Sharlize Palacios is a professional catcher for the Utah Talons with a decorated college career at the University of Arizona and UCLA. A native of Chula Vista, California, Palacios comes from a softball family; her sister Sashel is a former Olympian who competed for Mexico. Across five college seasons, Palacios started 228 games, posted a .338 career batting average, and hit 69 home runs with 218 RBI.
Career Highlights
Palacios spent three seasons at Arizona from 2020 to 2022, helping the Wildcats reach the Women’s College World Series twice. She then transferred to UCLA for 2023 and 2024. Her 2024 season was exceptional: she batted .366 with a Pac-12-leading 20 home runs and league-leading .876 slugging percentage, earning 2024 Pac-12 Tournament MVP and NFCA Second Team All-America honors. She was a four-time All-Pac-12 honoree and three-time Pac-12 All-Defensive Team member.
AUSL Profile
Palacios joined the Utah Talons for the inaugural 2025 AUSL season, starting 22 of 24 regular-season games at catcher. She was named to the AUSL All-Defensive Team, recognizing her elite work behind the plate. Palacios was part of the Talons’ inaugural championship-winning roster.
FAQ
Q: Where did Sharlize Palacios play before UCLA?
A: Palacios played three seasons at the University of Arizona (2020-2022), helping the Wildcats reach the WCWS twice before transferring to UCLA.
Q: What made Palacios’ 2024 UCLA season notable?
A: She led the Pac-12 in home runs (20) and slugging percentage (.876) and was named 2024 Pac-12 Tournament MVP and NFCA Second Team All-American.
Q: What recognition did Palacios receive in the AUSL?
A: Palacios was named to the AUSL All-Defensive Team in 2025 and was part of the Talons’ inaugural championship roster.