Whataburger Team of the Week: Kingwood dominates in State Final to claim first-ever title
04 Jun, 2025
For the first time in program history, the Kingwood Softball organization are State Champions—and now, they’re also being honored as the Whataburger Team of the Week following their dominant run through the UIL 6A-Division 2 postseason.
Kingwood capped off a remarkable season with a 4-1 victory over Forney in the title game this past Saturday, securing the championship in their fifth overall appearance at the UIL State Tournament. The Mustangs finished the year with an impressive 34-4-1 record and did not lose a single game throughout the playoffs.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Hunter Quentel was named the game’s MVP after a standout two-way performance. Quentel notched seven strikeouts in the circle and delivered the game’s decisive blow with a two-run homer in the third inning.
She finished the season with an 18-3 record and cemented herself as one of the state’s rising stars.
Kingwood jumped out to an early lead with an RBI single from junior third baseman Frei Pizarro in the second. Subsequently, KHS widened the gap the following inning, beginning with an RBI double from senior catcher Mia Gagliardi (Virginia Tech-commit) — who went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI.
Moments later, Quentel launched her home run over the left-field fence, giving Kingwood a comfortable 4-0 lead.
Forney's only run came in the later innings via a sacrifice fly by Ashlyn Oscars, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Kingwood’s grip on the game.
In addition to Quentel, Gagliardi, and Pizarro, several Mustangs were named to the UIL State All-Tournament team, including standout senior shortstop Addy Sheppard (Stanford-commit), senior second baseman Leilani Garcia, sophomore first baseman Kendall Yates, and senior outfielder Abella Mata.
Head Coach Christa Williams-Yates, now in her second year leading the program, guided the Mustangs to their historic title with poise and purpose.
A former Olympian and Texas Longhorn, Williams-Yates was a member of the first team to play at McCombs Field in 1998. Nearly three decades later, she returned to that same field—this time as a coach—to lead Kingwood to its first-ever state crown.
With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, the Kingwood Mustangs have not only made history—they’ve set a new standard for excellence in Texas high school softball.
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VYPE AWARDS: Public & Private School Boys and Girls Tennis by Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
03 Jun, 2025
Welcome to the 2024-2025 VYPE Awards presented by Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine! VYPE will recognize the top teams and athletes in his and her respective sports.
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PUBLIC SCHOOL BOYS TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
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PUBLIC SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
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PRIVATE SCHOOL BOYS TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
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PRIVATE SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
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Watch the video below to find out who won the Public and Private School Boys and Girls Tennis VYPE Awards presented by Houston Methodist Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
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