, she’s not just trying to steal a base — she’s trying to energize the dugout.
“There’s a rush of adrenaline,” Arguijo said. “Base running is really important in the game. It kind of gets overlooked a lot, but it’s a fun part of the game for me.”
A Green Light — and Confidence
With that speed comes freedom. The Wildcats’ staff has given the freshman a license to run when she sees an opening.
“It’s just the green light for me with top speed,” she said. “If I see something in the game, I’ll take the extra 60. If coach calls a sign, I’ll do it, but I have the green light.”
That trust from the coaching staff has helped Arguijo settle in quickly. She credits head coach Jo Koons and the program’s culture for making her transition from high school to college softball feel seamless.
"She's got elite speed. The biggest thing for her is just to get on base," said Koons, ACU's second-year head coach. "She has so may different tools to do that, and not backing down just because a certain defense is on her, and they're pitching her a certain way.
"I have no doubt she'll set a program record here."
Thriving at ACU
Away from the field, Arguijo is double-majoring in marketing and business management. She’s not sure exactly what she wants to do yet, but she’s drawn to the marketing side of business and could see herself working with an athletic team one day.
She’s also found a home in ACU’s campus community.
“I like the community here,” she said. “It’s very close-knit, and that’s not something you get at a lot of bigger places. The smaller class sizes mean the professors are more one-on-one, and everyone’s super nice and helpful. At other schools you might get looked over, but here people really care.”
That support system was on full display earlier this season when the Wildcats played in Austin at Texas' Bevo Classic. With the games close to home, Arguijo had a crowd in the stands.
“A lot of my family came because we were so close to home,” she said. “My uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins — even some of my best friends from home came. That was awesome.”
Looking Ahead to Lubbock
Now, Arguijo and the Wildcats turn their attention to a big week in Lubbock at the Jeannine McHaney Memorial Classic, where they’ll face No. 2 Texas Tech on Thursday at 5 p.m. It’s another opportunity for the freshman to set the table against elite competition — and another chance for ACU to show that its new brand of speed can keep up with anyone.
If the first month of her college career is any indication, Arguijo will be right in the middle of it — sprinting, sliding, and sparking the Wildcats from the very first pitch.
ACU will also play Detroit Mercy and North Texas on Friday, and then Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and North Texas on Saturday.