GAMES
RANKINGS
The stars of 2025-26 Kingwood Mustangs Softball
RUN IT BACK: No. 2 Kingwood refuses to surrender the State Throne
Now, with a striking new ring to show for it, the team prepares to defend its crown.
Much of Kingwood’s dominance will continue to come from dual-threat junior Hunter Quentel. Recently committed to Oklahoma State, the right-hander went 18–3 last season in the circle and earned 6A Division II State MVP and District 23-6A Pitcher of the Year honors. While the lineup will feature some new combinations, it promises to be just as imposing.
Hunter Quentel (Oklahoma State commit)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
When she’s not sharing the mound with Quentel, Houston signee Frei Pizarro (Sr. RHP/3B) remains a threat at the plate. The same can be said for last season’s 23-6A Defensive Player of the Year and All-Tournament selection Kendall Yates (Jr. 1B/RHP) and senior Lyndsie Gilman (Trinity Valley). Sophomore Samantha Trzecki takes over behind the plate following the graduation of 23-6A MVP Mia Gagliardi (Virginia Tech), while senior Kayla Macicek (Galveston College) patrols the outfield.
Third-year head coach Christa Williams-Yates, a former U.S. Olympian, is supported by KHS alum Jourdyn Campbell (Texas A&M, Louisiana) and Liberty standout Baylee Chandler (Houston Baptist, Texas Lutheran).
Given the talent across the roster and a proven coaching staff, there’s little debate Kingwood enters the season as one of the most well-rounded units in Texas—one that will be hard to beat.
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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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