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2025-26 Lake Creek Lions Softball
HISTORY IN MOTION: No. 1 Lake Creek needs no introduction in its second Repeat Mission
Simply put, the Lions were an unstoppable force last spring, powering their way through a perfect 37–0 campaign capped by a 12–1 victory over Hallsville in the 5A Division II State Final. The win secured the first state championship under head coach Candyce Carter and the program’s third overall, all within a four-year span.
Now entering her third season at the helm, Carter has a chance to guide Lake Creek to back-to-back titles in Austin, echoing the feat accomplished by legendary coach Michelle Rochinski in 2023. LC certainly has the pieces in place to make it 4-for-5.
Sara Wiggins (Wichita State signee)
Farrah Sheeren (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Senior pitcher Sara Wiggins is a genuine game-changer when she’s dealing. The Wichita State signee went 21–0 en route to State Tournament MVP, District 17-5A MVP, and THSCA Super Elite Team MVP honors in 2025. With her usual relief, Chesney Davis, now at Texas State, Wiggins enters the season unflinching in the face of adversity.
North Carolina-bound Madalyn Davis (Sr. OF) returns atop Carter’s lineup after hitting roughly .580 last season, a performance that earned her the 17-5A Offensive Player of the Year designation.
She’s joined by a senior class rich in collegiate talent, including Miranda Orso (McLennan), Laney Galloway (McNeese State), Gracee Brewer (McNeese State), Addison Davis (UT-Tyler), and Abby Estay (LSU-Eunice), all of whom are signed to play at the next level. Meanwhile, juniors Maci Nowak and Annelise Torres are also primed to step into expanded roles.
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Lake Creek Sr. RHP Sara Wiggins (Wichita State signee)
UNBOTHERED: Lake Creek’s State MVP Sara Wiggins embodies ice-cold resolve
After reaching the Regional Finals in her debut season as Lake Creek’s head coach in 2024, Carter guided a remarkably stacked roster through a flawless spring. Finishing with an unblemished 37–0 record, the Lions capped the run by claiming the program’s third state championship in four years, punctuating it with a convincing 12–1 victory over Hallsville.
Wiggins stood at the center of that success. In terms of accolades, she earned Most Valuable Player honors on multiple stages, including UIL 5A Division II State Tournament MVP, THSCA Super Elite Team MVP, and District 17-5A MVP recognition.
Despite the résumé, the tone inside the dugout has remained grounded.
“We’re starting over and we still have everything to prove,” Wiggins said. “It’s a new season, and our record from last year doesn’t mean anything right now. We just need to remain composed and start from the basics, because nothing is given and there’s an even bigger target on our backs.”
2025-26 Lake Creek SoftballDana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
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That humility is not accidental. It doesn’t take long to understand where it comes from.
Wiggins quietly refined her craft in high school, waiting in the wings behind 2023 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year Ava Brown, who now stars for the Florida Gators. The experience offered perspective — and patience — long before the spotlight arrived.
Now, the moment has come full circle for the future Wichita State Shocker and her fellow seniors.
“We know firsthand what it’s like to look up to and learn from players of that stature,” Wiggins said. “Obviously, those were big shoes to fill. But we’ve focused on being the best version of ourselves, and it’s paid off. It’s a cool feeling knowing that we, as seniors, are now the ones stepping into that role — especially alongside the people we’ve grown up playing with since Little League.”
Farrah Sheeren (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Carter’s description of Wiggins as “unbothered” is perhaps most evident when the ball is in her hand.
“I feel like my ability to cut out emotion while pitching has become one of my more notable strengths,” Wiggins said. “If something doesn’t go as planned, I don’t think it’s productive to show that frustration. My teammates feed off my energy, so staying positive is vital and definitely impacts the rest of the team.”
As Lake Creek turns the page toward another season that still features the highest of expectations, Wiggins remains exactly where the Lions need her — composed, and unfazed by the crown she now wears.
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