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Clear Creek's Khamari Hall
Doug Brown (VYPE)
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.
THE RANKINGS: VYPE's Private School Softball Top 5
No. 2 - Episcopal Knights
This is the softball dynasty in Houston. In 2024, Episcopal captured the SPC 4A Championship after going 22-10 overall. This marked the Knights’ seventh-straight SPC crown and the eighth in 10 years. Episcopal has won 22 SPC crowns in program history. Caitlin Cain enters her seventh year of leading this program and notched coaching win No. 100 last year. Episcopal is set to return eight starters including All-SPC selection Gianna Lewis, who is committed to Stephen F. Austin. Last year, Lewis hit .406 with six homers for the Knights. Other key returners include all-district pitcher Jordan Bey, and all-staters Hayleigh Hubbard (.359, 3 HR, 13 stolen bases) and Alexis Johnson (.340, 3 HR, 25 stolen bases). Keys to success for Cain’s squad this year include having strong pitching, aggressive base-running and clean defense. Their motto for 2025 is very numerical as “8-23” represents their quest for an eighth-straight SPC title and 23rd overall.
No. 3 - The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors
Joshua Culp enters year two of leading The Woodlands Christian Academy on the diamond. Last year, the Warriors went 17-4 overall and reached the Regionals Round of the TAPPS Division II playoffs. Seven starters return for Culp including Clemson-commit Keira Crosby (.725, 11 HR, 32 RBIs; 13-1, 85.2 IP, 194 Ks, 1.39 ERA). Crosby was named first-team, all-state. Texas A&M-commit Reagan Rohrlich (.690, 1 HR, 49 runs scored) is also back after being named second-team, all-state in 2024. Another player to watch is Army-commit Alexis Osterhaus, who was honorable mention, all-state after hitting .500 with five homers and swiping 10 bases. Other players to watch include second-team, alldistrict pick Ashlyn Culp (.364, 17 RBIs), honorable mention, all-district selection Marissa Clarke (.286, 17 RBIs; 4-2, 33 IP, 45K, 4.50 ERA), Kate Rouswell and Alison Chandler. Keys to success for Culp’s crew include staying healthy, having quality at-bats and “limiting physical errors while eliminating mental errors”.
No. 4 - Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles
Fort Bend Christian Academy went 14-6 a year ago and look to build off that with a relatively young squad. FBCA reached the Regionals Round of the Division II TAPPS playoffs. The Eagles return an impressive 10 starters, including second-team, all-state selection Reese Heflin (.390 batting average; 2.80 ERA, 108 Ks). Also returning for the Eagles are first-team, all-district pick Ariel Yee (.462) and second teamers Fallon Gerke (.370) and Jaleigh Bullard (.385). Other players to watch include Allie Guillot and Ella Romo. Kelli Jacoby enters her fourth year of leading the FBCA program but it is her 18th year on campus. Keys to success for her squad this year include having dedication, outworking everyone and “playing for something greater than yourself”. This FBCA team is loaded with talent and ready for another run at a state crown.
No. 5 - Lutheran South Academy Pioneers
The Pioneers are coming off a 20-win campaign in 2024 that saw them reach the Regional Round of the TAPPS Division II Playoffs. Eighth-year coach Nicole Andrade, who got her 100th career coaching victory in 2024, returns six starters as the Pioneers seek a 10th-straight year of making the playoffs. Wichita State-commit Addi Smith will lead the way after batting .448 with 12 homers and 45 RBIs last season. Smith was named second-team, all-state. Fellow second-team, all-state pick Bri Collazo returns after hitting .402 with nine homers and 39 RBIs. Other key returners include second-team, all-district picks Emily Bankson (.317, 28 RBIs) and Jill Whitehead (.386) and honorable mention, alldistrict selections Jadyn Maldonado (.333, 16 RBIs) and Ava Zamora (.366). Keys to success for the Pioneers this year include having great team chemistry, a strong team bond, winning mentality as a team culture and a strong offense, according to Andrade.