GAMES
RANKINGS
Clear Springs' Erianna Garcia
THE PLAYMAKERS: Dominators of the Diamond powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Softball Athletes of the Week, as we enter the district portion of the Spring season.
...
Kaylee Schweitzer -- Pearland Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Oilers have wasted no time proving themselves as contenders once again.
Under second-year head coach Michelle Hyden, Pearland has stormed to a 18-6 record this spring, including a definitive 8-0 start in District 22-6A play. Their latest statement came in a commanding 17-1 victory over Sam Rayburn on .
While the team’s success has been a collective effort, senior outfielder Kaylee Schweitzer has been a driving force behind their resurgence.
A UT-Arlington-commit, Schweitzer was part of Pearland’s 2023 state championship team and played a key role in last year’s playoff run to the Regional Quarterfinals.
With standout teammates like Payton Shugart (Texas State), Layla Bennett (Central Florida), and Laila Nobles (North Texas), the Oilers have all the tools to make another deep postseason push—and perhaps, another run at a state title.
Erianna Garcia -- Clear Springs Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
With head coach Jennifer Knight at the helm, Clear Springs has powered its way to an impressive 11-2 start, earning recognition from MaxPreps, which currently ranks them No. 9 in Texas.
Winners of 6-straight, the Chargers have dominated early district play, securing decisive victories over Clear Brook (19-7), Clear Lake (7-6), Brazoswood (13-2), and most recently, Clear Falls (17-3).
A high-powered offense has been the driving force behind the team’s success, headlined by standout senior catcher Erianna Garcia, an Abilene Christian-commit.
Garcia leads the Chargers with a .543 batting average, 24 RBIs, and five home runs, making her one of the most dangerous hitters in the district.
While she’s complemented by strong performances from Makenzie Thomas (.463 BA, 16 RBI, 5 HR), Alana Strever (.449 BA, 14 RBI, 1 HR), and Eryn Polite (.370 BA, 12 RBI, 2 HR), Garcia remains the undisputed alpha of a lineup poised to make a deep postseason run in the coming months.
Braelynn Jones -- Deer Park Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Riding a nine-game winning streak, Deer Park improved to 15-4 on the season with a thrilling 7-5 victory over Clear Lake, sealed by freshman Journey Calderon's walk-off home run on Friday.
The win also marked a 4-0 start in District 24-6A play, an encouraging sign for a program eager to bounce back after last year’s Area Round exit.
With tough district competition ahead, the Deer have already proven they can handle top-tier opponents, securing key wins over defending 6A state champion Weslaco, Keller (13-5-1), and Pearland (17-6) earlier this season.
Leading the charge is ace pitcher Braelynn Jones, a Texas Tech commit, who has shown poise in high-pressure moments—most notably during the Barbers Hill Tournament in early March, where she delivered numerous clutch performances with senior Madi Alvarado (Temple) providing relief.
Offensively, Deer Park boasts plenty of firepower, with standout contributions from Mia Montemayor (Texas Southern), Aleena Carrizales (Texas Southern), Camryn Plocheck (Texas State), Zoie Powell (San Jacinto CC), and the rising star Calderon.
This should keep some of the pressure off of Jones, when the Deer eventually turn their attention towards the postseason.
Charleigh Esparza -- Friendswood Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood is off to one of its hottest starts in years, boasting a near-perfect 19-1 record as they enter the first half of district play (4-0).
Their lone setback came in a tightly contested 5-3 loss to 6A powerhouse Clear Springs in late February. However, the Mustangs remain focused as they navigate a competitive District 20-5A, which features strong opponents like Angleton and La Porte.
Among the key contributors for coach Jarrod Hunter’s squad, senior Charleigh Esparza has been the steady force at the heart of the lineup.
The Baylor-commit has not only provided offensive firepower but also anchors the team defensively as the catcher, guiding the Mustangs with her leadership and experience.
With a playoff berth all but certain, Friendswood has its sights set on a deeper run, and with Esparza leading the charge, they’ll be a tough team to stop.
Persephone Soria -- Dobie Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Though the first half of the season has been filled with ups and downs, a strong 6-2 start to district play has Dobie (10-8) firmly in the playoff conversation.
Offense hasn’t been a concern for coach Robin Rackley’s squad, as the Longhorns have lit up the scoreboard against tough opponents such as Dawson (19-3), O’Connor (9-1), and Manvel (14-1) this season.
That production has been fueled by a well-balanced lineup featuring Chloe Nunez (.515 BA, 8 RBI), Amaya Corona (.367 BA, 15 RBI, 1 HR), and Lili Sepulveda (.302 BA, 19 RBI, 1 HR), among others.
However, the emergence of sophomore Persephone Soria has been a difference-maker. Soria is hitting for a .386 average, while having contributed 18 RBIs, including three doubles, two triples, and a home run.
Dobie hasn’t missed the playoffs in over a decade, and if Soria and company continue their strong play, that streak isn’t ending anytime soon.
Dobie's Taylor Pleasants (No. 17) and Lake Creek's Maddie McKee leading No. 2 LSU
TEXAS TIGERS: Houston stars sparking No 2 LSU softball
“LSU and Baton Rouge are very similar to Houston, like the weather and the people,” Pleasants said. “It’s the people that really are the biggest difference. They make you feel like one of theirs and that this is ‘your’ home. The food is incredible also.”
LSU Sports Information
Taylor Pleasants
Taylor doesn’t have any intention leaving any time soon.
“I’m staying next year to finish my Masters degree and be a graduate assistant here,” she said. “Honestly, I hate being a senior… I’d rather be a freshman. Who would want to leave this place? You have so much support here and it’s really fun.
“I love coaching. This is what I’m going to do in the future. I want to specialize on defense… It’s the best part of the game.”
While Pleasants is wrapping up her playing career at LSU with hopes of being drafted in the Athletes Unlimited or play for USA Softball this summer, freshman Maddie McKee is just beginning her journey after winning back-to-back State Championships at Lake Creek.
“We are an older team with girls who have transferred in and who were already here,” he said. “They have a lot of experience and that is a big reason why we are so good… that senior leadership. The transition has been a little weird, but I’ve always wanted to earn what I got. I’m just starting over here. Next year, we are going to be young and I’ll be fighting to be a starter.
“The transition to college is bigger than I thought. It’s more about time management, being away from home and recreating yourself. But, the great thing about LSU is that it’s only a four-hour drive from home, so my parents can come see me play every weekend.”
With an NIL deal already signed with the Gordan McKernan Law Firm, McKee is projected to be an important piece of LSU softball’s future.
“At LSU, everyone has your back,” she said. “Our fans are incredible along with the coaches and facilities.”McKee, who played shortstop in high school, has been used as a utility player this season and has started at third base a few games.
Playing behind an All-SEC shortstop means limited playing time, but next year Pleasants could be passing the baton to McKee as the quarterback of the defense. Pleasants will be influential her development.
“This is my Mom, at LSU,” McKee said of Pleasants.
“My advice? Don’t be afraid to be different,” Pleasants said. “Stick with who you are.”
Three more Houstonians have signed or committed to LSU in the next two years, and Georgia Clark (Stratford), who led the Tigers in home runs in 2023, and Shelbi Sunseri (Santa Fe), the No. 3 all-time LSU leader in home runs, graduated in 2022.
It doesn't hurt that coach Beth Torino was also an assistant coach at the University of Houston from 2003-07 and is familiar with the area's talent.
So, who is next?
Braelyn Daniels of Ridge Point and Kaylee Schweitzer of Pearland will head to Baton Rouge this summer, while Katy pitcher Lauryn Soeken is just a junior.
“Houston is completely loaded with talent,” Pleasants said. “Being around all that talent just gets you ready for the college game.”
The game right now is LSU for some of the Bayou City’s finest.