VYPE caught up with the Pioneers to get some insight on the season.
The stars of 2025-26 Crosby Softball
Much of that confidence begins on the mound with senior right-hander Tori Dahnke, an Idaho State signee and the reigning 18-5A Pitcher of the Year. Dahnke went 13-2 a season ago with a 2.95 ERA while closing in on 200 strikeouts.
Crosby Jr. SS Mackenzie Ross (Wichita State commit)Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Offensively, junior shortstop Mackenzie Ross, a Wichita State commit, is back to energize the batting order after hitting .547 with 31 RBIs and 11 home runs en route to first-team all-district and TGCA All-State honors.
Elsewhere, senior catcher Hannah Daniel (Oakwood University) and sophomore utility Andi Owen—both first-team selections—supply the Cougars with balance and depth, alongside senior outfielder Katy Henderson.
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The stars of 2025-26 Deer Park Softball
To put it in perspective, Deer Park has claimed its district title every year dating back to 2013 (excluding the COVID year), and last spring was no exception—though the competition proved tougher than in recent seasons. From there, the Deer’s hopes for a deep playoff run were dashed by a demanding opening-round series against Atascocita, closing the season at 20-10 overall.
Plenty of talent returns to the mix, propelled by recent Texas Tech signee Braelynn Jones. At her best when controlling the game, Jones will be central to the team’s push this season, as the second-team all-district standout steps into the role of Deer Park’s ace.
Deer Park Sr. RHP Braelynn Jones (Texas Tech signee)Farrah Sheeren (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Trinity-bound Mariah Ramirez (Sr. OF) and Caitlyn Wade (Jr. OF/UT)—both first-team honorees last season—are expected to remain key contributors on both offense and defense. The same can be said for second-team picks Kayla Barras (Sr. OF/Louisiana-Monroe) and Journey Peterson (So. 3B).
Rounding out this senior-heavy roster are second baseman Reily Hernandez (Southwestern) and utility McCartney Pledger (Alvin JC).
Deer Park is poised to return to its winning ways, but the long-term goal will be a serious effort towards the ballclub’s first UIL championship since 2021.
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