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Kingwood Jr. RHP/IF Hunter Quentel (Oklahoma State commit)
RELENTLESS: Quentel balances confidence and control as Kingwood defends its crown
“We’re already back to practicing really hard and reinforcing the team-bonding aspect so that we’ll continue to be prepared for the big moments,” Quentel said. “It’s just been about getting back into the same formula that brought us there.”
Kingwood’s title run last spring validated that formula. After falling in the State Semifinals in 2024, the Mustangs returned with purpose, finishing 34-4-1 and conquering the UIL 6A Division II bracket. A 4-1 victory over Forney in Austin delivered the program’s first-ever UIL crown, with Quentel earning State Tournament MVP honors. Individually, she also captured District 23-6A Pitcher of the Year after going 18-3, and she hit just under .500 at the plate, underscoring her value as a two-way contributor.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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Introduced to softball at age four through the Kingwood Girls Softball Association, Quentel has since grown into one of the high school program’s most dependable and poised players.
With a handful of contributors from last year’s lineup now graduated — including Team USA WBSC U-18 World Champion Addyson Sheppard (Stanford), 23-6A MVP Mia Gagliardi (Virginia Tech), and standout second baseman Leilani Garcia (Houston) — skeptics might be quick to question the ballclub.
But the cool, calm, and collected Quentel, along with her teammates, appears ready to put any perceived setbacks to rest.
“I don’t think we’re stressing too much about that,” Quentel said. “We’re piecing things together and understanding how each player fits into the program and our lineup. This team is young but exceptionally talented. As long as we play together and play as one, I see no reason for us to worry.”
The stars of 2025-26 Kingwood SoftballDana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Her approach to softball extends beyond talent and mechanics.
“The most challenging aspect of the sport is getting past the mental blocks that come with it,” Quentel said. “But I think failing is what makes the experience more rewarding. Once you finally see the work pay off, it’s a feeling you can’t replicate. That’s why I’ve learned that giving up or quitting is simply never an option.”
The perspective that drives her play was evident in November, when the Lady Mustangs received their state championship rings during halftime of the football team’s regular-season finale.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
“There’s definitely a lot to like about the ring — I’m actually kind of obsessed with it,” she laughed. “But what I appreciate most is the Buc-ee’s logo imprinted on the inside. We made it a point to stop there after each playoff round, and it eventually became a tradition.”
Calm under pressure, Quentel drives the Mustangs toward a repeat, intent on proving last year’s hardware was fully deserved.
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Whataburger Team of the Week: Kingwood dominates in State Final to claim first-ever title
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Hunter Quentel was named the game’s MVP after a standout two-way performance. Quentel notched seven strikeouts in the circle and delivered the game’s decisive blow with a two-run homer in the third inning.
She finished the season with an 18-3 record and cemented herself as one of the state’s rising stars.
Kingwood jumped out to an early lead with an RBI single from junior third baseman Frei Pizarro in the second. Subsequently, KHS widened the gap the following inning, beginning with an RBI double from senior catcher Mia Gagliardi (Virginia Tech-commit) — who went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI.
Moments later, Quentel launched her home run over the left-field fence, giving Kingwood a comfortable 4-0 lead.
Forney's only run came in the later innings via a sacrifice fly by Ashlyn Oscars, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Kingwood’s grip on the game.
In addition to Quentel, Gagliardi, and Pizarro, several Mustangs were named to the UIL State All-Tournament team, including standout senior shortstop Addy Sheppard (Stanford-commit), senior second baseman Leilani Garcia, sophomore first baseman Kendall Yates, and senior outfielder Abella Mata.
Head Coach Christa Williams-Yates, now in her second year leading the program, guided the Mustangs to their historic title with poise and purpose.
A former Olympian and Texas Longhorn, Williams-Yates was a member of the first team to play at McCombs Field in 1998. Nearly three decades later, she returned to that same field—this time as a coach—to lead Kingwood to its first-ever state crown.
With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, the Kingwood Mustangs have not only made history—they’ve set a new standard for excellence in Texas high school softball.