GAMES
RANKINGS
The stars of 2025-26 St. Agnes Academy Softball
THE BREAKDOWN: VYPE's Private School Softball Prospectus; Episcopal, St. Agnes lead the Top-5
3. The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors
4. Lutheran South Academy Pioneers
5. Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles
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Others to Watch:
(Alphabetical Order)
Concordia Lutheran Crusaders, Cypress Christian Warriors, Houston Christian Mustangs, St. John’s School Mavericks, St. John XXIII Lions, St. Pius X Panthers
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1. Episcopal Knights (SPC 4A)
Dana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
The Knights remain in a class of their own within Texas private school softball.
That distinction was reinforced yet again in 2025, when Episcopal (22-3) edged St. John’s 3-2 last May. The victory not only secured the program’s eighth consecutive SPC title, but also marked the 10th championship for head coach Caitlyn Cain and company since 2014—and the 23rd overall.
Maintaining that level of consistency is never a given, yet it has come to feel almost routine for the group Episcopal brings back to the diamond.
Left-hander Jordan Bey enters her senior season looking to mirror last year’s All-SPC form before heading to Sacramento State. Fellow All-SPC selections Claire Johnson (Sr., C) and Hayleigh Hubbard (Jr., SS) anchor the middle of the defense alongside senior first baseman Addison Conner.
At the plate, Memphis commit Alexis Johnson (Jr., OF) looms as the lineup’s most dangerous presence, bringing an explosive element to Caitlyn Cain’s offense, with senior Elliot Loper adding further stability in the outfield.
2. St. Agnes Academy Tigers (TAPPS DI)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
A familiar face now guides perennial power St. Agnes, as four-year assistant Tyler Dobson was elevated to head coach last June. Well acquainted with the Tigers’ standard, Dobson takes over a group that finished 17-6-1 a season ago and advanced to the TAPPS Division I State Semifinals.
Though Antonian halted St. Agnes’ bid for back-to-back titles, a wealth of battle-tested returners remains in place—signaling that all systems are go, as Dobson begins her debut directing the program.
Harvard-bound senior Kyra Nguyen remains the team’s most dynamic chess piece, thriving in her utility position after earning first-team all-state honors a year ago. In the circle, junior left-hander Penelope England returns with an eye toward building even stronger chemistry with senior catcher Nisha Suneja, as both were first-team all-district selections in 2025.
Rounding out the group, second-team honorees Anna Morton (Jr. OF) and Kirsten Moon (So. RHP) are poised to embrace expanded roles as the season unfolds.
3. The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors (TAPPS DII)
Dana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Fresh off one of the program’s most productive seasons to date, TWCA surged to a 21-7-1 record, a run that culminated with a Final Four appearance in the TAPPS Division II playoffs.
Replacing the production of stars such as pitcher Keira Crosby (Clemson) and infielder Alexis Osterhaus (Army) will be no small undertaking. Even so, third-year head coach Joshua Culp retains a lineup rich with proven talent, positioning the Warriors to avoid missing a beat this spring.
Reagan Rohrlich (Sr. SS/OF) returns to help propel the Warriors’ latest push toward a potential State run after earning first-team all-state honors a season ago. The Texas A&M signee is joined in the infield by senior Kate Rouswell, a second-team all-state selection who provides additional stability up the middle.
Taking over as the ace in the circle is junior RHP Marissa Clarke, a first-team all-district honoree last spring. Fellow district first-team selections Ashlyn Culp (Jr. C) and Alison Chandler (So. OF) further underscore the depth of an exceptionally balanced TWCA ballclub—one that appears well-positioned to make another return to the State Semifinals, if not more.
4. Lutheran South Academy Pioneers (TAPPS DII)
Dana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
The Pioneers turned in a strong 2025 campaign, hitting their stride down the stretch before rolling past Saint Mary’s Hall to reach the Regional Round of the TAPPS Division II playoffs. Their postseason surge was eventually halted by TWCA, but the late-season momentum illustrated Lutheran South’s upward trajectory.
Picking up where she left off last spring, senior Addison Smith (Wichita State signee) is set to anchor both the middle infield and the heart of the batting order for head coach Nicole Andrade, aiming to mirror the production that earned her first-team all-state recognition.
Sophomore Kendall Putnal returns to the circle after a standout debut season that earned her second-team all-state honors, joined by junior catcher Gia Bales. Surrounding them is an imposing lineup anchored by a wave of first-team all-district selections, including Jadyn Maldonado (Jr. IF/C), Ava Zamora (Jr. OF), Jill Whitehead (Jr. IF/OF), Emily Bankson (Jr. IF/OF), and Alexis English (So. OF).
5. Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles (TAPPS DII)
Dana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
FBCA experienced a slight detour from its usual standard a year ago, suffering a tough loss to Cypress Christian in a high-scoring postseason opener. That said, the Eagles have had ample time to regroup and coalesce under head coach Kelli Jacoby, fueling a renewed sense of optimism as the new season gets underway.
Second-team all-state pitcher Reese Heflin stands at the center of the resurgence, hoping to cap off her high school career in reputable fashion before ascending to East Texas Baptist University. Waiting in the wings behind Heflin is sophomore Evelyn Moore, a first-team all-district selection who led the team with a .431 batting average and 25 hits in her debut.
When she’s not on the mound, Moore will primarily patrol the infield. Fellow district first-teamer Ariel Yee (Jr. C) adds power to the lineup, posting a team-high 24 RBIs and five home runs, while junior shortstop Ella Romo, another first-team pick, hit for over .400. Complementing the group, second-team all-district honorees Bailey Baird (Sr. 3B) and Allie Guillot (Jr. OF) reinforce the continuity and depth that Fort Bend Christian will rely on as it looks to make a State-level breakthrough.
Others To Watch - Concordia Lutheran
Dana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
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Clear Creek's Khamari Hall
THE PLAYMAKERS: 2025 Softball Superstars of the South, powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Softball Players of the 2024-25 season, who represented South Houston with style this Spring!
Lily Calderon -- Angleton Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
A powerful presence in the heart of the lineup helped propel Angleton to one of its most memorable seasons in recent years.
With timely hitting and steady leadership, the Ladycats advanced all the way to the UIL 5A-Division I Region III Final, where they were narrowly edged out by eventual State Finalist Barbers Hill.
At the center of that success was senior first baseman Lily Calderon, who posted a .347 batting average, drove in a team-leading 24 RBIs, and tied for the team lead with three home runs.
Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed, as she was named the District 20-5A Offensive Player of the Year following her standout season.
Now turning the page to the next chapter, Calderon is set to continue her softball career at Alabama A&M University.
Makenzie Thomas -- Clear Springs Softball
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
In her debut season with the Clear Springs Chargers, freshman shortstop Makenzie Thomas made an immediate and lasting impact.
Batting .368 with 44 RBIs and a team-leading 15 home runs, she quickly emerged as one of the most explosive and dangerous hitters — not just in District 24-6A, but across the state. Her standout performance earned her Newcomer of the Year honors and helped set the tone for a historic trek through the playoffs.
Backed by a loaded roster that included Erianna Garcia (Sr. C), Eryn Polite (Sr. 3B), Alana Strever (Jr. OF), and fellow standout freshman Elisa Garcia, Thomas helped propel the Chargers all the way to the UIL 6A-Division I State Championship game — a first for any Clear Creek ISD softball program.
Their journey to Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin was a milestone moment for the district and a testament to the team's depth and resilience.
Although Clear Springs ultimately fell to Midway in the final, the Chargers’ impressive core — including Thomas — signals that this historic season may just be the beginning.
Khamari Hall -- Clear Creek Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Clear Creek senior Khamari Hall left an indelible mark on the Wildcats’ softball program in 2025, leading the team to its first Regional Finals appearance since 2009. Competing in the highly competitive 6A-Division II bracket, Hall was a driving force both at the plate and in the outfield, helping guide Clear Creek through a historic playoff run.
The Wildcats’ season came to a close against eventual state champions Kingwood, but Hall’s leadership and impact were undeniable throughout the postseason stretch. Her efforts were recognized at the district level, as she was named the District 24-6A Most Valuable Player at the conclusion of the season.
Hall now prepares to continue her softball career at the University of Arkansas. There, she will join a growing list of H-Town standouts who are already making their mark on the national stage, including Ella McDowell (Foster), Cameryn Harrison (Katy), and Ashtyn Reichardt (Katy).
Layla Bennett -- Pearland Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As a key weapon in Pearland’s exceptional campaign this spring, Layla Bennett (Jr. 2B) proved to be one of the Oilers’ most consistent and impactful performers.
The Central Florida-commit played a pivotal role in leading the club to an impressive 27-8 overall record, highlighted by a perfect 16-0 run through 22-6A play that secured yet another district title, prior to advancing to the Area Round of the UIL 6A-Division I playoffs.
Her standout performance throughout the season earned her first-team all-district honors, solidifying her place among the area’s elite.
Further recognition came with her selection to the prestigious Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) All-Star team — an honor that reflects her growing reputation across the state.
With another year of high school softball still ahead, Bennett will look to build on this year’s success as she continues her path toward the collegiate level and beyond.
Addison Smith -- Lutheran South Academy Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Despite a season marked by its share of challenges, Lutheran South Academy found success when it mattered most — in the postseason.
Behind the leadership of head coach Nicole Andrade, the Pioneers surged past Saint Mary’s Hall in dominant fashion to open TAPPS-Division II playoff action, advancing to the Regional Round before falling to perennial contender The Woodlands Christian Academy.
At the heart of LSA’s postseason push was junior shortstop Addison Smith, a Wichita State-commit who proved to be a steady force on both sides of the ball. Her consistency and presence in the infield helped anchor the team through its highs and lows, ultimately earning her first-team all-state honors to cap off a standout season.
Smith is expected to continue her upward trajectory as she prepares for the next phase of her career. Her work this summer will no doubt be pivotal, as she looks to further sharpen her game before returning for a senior season filled with high expectations.