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THE RANKINGS: No. 14 Pearland Oilers... Reloading
PEARLAND IS COMING OFF A 40-WIN CAMPAIGN IN 2024 UNDER FIFTH-YEAR COACH JAMIE GILL (143-43; 17TH OVERALL, 473-194).
Gill is in line for career-coaching victory No. 500 this season.The Oilers return three starters off the team that reached the Regional Quarterfinals a year ago.
Leading the crew will be AVCA Phenom watch list selection Aaryn Brown (MB), as well as district first-teamer Britney Solomon (OH), Emma Garza (Vernon College-commit), Emma Dines and Katy Cavanaugh.
Keys to success for Gill’s team will be from the family vibe the girls have created in the offseason and building a culture of trust and carrying that over into season.
Pearland’s team motto for 2025 is clear – “We are not rebuilding-We are reloading”.
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BREAKING: 2026 Pearland LB Credit commits to Kansas
Three-star linebacker Joseph Credit, a standout from Pearland High School, has narrowed down his college choices and made his commitment. After taking official visits and weighing his options, the 6’0", 205-pound defender has committed to the Kansas Jayhawks, choosing them over Arizona State, UCLA, and several others.
For Credit, the Jayhawks’ consistency throughout his recruitment was the deciding factor.
“From the first day after they offered me at their camp last June, they never stopped showing interest,” said Credit. “Coach Leipold and the whole coaching staff reached out every day and showed me love. That really stuck with me. You can see what they’re building in the 2026 class—the guys they’re targeting and the commits they already have. It’s something I wanted to be a part of.”
Credit took his official visit to Kansas in early April, and the trip further solidified his decision beyond the strong relationships he’d built.
“When I visited, I got to see the new facilities and the stadium renovations,” he added. “Seeing the future of the program and the upgrades really got me excited. It made me feel like this is the place I want to play.”
With his decision made, Credit becomes the third Pearland defender to commit to a college program. Now locked in ahead of his senior season, he’s turning his focus to helping the Oilers make a deep run in 2025.
“I feel like our 2026 class is one of the best to ever come out of Pearland,” he said. “We’ve set a great example for the younger players, and I think we’re ready for a big season. I believe we can go undefeated in the regular season and make a deep playoff run.”
Although the recruiting process is now behind him, Credit had some advice for younger athletes navigating their own journeys.
“It was overwhelming at times—taking constant calls from coaches and trying to narrow down my list,” he said. “Having a support system was huge. My dad, my mom, and my trainer Donnie Baggs really helped guide me. My biggest advice to young recruits is to take things step by step. Don’t overthink it or try to do too much. Just stay grounded, and it’ll help you manage the chaos.”