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The stars of 2025-26 Kingwood Mustangs Softball
RUN IT BACK: No. 2 Kingwood refuses to surrender the State Throne
Now, with a striking new ring to show for it, the team prepares to defend its crown.
Much of Kingwood’s dominance will continue to come from dual-threat junior Hunter Quentel. Recently committed to Oklahoma State, the right-hander went 18–3 last season in the circle and earned 6A Division II State MVP and District 23-6A Pitcher of the Year honors. While the lineup will feature some new combinations, it promises to be just as imposing.
Hunter Quentel (Oklahoma State commit)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
When she’s not sharing the mound with Quentel, Houston signee Frei Pizarro (Sr. RHP/3B) remains a threat at the plate. The same can be said for last season’s 23-6A Defensive Player of the Year and All-Tournament selection Kendall Yates (Jr. 1B/RHP) and senior Lyndsie Gilman (Trinity Valley). Sophomore Samantha Trzecki takes over behind the plate following the graduation of 23-6A MVP Mia Gagliardi (Virginia Tech), while senior Kayla Macicek (Galveston College) patrols the outfield.
Third-year head coach Christa Williams-Yates, a former U.S. Olympian, is supported by KHS alum Jourdyn Campbell (Texas A&M, Louisiana) and Liberty standout Baylee Chandler (Houston Baptist, Texas Lutheran).
Given the talent across the roster and a proven coaching staff, there’s little debate Kingwood enters the season as one of the most well-rounded units in Texas—one that will be hard to beat.
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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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