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The stars of 2025-26 Tomball Softball
ALL IN: Region II on notice as No. 9 Tomball surges back into form
There’s little reason to believe that momentum will fade in 2026. Third-year head coach Alyssa Thompson and her staff bring back virtually the entire roster that powered last year’s breakthrough, positioning Tomball as a legitimate contender once again.
Tomball RHP Regi Amaya Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Leading a notably deep Cougars bullpen, reigning 15-6A Pitcher of the Year Regina “Regi” Amaya continues to flourish in a starring role and shows no signs of slowing down. Versatility remains another defining strength, embodied by senior Kaylea Wall, a Blinn commit and first-team all-district selection who batted .426 while pacing the team with 35 RBIs and six home runs — all while logging significant innings in the circle and across the infield.
Senior shortstop Aubrey Murillo (Abilene Christian) also returns after registering a team-high 96 hits and setting a new program record with 34 stolen bases, earning District 15-6A Defensive Player of the Year recognition. Trinity-bound catcher Leila Guerra and infielder Macey Frank (Nicholls State), both senior first-team selections, further solidify Tomball’s balanced lineup as the Cougars aim to build on their rapid ascension.
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Tomball Sr. IF/RHP CJ Sampson (Texas A&M signee)
BETWEEN THE LINES: Tomball Phenom Sampson Owns His Legacy and Acclaim
The Cougars themselves have become a force to be reckoned with. Tomball went 34-7-1 in 2025, peaking with a trip to Dell Diamond for the program’s second consecutive UIL State Final appearance. That said, the quest for successive championships ended in a narrow 5-4 loss to Kingwood—a heartbreak that only seemed to reinforce Sampson’s competitive edge.
“Obviously we didn’t achieve what we thought was the expectation – which is to win another championship,” Sampson said. “But even after losing a few guys over the offseason, this team is very junior-heavy and experienced, which gives us a lot of confidence. I’m just excited to see what they can do.”
The stars of 2025-26 Tomball BaseballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER THE 2026 BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PREVIEW MAGAZINE
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2026 CITYWIDE MEDIA DAY
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Sampson’s impact extends beyond statistics. Having been coached and trained from a young age by his father, former Houston Astros pitcher Chris Sampson, he has developed a baseball IQ and poise rare for his age.
“He’s been a tremendous influence on me, both on and off the field,” Sampson said. “The most important thing has been the knowledge he’s shared—especially how to compose myself and the kind of character that works best with teammates, coaches, and scouts.”
Leadership is another hallmark of Sampson’s game. With a roster featuring a mix of juniors and underclassmen, he has fully embraced his position as a mentor.
“We were freshmen on varsity, so there’s plenty of familiarity regarding the culture here at Tomball High School. From there, it’s just about being able to step up in that leadership role for them and teach them the way. I’ve been there, done that, so it’s at this point where I can really get rolling and pass it on,” he said.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Even with the spotlight on him as a high-profile recruit, Sampson remains grounded.
“Ever since I was young I’ve been trained to keep the outside distractions where they are and just focus between the lines,” he said. “People are going to have their opinions, so you just have to stay in your lane and within yourself. Especially with this being my senior year, doubters are going to question our ability to reach State again, and we’re going to prove them wrong.”
From Tomball to Texas A&M, and now on the cusp of another prospective run toward Round Rock, Sampson’s journey stands as a masterclass in where aptitude meets discipline.
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