GAMES
RANKINGS
SQUAD GOALS: Sheppard Leads Kingwood's Charge For Another State Run
FRESH OFF WHAT WAS EASILY THEIR MOST MONUMENTAL SEASON IN OVER A DECADE, KINGWOOD RETURNS TO THE DIAMOND WITH MORE HYPE SURROUNDING THEM THAN EVER.
Despite the daunting challenge of facing powerhouse Katy in last year’s Region III-6A Finals, the Mustangs didn’t flinch. They swept one of the nation’s most formidable opponents (Game 1: 6-3, Game 2: 7-6), punching their ticket to the State Tournament for the first time since 2013.
The relatively young team went on to finish as State Semifinalists, and four of their athletes earned spots on the Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) All-State team.
Among them was shortstop Addyson Sheppard, who added District 21-6A MVP to her many accolades from a season fueled by a united team effort.
“I think it came down to believing in each other and working hard from the start,” Sheppard said. “We trusted the process all season, and it paid off. The community support played a huge role—it drove us all the way to Austin and helped us visualize our bigger goal for this year.”
While the players deserve most of the plaudits for their historic achievement, Sheppard was quick to acknowledge the impact of first-year head coach Christa Williams-Yates—a two-time Olympic gold medalist—on the team’s success.
“It’s been a blessing to have Coach Yates leading this program,” she said. “There was a different feel to the team, especially with her guidance and emphasis on the mental side of the game. I feel like that mental toughness has become our greatest strength, and it’s what sets us apart from the rest.”
For the senior Mustang, it’s been about the journey. From picking up a bat at age three to being selected for the USA U-18 Women’s National Team in January, Sheppard has never taken her opportunities for granted.
“Everything comes full circle for me,” Sheppard said. “I started with baseball at the YMCA before moving on to softball, and I’ve been immersed in it ever since. I was obsessed with watching the College World Series growing up.”
Sheppard also emphasized the importance of community in softball.
“I’ve learned that softball is about community—you can’t do it alone. I’m grateful for the coaches and my family who’ve helped me get to where I am, and now I get the chance to continue playing in college.”
Speaking of college, Sheppard made headlines in the off-season when she changed her commitment from Arizona to Stanford in October.
“Arizona is a great school, but I was looking for a university with a stronger emphasis on academics,” she said. “Becoming a physician is my goal, and softball has taught me how to push myself toward big aspirations. Once I got the offer from Stanford, it was hard to turn it down.”
Among the many memorable moments from Kingwood’s historic season last spring, the team’s unofficial mascot, dressed in an inflatable unicorn costume, became a fan favorite during their playoff run.
While traditions like this are hard to beat, Sheppard and her teammates are already brainstorming a new way to celebrate in 2025.
“The unicorn during last year’s playoffs was truly amazing, and something I definitely won’t forget,” Sheppard laughed. “But this year, we’re trying to find something new because we have a new identity. It’s going to be something we can all hold on to and have fun with as we make our way through the season.”
The scary part for the competition is that Kingwood brings back nearly all of its star power, and they’ve already proven they have what it takes to reach the State level.
Now the question is: can they go one step further and claim the program’s first-ever title in May?
PURCHASE YOUR COPY OF THE 2025 VYPE CITY-WIDE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL MAGAZINE HERE
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2024-2025 CITY WIDE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PHOTO SHOOT
CLICK HERE FOR THE DIGITAL COPY OF THE VYPE CITY WIDE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL MAGAZINE
THE RANKINGS: No. 1 - Kingwood Mustangs
Christa Williams-Yates was “her” during her playing days as the top prospect in the country. She played her college ball at Texas and won two Olympic gold medals in 1996 and 2000. She is a USA National Softball Hall of Famer. Her confidence can be seen in her team.
The Mustangs shockingly knocked off the nation’s No. 1 Katy Tiger team in the Regional Finals a year ago to go to the State Final Four. She returns some absolute studs from that team, starting with shortstop Addy Sheppard, who has signed with Stanford. She’s a gamer.
Hunter Quentel will be the ace while Mia Gagliardi (Virginia Tech) will be behind the plate. Leilani Garcia is also a middle-infielder.
The ‘Stangs should cruise through district play and will be on a collision course with Katy deep in the postseason… again. Stay tuned.