VYPE caught up with Lee High School Baseball Coach Trent Padgett at the 2024 Goose Creek CISD Spring Media Day, discussing the upcoming season and more.
Check out the interview below!
VYPE caught up with Lee High School Baseball Coach Trent Padgett at the 2024 Goose Creek CISD Spring Media Day, discussing the upcoming season and more.
Check out the interview below!
FRESH OFF WHAT WAS EASILY THEIR MOST MONUMENTAL SEASON IN OVER A DECADE, KINGWOOD RETURNS TO THE DIAMOND WITH MORE HYPE SURROUNDING THEM THAN EVER.
Despite the daunting challenge of facing powerhouse Katy in last year’s Region III-6A Finals, the Mustangs didn’t flinch. They swept one of the nation’s most formidable opponents (Game 1: 6-3, Game 2: 7-6), punching their ticket to the State Tournament for the first time since 2013.
The relatively young team went on to finish as State Semifinalists, and four of their athletes earned spots on the Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) All-State team.
Among them was shortstop Addyson Sheppard, who added District 21-6A MVP to her many accolades from a season fueled by a united team effort.
“I think it came down to believing in each other and working hard from the start,” Sheppard said. “We trusted the process all season, and it paid off. The community support played a huge role—it drove us all the way to Austin and helped us visualize our bigger goal for this year.”
While the players deserve most of the plaudits for their historic achievement, Sheppard was quick to acknowledge the impact of first-year head coach Christa Williams-Yates—a two-time Olympic gold medalist—on the team’s success.
“It’s been a blessing to have Coach Yates leading this program,” she said. “There was a different feel to the team, especially with her guidance and emphasis on the mental side of the game. I feel like that mental toughness has become our greatest strength, and it’s what sets us apart from the rest.”
For the senior Mustang, it’s been about the journey. From picking up a bat at age three to being selected for the USA U-18 Women’s National Team in January, Sheppard has never taken her opportunities for granted.
“Everything comes full circle for me,” Sheppard said. “I started with baseball at the YMCA before moving on to softball, and I’ve been immersed in it ever since. I was obsessed with watching the College World Series growing up.”
Sheppard also emphasized the importance of community in softball.
“I’ve learned that softball is about community—you can’t do it alone. I’m grateful for the coaches and my family who’ve helped me get to where I am, and now I get the chance to continue playing in college.”
Speaking of college, Sheppard made headlines in the off-season when she changed her commitment from Arizona to Stanford in October.
“Arizona is a great school, but I was looking for a university with a stronger emphasis on academics,” she said. “Becoming a physician is my goal, and softball has taught me how to push myself toward big aspirations. Once I got the offer from Stanford, it was hard to turn it down.”
Among the many memorable moments from Kingwood’s historic season last spring, the team’s unofficial mascot, dressed in an inflatable unicorn costume, became a fan favorite during their playoff run.
While traditions like this are hard to beat, Sheppard and her teammates are already brainstorming a new way to celebrate in 2025.
“The unicorn during last year’s playoffs was truly amazing, and something I definitely won’t forget,” Sheppard laughed. “But this year, we’re trying to find something new because we have a new identity. It’s going to be something we can all hold on to and have fun with as we make our way through the season.”
The scary part for the competition is that Kingwood brings back nearly all of its star power, and they’ve already proven they have what it takes to reach the State level.
Now the question is: can they go one step further and claim the program’s first-ever title in May?
Tuesday night the McKinney North Bulldogs softball team took on the Denison Yellow Jackets on the softball diamond!
Check out the highlights from the game below!
Cy Springs' Ayla McDowell is VYPE Player of the Year for public schools
Ayla McDowell of Cypress Springs was the brightest star in Greater Houston over the past several months.
The McDonald's All-American was elite her senior season, building her resume as she heads to the University of South Carolina in the fall. Her team fell just short of the State Final Four, but her legacy was already cemented.
Summer Creek took home the State trophy for the first time in school history with the help of junior Kennedy Simpson, while Hightower was loaded with stars en route to the State Finals.
Here are the All-VYPE 2025 Girls Basktetball Public School Teams.
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The VYPE 2025 Public School Player of the Year
Ayla McDowell, Cypress Springs
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FIRST TEAM
Aniya Foy, Cinco Ranch
Nataliyah Gray, Alief Taylor
Jemini Mitchell, Cypress Springs
Chandler Preston-Caver, Hightower
Kennedy Simpson, Summer Creek
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SECOND TEAM
Kailee Beaudion-Foliaki, Hightower
Jayci Lackey, Barbers Hill
Kendall Ford, Dawson
Bree Riley, Grand Oaks
Andrea Sturdivant, FB Austin
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THIRD TEAM
A'Zyua Blair, Pearland
Kara Hart, Katy Taylor
Kamryn McLaurin, Clear Brook
Ruke Ogbevire, Fulshear
Ogechi Okeke, Hightower
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HONORABLE MENTION
Rezia Castillo, Clear Brook
Marc'Kalia Celestine, Klein
Jazmine Hansley, Dickinson
Addison Martin, Summer Creek
Aniya Richard-Holmes, Nimitz
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