BASES LOADED: No. 2 Pearland enters Hyden era, in hopes of a repeat at State
No. 2 -- Pearland Oilers
A new era dawns at Pearland as Michele Hyden takes over the Lady Oilers softball program in place of legendary coach Laneigh Clark, who retired after leading Pearland to the Class 6A State Championship in 2023 to cap what will be a Hall of Fame coaching career with 688 career wins.
Hyden is not new to the program, having been at Pearland for 26 years and the last 10-plus as an associate head coach with Clark.
The Lady Oilers return three starters off last year’s 41-win team, including LSU-commit Kaylee Schweitzer, Raenna Liscano (ULL-signee, TGCA All-Star), Trinity Perry (TWU-signee, State All Tournament Team), Laila Nobles (UNT-commit), Julia St. John (ETBU), Emrie Ashcraft (Vernon) and Carly Carpenter (LCU).
Other players to watch include Layla Bennett and Kayliegh Monsef.
It wouldn't come as a shock to see Pearland back in Austin, once June rolls around.