| 1996 NCAA Division I softball season | |
|---|---|
| Defending Champions | UCLA |
| Tournament | |
| Women's College World Series | |
| Champions | Arizona (4th title) |
| Runners-up | Washington (1st WCWS Appearance) |
| Winning Coach | Mike Candrea (4th title) |
| WCWS MOP | Jenny Dalton (Arizona) |
| Seasons | |
The 1996 NCAA Division I softball season, play of college softball in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I level, began in February 1996. The season progressed through the regular season, many conference tournaments and championship series, and concluded with the 1996 NCAA Division I softball tournament and 1996 Women's College World Series. The Women's College World Series, consisting of the eight remaining teams in the NCAA Tournament and held in Columbus, Georgia at Golden Park, ended on May 27, 1996.