THE TIER LIST: VYPE SATX Preseason Softball Rankings; Smithson Valley, Harlan lead the opening stages
As the weather begins to heat up, so too does the 2025 UIL softball season.
In the San Antonio area, several teams stand out as potential contenders to represent Region IV this spring.
Smithson Valley comes off a strong 2024 campaign, securing over 30 wins and advancing three rounds into the postseason. They’re poised to be a major force in the 5A classification.
Though Harlan was eliminated in Round 2 last year, they possess enough talent to make a deeper playoff run this season. However, they'll face stiff competition in District 29-6A, where Regional Finalist Brennan and Quarterfinalist O'Connor will be the biggest challengers to the Hawks.
Clemens, another team that quietly reached the fourth round in 2024, looks set to build on that success this spring.
Meanwhile, East Central, Cibolo Steele, and McCollum are also among the hopefuls to watch in 2025.
With the race to Red & Charline McCombs Field underway, here’s a closer look at San Antonio’s heavy-hitters heading into the new season.
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*Parentheses indicates current district
*Last section indicates 2024 result
VYPE SAN ANTONIO SOFTBALL TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)
1. Smithson Valley Rangers (26-5A) -- 31-9; 13-1 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
2. Harlan Hawks (29-6A) -- 23-8; 13-3 (Area Finalists)
3. Brennan Bears (29-6A) -- 31-8; 15-1 (Regional Finalists)
4. Clemens Buffaloes (27-6A) -- 29-10; 5-5 (Regional Semifinalists)
5. O'Connor Panthers (29-6A) -- 23-13; 9-7 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
6. East Central Hornets (27-6A) -- 26-8-1; 8-2 (Area Finalists)
7. Cibolo Steele Knights (27-6A) -- 13-15; 5-5 (Area Finalists)
8. SA McCollum Cowboys (28-5A) -- 19-9; 11-3 (Area Finalists)
9. SA Veterans Memorial Patriots (26-5A) -- 21-9; 10-4 (Bi-District Finalists)
10. New Braunfels Unicorns (26-5A) -- 21-9-1; 4-6 (6A*)
Honorable Mentions: Comal Canyon (27-6A), Holmes (29-6A), Taft (29-6A), South San Antonio (28-5A), Southwest (28-5A), SA Madison (28-6A), SA Johnson (28-6A)
