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2025-26 Lake Creek Lions Softball
Dana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Simply put, the Lions were an unstoppable force last spring, powering their way through a perfect 37–0 campaign capped by a 12–1 victory over Hallsville in the 5A Division II State Final. The win secured the first state championship under head coach Candyce Carter and the program’s third overall, all within a four-year span.
Now entering her third season at the helm, Carter has a chance to guide Lake Creek to back-to-back titles in Austin, echoing the feat accomplished by legendary coach Michelle Rochinski in 2023. LC certainly has the pieces in place to make it 4-for-5.
Sara Wiggins (Wichita State signee)
Farrah Sheeren (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Senior pitcher Sara Wiggins is a genuine game-changer when she’s dealing. The Wichita State signee went 21–0 en route to State Tournament MVP, District 17-5A MVP, and THSCA Super Elite Team MVP honors in 2025. With her usual relief, Chesney Davis, now at Texas State, Wiggins enters the season unflinching in the face of adversity.
North Carolina-bound Madalyn Davis (Sr. OF) returns atop Carter’s lineup after hitting roughly .580 last season, a performance that earned her the 17-5A Offensive Player of the Year designation.
She’s joined by a senior class rich in collegiate talent, including Miranda Orso (McLennan), Laney Galloway (McNeese State), Gracee Brewer (McNeese State), Addison Davis (UT-Tyler), and Abby Estay (LSU-Eunice), all of whom are signed to play at the next level. Meanwhile, juniors Maci Nowak and Annelise Torres are also primed to step into expanded roles.
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The stars of 2025-26 Kingwood Mustangs Softball
Dana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Now, with a striking new ring to show for it, the team prepares to defend its crown.
Much of Kingwood’s dominance will continue to come from dual-threat junior Hunter Quentel. Recently committed to Oklahoma State, the right-hander went 18–3 last season in the circle and earned 6A Division II State MVP and District 23-6A Pitcher of the Year honors. While the lineup will feature some new combinations, it promises to be just as imposing.
Hunter Quentel (Oklahoma State commit)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
When she’s not sharing the mound with Quentel, Houston signee Frei Pizarro (Sr. RHP/3B) remains a threat at the plate. The same can be said for last season’s 23-6A Defensive Player of the Year and All-Tournament selection Kendall Yates (Jr. 1B/RHP) and senior Lyndsie Gilman (Trinity Valley). Sophomore Samantha Trzecki takes over behind the plate following the graduation of 23-6A MVP Mia Gagliardi (Virginia Tech), while senior Kayla Macicek (Galveston College) patrols the outfield.
Third-year head coach Christa Williams-Yates, a former U.S. Olympian, is supported by KHS alum Jourdyn Campbell (Texas A&M, Louisiana) and Liberty standout Baylee Chandler (Houston Baptist, Texas Lutheran).
Given the talent across the roster and a proven coaching staff, there’s little debate Kingwood enters the season as one of the most well-rounded units in Texas—one that will be hard to beat.
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The stars of 2025-26 Katy Tigers Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Were it not for a stunning 7–5 loss in the Regional Semifinals—sealed by Clear Springs’ Eryn Polite on a three-run walk-off—the path to a 6A Division I title looked very real. Despite that abrupt ending, the Tigers have had ample time to regroup and reload for 2026.
It starts with Oklahoma pledge Ella Kate “EK” Smith (Sr. RHP/OF). A true two-way force, Smith dominated every phase of the game last season, going 11–1 out of the bullpen with a 0.58 ERA and 145 strikeouts, while also hitting .614 with 15 home runs and 45 RBIs. The District 19-6A MVP added another line to her résumé in October, earning a gold medal with the United States U-18 national team at the WSBC World Cup.
Still, it’s far from an EK-only show.
Katy Sr. C Maddie Smith (NC State signee)Farrah Sheeren (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Behind the plate, senior catcher Maddie Smith—an NC State signee—returns after a first-team all-district campaign. Fellow first-team senior Lexie Waugh (UT Arlington) will see time in the outfield when she’s not splitting catching duties. The next wave is already in place, led by first-team infielders Evie Willemssen (Jr., Auburn-commit) and Nevaeh Phillips (So.), while freshman Haley Schmitt (RHP/IF) appears poised for a breakout season.
EK has described this group as “gritty,” and if all goes according to plan, that edge could put Katy in position to hoist its third state championship—and first since 2019.
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