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The stars of 2025-26 Katy Taylor Baseball
STRAIGHT OUT THE GATE: No. 6 Katy Taylor chases historic State debut this spring
A 26-13-1 finish set the stage for what could be another deep spring as fifth-year head coach Russell Krenek welcomes back nine starters and continues to stack wins, now sitting at 91–53 at Katy Taylor and 266 overall.
The tone is set by Texas commit Bryce Krenek, a polished left-hander coming off a second-team all-state season and first-team all-district honors. He headlines a group that blends experience with flexibility across the diamond.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
Shortstop Davidenko Rodriguez (UTSA) returns after earning honorable mention all-district recognition, while Ryan Hernis (Hill College) and Dylan Muniz (Angelina College) add depth and reliability. The lineup features proven production in the outfield with Zach Larsen and Cole Holsomback, alongside versatile pieces like Carlos Gamba, Caden Stambolis, Raul Leal, and David Harris. Zac Phillips and Matthew Campbell round out a roster built to adapt.
Krenek’s message is simple: play smart, enjoy the ride, and find a way to run it back.
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The stars of 2025-26 Katy Tigers Softball
GRIT OVER GLAMOUR: Unmoved by the hype, No. 3 Katy aims for a third ring
Were it not for a stunning 7–5 loss in the Regional Semifinals—sealed by Clear Springs’ Eryn Polite on a three-run walk-off—the path to a 6A Division I title looked very real. Despite that abrupt ending, the Tigers have had ample time to regroup and reload for 2026.
It starts with Oklahoma pledge Ella Kate “EK” Smith (Sr. RHP/OF). A true two-way force, Smith dominated every phase of the game last season, going 11–1 out of the bullpen with a 0.58 ERA and 145 strikeouts, while also hitting .614 with 15 home runs and 45 RBIs. The District 19-6A MVP added another line to her résumé in October, earning a gold medal with the United States U-18 national team at the WSBC World Cup.
Still, it’s far from an EK-only show.
Katy Sr. C Maddie Smith (NC State signee)Farrah Sheeren (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Behind the plate, senior catcher Maddie Smith—an NC State signee—returns after a first-team all-district campaign. Fellow first-team senior Lexie Waugh (UT Arlington) will see time in the outfield when she’s not splitting catching duties. The next wave is already in place, led by first-team infielders Evie Willemssen (Jr., Auburn-commit) and Nevaeh Phillips (So.), while freshman Haley Schmitt (RHP/IF) appears poised for a breakout season.
EK has described this group as “gritty,” and if all goes according to plan, that edge could put Katy in position to hoist its third state championship—and first since 2019.
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