GAMES
RANKINGS
Lake Creek Sr. RHP Sara Wiggins (Wichita State signee)
UNBOTHERED: Lake Creek’s State MVP Sara Wiggins embodies ice-cold resolve
After reaching the Regional Finals in her debut season as Lake Creek’s head coach in 2024, Carter guided a remarkably stacked roster through a flawless spring. Finishing with an unblemished 37–0 record, the Lions capped the run by claiming the program’s third state championship in four years, punctuating it with a convincing 12–1 victory over Hallsville.
Wiggins stood at the center of that success. In terms of accolades, she earned Most Valuable Player honors on multiple stages, including UIL 5A Division II State Tournament MVP, THSCA Super Elite Team MVP, and District 17-5A MVP recognition.
Despite the résumé, the tone inside the dugout has remained grounded.
“We’re starting over and we still have everything to prove,” Wiggins said. “It’s a new season, and our record from last year doesn’t mean anything right now. We just need to remain composed and start from the basics, because nothing is given and there’s an even bigger target on our backs.”
2025-26 Lake Creek SoftballDana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
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That humility is not accidental. It doesn’t take long to understand where it comes from.
Wiggins quietly refined her craft in high school, waiting in the wings behind 2023 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year Ava Brown, who now stars for the Florida Gators. The experience offered perspective — and patience — long before the spotlight arrived.
Now, the moment has come full circle for the future Wichita State Shocker and her fellow seniors.
“We know firsthand what it’s like to look up to and learn from players of that stature,” Wiggins said. “Obviously, those were big shoes to fill. But we’ve focused on being the best version of ourselves, and it’s paid off. It’s a cool feeling knowing that we, as seniors, are now the ones stepping into that role — especially alongside the people we’ve grown up playing with since Little League.”
Farrah Sheeren (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Carter’s description of Wiggins as “unbothered” is perhaps most evident when the ball is in her hand.
“I feel like my ability to cut out emotion while pitching has become one of my more notable strengths,” Wiggins said. “If something doesn’t go as planned, I don’t think it’s productive to show that frustration. My teammates feed off my energy, so staying positive is vital and definitely impacts the rest of the team.”
As Lake Creek turns the page toward another season that still features the highest of expectations, Wiggins remains exactly where the Lions need her — composed, and unfazed by the crown she now wears.
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EARNED, NOT GIVEN: Lake Creek SB takes home the 5A-D2 State Title, marking their 3rd in 4 years
Under second-year head coach Candyce Carter, the Lions added yet another chapter to a storybook run that continues to shape the landscape of Texas high school softball.
“This is a whole different team,” said junior pitcher and Wichita State-commit Sara Wiggins, who earned MVP honors after striking out 11 batters and allowing just two hits and one earned run.
Jr. RHP Sara Wiggins (Wichita State-commit) is named the UIL 5A-D2 State MVPMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“The fact that we were able to do it again with this combination is just a crazy feeling.”
From the first pitch to the final out, Lake Creek left no doubt.
The Lions wasted no time jumping out in front. Wiggins opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the first inning, and senior first baseman Chesney Davis (Texas State) added another run by reaching on an error, giving Lake Creek an early 2-0 edge.
Hallsville managed to push across a run in the third, briefly narrowing the deficit to 2-1. But that would be the last time the Bobcats threatened.
What followed was a sixth-inning eruption—six runs that put the game out of reach and emphasized just how deep and dangerous Lake Creek’s lineup remains.
Junior outfielders Madalyn Davis and Miranda Orso both went 3-for-4, combining for three RBIs, a triple, and two doubles. Gracee Brewer added a 3-for-5 performance with one RBI, and Chesney Davis knocked in a total of two. Wiggins helped her own cause at the plate as well, finishing 1-for-3 with two RBIs.
“We’ve done pretty well throughout the whole season,” Wiggins said of the team’s mindset heading into the final. “Today was just about going out there and playing our best softball, after defeating the teams before us. That’s how we came out on top.”
New Coach, Same Standard
Lake Creek’s rise to prominence began under longtime head coach Michelle Rochinski. But since taking over in 2023, Carter has maintained the high standard—while also bringing a unique perspective and legacy of her own.
Lake Creek Head Coach Candyce Carter celebrates with her team moments after their win in the 5A-D2 FinalMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“Nothing changed, from the first game that we played this year to the 37th game we played,” Carter said. “The message was, ‘Be present. Be intentional. Understand that we’re going to have to earn it and work hard to achieve it.’ We stuck to that plan and executed it.”
This title marks Carter’s first state championship in Texas, but not her first overall.
In 2021, she guided Barbe High School to a Louisiana state title before transitioning to Texas high school ball. With this win, she joins her father, longtime coach Scott Carter (formerly the HC at Port Neches-Groves), in the rare company of coaches who have won state championships in multiple states.
“My entire family has been so supportive of me throughout my coaching career,” Carter said. “They’re there for every single moment, every win, every loss, every struggle, and every triumph. Of course, my Dad has been a big mentor in my life. He’s the reason that I decided to choose coaching as my profession, and the reason that I intend to continue doing so.”
Carter’s approach clearly resonates with her players.
“Whenever she first took the role of head coach, she made it clear that she wanted to establish a sense of chemistry with the entire team,” said junior outfielder Madalyn Davis. “It was really clear that her goal was to establish a personal relationship with all of us.”
Lake Creek's Madalyn DavisMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Wiggins echoed that sentiment, calling the transition to Carter’s leadership “smooth” due to her pre-existing involvement with the program. “That really helped us to maintain our focus and continue to uphold our standard,” she said.
A Championship That Felt Different
While titles may be becoming the norm in Montgomery county, this one felt distinct for the players who’ve grown up together in the Lake Creek system.
“I feel like this time around was a new experience—at least for me—because I actually played with girls who were closer to my age,” said Davis, a North Carolina-commit. “Before, I was a freshman and I was along for the ride with teammates who were older than me. This time, I got to win it with the girls that I’ve grown up with since I was seven.”
And the community support didn’t go unnoticed.
“It just shows that the chemistry was always there,” said Wiggins of the fan and alumni turnout. “Their support has served as motivation for us.”
Davis added, “It’s really nice to know that the girls who played here before us still go out of their way to cheer us on. It shows that they want what’s best for us and that they continue to wish for us to be successful.”
That continuity and tradition have become hallmarks of the program. Even as new names take the field each year, the culture remains strong—rooted in effort, accountability, and a belief that excellence is the expectation.
A Dynasty Solidified
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Three state championships in four seasons. A perfect record. And a roster filled with juniors and underclassmen poised to return next year.
It’s hard not to look ahead at what’s still possible for Lake Creek. But for Carter and her team, the focus remains on appreciating the present and honoring the journey.
“I think that they’re all special,” Carter said of the championships. “You’ve got to be grateful for every opportunity that you get. Not a lot of coaches or players get to be in this position, so I’ve just been blessed with the chance to see this all unfold.”
If this season was any indication, the story of Lake Creek softball is far from finished.
Sara Wiggins (Jr. RHP -- Lake Creek)
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
