DISTRICT 13-6A SOFTBALL IS A BLOODBATH.
The Woodlands has been a perennial power for decades along with Oak Ridge.
In 2023, Conroe, New Caney and Grand Oaks all emerged with tremendous seasons. So, where did that leave the Willis Wildkats?
“From the beginning of the year, I knew this group would be special,” coach Shelby Tinklepaugh said. “We call our seven seniors the ‘Lucky 7’. A lot of them have been playing ball together since they were little girls. This is their final season to play together before parting ways and going to college, and they set high goals for this season. We sat down at the beginning of the offseason and made the goals to be district champs and to get further in the playoffs than we have the previous two years in 6A, which means we are aiming for the third round and beyond."
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”The “Lucky 7” battled all season, and will reach the postseason. But there were so many contributors who also led the Wildkats to the playoffs, none bigger than ace pitcher Kynlei Chapman. Chapman had a 29 strikeout game against College Park and she is committed to McLennan Community College.
Freshman Addie Hall had a breakout season along with sophomore Sydney Prihoda. Junior Cody Hicks also contributed some timely hitting and Sydni Garcia patrolled the outfield.
“Every game in this district is like a playoff game,” said Tinklepaugh, who would go on maternity leave during the season. “Every game mattered. We had some epic battles against The Woodlands and Oak Ridge, but it just made us better.
“The strength of this team has been leadership from the seniors and team chemistry,” she said. “The seniors are my first group to coach all four years at Willis and they knew my expectations. They have bought in and really helped me change the culture for Willis softball. Our team chemistry is there as well.These girls have so much fun together and truly are all best friends. They don't want their season to end.”
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THE WILLIS LUCKY 7
Jolie Boyd, Southwestern College
Hannah Hartman, Navarro College
Mazyln Heyer, Southwestern University
Lauren Hues, Schreiner University
Lindsey Hues, Schreiner University
Maddie Macaluso
Lainey Niederhofer, Prairie View A&M