GAMES
RANKINGS
The stars of 2025-26 Katy Tigers Softball
GRIT OVER GLAMOUR: Unmoved by the hype, No. 3 Katy aims for a third ring
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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