No. 6 -- Atascocita Eagles
Coach Ashley Boyd and the Eagles were inches away from a Final Four berth in the 6A Division I bracket a year ago. Though Atascocita ultimately fell in Game 3 of a truly epic series against Clear Springs, the team’s 30–8 record and four-round playoff run spoke volumes.
As is often the case, consistency and experience in high-pressure moments define a program’s staying power—both of which remain in abundant supply at AHS.
That foundation begins with District 23-6A Offensive Player of the Year and TGCA All-State selection Rhilynn McCoy, who returns at shortstop. The senior Louisiana Tech signee hit well over .500 last season, driving in 35 runs and adding five home runs to anchor the lineup. Just as imposing—if not more so—is Texas State–bound senior outfielder Kaitlyn Miller. Miller hit just under .450 while posting a monstrous 60 RBIs and 13 home runs, earning NFCA All-American, TGCA All-State, and first-team all-district honors.
Rhilynn McCoy (Louisiana Tech)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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Kaitlyn Miller (Texas State)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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District second-teamers Marigny Thomas (Sam Houston State), Cailynn Ruzick (Sr. 3B), and outfielder Ava Pittman (LeTourneau) also return, further reinforcing a lineup few opposing pitchers will approach lightly. In the circle, the Eagles will turn to right-hander Maya Hernandez (San Jac), who steps into the ace role following a junior outing in which she went 14–6 and earned a District 23-6A Rookie of the Year nomination.
Suffice it to say, all the pieces are in place for Atascocita to challenge for district supremacy—and perhaps evoke memories of the program’s lone UIL title run in 2018.
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