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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.
Kingwood's Addy Sheppard & Mia Gagliardi cap off their high school careers as State Champions
PROVED IT: Kingwood captures program's inaugural title, defeating Forney in the 6A-D2 State Final
“I have no words,” said sophomore pitcher Hunter Quentel, who was named State Tournament MVP after striking out seven and adding a home run and two RBIs in the Final. “I’m just super excited and happy that we got to experience this together.”
Sophomore RHP Hunter Quentel is named the 6A-D2 State MVPMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Quentel, who finished the season with an 18-3 record, played beyond her years in the biggest game of the season. She worked through pressure situations with composure and delivered at the plate, breaking the game open in the third inning with a towering two-run homer that gave Kingwood a 4-0 lead.
Before that, junior third baseman Frei Pizarro had put the Mustangs on the board with an RBI single in the second inning.
Senior Catcher Mia GagliardiMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
The momentum carried into the third, as senior catcher Mia Gagliardi—one of the emotional leaders of the team—cracked a double to left-center to drive in another run. Then came Quentel’s blast, a no-doubt shot over the left field fence.
“I’ve seen such growth out of her,” said head coach Christa Williams-Yates of her sophomore ace. “She’s been amazing this year and has such a bright future ahead. It’s one that I look forward to seeing.”
Forney’s lone run came later in the game via a sacrifice fly from Ashlyn Oscars, but the Mustangs held firm behind Quentel’s arm and airtight defense.
The game was a microcosm of Kingwood’s season—steady, efficient, and resilient. Each player seemed to understand their role and deliver in key moments.
Gagliardi finished 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI, closing out a stellar high school career before heading to Virginia Tech.
Senior second baseman Leilani Garcia added two hits and scored a run, while Pizarro and Quentel provided the punch in the middle of the lineup.
(Left to Right) -- Kingwood's Frei Pizzaro, Leilani Garcia, and Hunter QuentelMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
In addition to their on-field performance, Gagliardi, Garcia, Pizarro, Quentel, and outfielder Abella Mata were all named to the All-Tournament team. So was senior shortstop Addy Sheppard, a Stanford-commit who was the heart and soul of the group throughout their monumental run.
“It’s unbelievable,” Sheppard said. “We had a mission and we stuck it out all year. I’m really proud of us and what we were able to do.”
Senior SS Addy SheppardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
That mission was rooted in redemption.
A year ago, the Mustangs fell short in the state semifinals, losing to Midway. That loss fueled their offseason and shaped their approach from the first pitch of 2025.
“We definitely learned from every experience,” Sheppard added. “It came into play during this game and throughout the playoffs. We really ‘proved it.’”
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Gagliardi echoed the sentiment: “We were just trying to overcome every obstacle we faced this year. We knew there would be adversity, so it was just about finding a way to get through it. That’s what led us to this moment.”
The championship also marks a milestone for Coach Williams-Yates, now in her second year at the helm.
The former Olympian and Texas Longhorn was part of the inaugural team to play at McCombs Field in 1998, and now returns nearly three decades later to win her first title as a head coach on the very same field.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
“There are a lot of similarities between those teams and Kingwood,” she said. “They had a passion to be the best, and winning here, on top of it being Kingwood’s first and my first championship as a coach, is something that’s truly special.”
Williams-Yates also highlighted the mental toughness of her team—something that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet but made the difference throughout the playoffs.
“My initial reaction is happiness and a sense of pride,” she said. “These girls worked so hard and overcame more than what anyone else would ever know. I’m proud to be their coach and wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Senior leaders like Gagliardi, Garcia, Sheppard, and Mata leave behind a legacy that helped transform the program from contender to champion. And with Quentel, Pizarro, and sophomore first baseman Kendall Yates returning, the future remains bright.
Garcia, who went 2-for-3 in her final game, summed it up best: “From the beginning, this was our goal. Now we’re here. We finished. We delivered. We proved it.”
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
As for the team’s immediate celebration?
“The first thing we did was eat at Pappasito’s,” Williams-Yates said with a smile. “From there, we can sit back and let it all sink in. Most of my girls play summer ball, and I’m just hoping they can make some time to really enjoy this moment. It’s something that nobody can ever take away from them.”
Now, they’re not just a great team—they’re a championship team.
And history will remember them as the first Kingwood squad to get it done.