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RANKINGS
Dobie's Taylor Pleasants (No. 17) and Lake Creek's Maddie McKee leading No. 2 LSU
TEXAS TIGERS: Houston stars sparking No 2 LSU softball
“LSU and Baton Rouge are very similar to Houston, like the weather and the people,” Pleasants said. “It’s the people that really are the biggest difference. They make you feel like one of theirs and that this is ‘your’ home. The food is incredible also.”
LSU Sports Information
Taylor Pleasants
Taylor doesn’t have any intention leaving any time soon.
“I’m staying next year to finish my Masters degree and be a graduate assistant here,” she said. “Honestly, I hate being a senior… I’d rather be a freshman. Who would want to leave this place? You have so much support here and it’s really fun.
“I love coaching. This is what I’m going to do in the future. I want to specialize on defense… It’s the best part of the game.”
While Pleasants is wrapping up her playing career at LSU with hopes of being drafted in the Athletes Unlimited or play for USA Softball this summer, freshman Maddie McKee is just beginning her journey after winning back-to-back State Championships at Lake Creek.
“We are an older team with girls who have transferred in and who were already here,” he said. “They have a lot of experience and that is a big reason why we are so good… that senior leadership. The transition has been a little weird, but I’ve always wanted to earn what I got. I’m just starting over here. Next year, we are going to be young and I’ll be fighting to be a starter.
“The transition to college is bigger than I thought. It’s more about time management, being away from home and recreating yourself. But, the great thing about LSU is that it’s only a four-hour drive from home, so my parents can come see me play every weekend.”
With an NIL deal already signed with the Gordan McKernan Law Firm, McKee is projected to be an important piece of LSU softball’s future.
“At LSU, everyone has your back,” she said. “Our fans are incredible along with the coaches and facilities.”McKee, who played shortstop in high school, has been used as a utility player this season and has started at third base a few games.
Playing behind an All-SEC shortstop means limited playing time, but next year Pleasants could be passing the baton to McKee as the quarterback of the defense. Pleasants will be influential her development.
“This is my Mom, at LSU,” McKee said of Pleasants.
“My advice? Don’t be afraid to be different,” Pleasants said. “Stick with who you are.”
Three more Houstonians have signed or committed to LSU in the next two years, and Georgia Clark (Stratford), who led the Tigers in home runs in 2023, and Shelbi Sunseri (Santa Fe), the No. 3 all-time LSU leader in home runs, graduated in 2022.
It doesn't hurt that coach Beth Torino was also an assistant coach at the University of Houston from 2003-07 and is familiar with the area's talent.
So, who is next?
Braelyn Daniels of Ridge Point and Kaylee Schweitzer of Pearland will head to Baton Rouge this summer, while Katy pitcher Lauryn Soeken is just a junior.
“Houston is completely loaded with talent,” Pleasants said. “Being around all that talent just gets you ready for the college game.”
The game right now is LSU for some of the Bayou City’s finest.
EXPERT HIRE: Williams-Yates taking reins of Kingwood program
According to Yates, despite the strong feelings she has for Friendswood, her decision to take the coaching spot in the 6A conference was a “no-brainer”.
Photo provided by Coach Christa Williams-Yates
“They [Kingwood] have always had a great program,” she said. “The girls are young, but show tremendous talent for their age. The facilities at the school are great--it’s the whole package.”
“5A has been extremely difficult for years, with Lake Creek, Barbers Hill, Crosby, and Santa Fe--the pitching has been stout. Moving up to the 6A class, I just think Houston itself is a gauntlet to get through, so I think the level of softball competition will be just as much of a hotbed.”
Yates’ repertoire speaks for itself.
Photo provided by Coach Christa Williams-Yates
From the mound, she brought Dobie their two state titles, followed by three All-American selections during her time at the University of Texas, and two Olympic gold medals with the USA national team (1996, 2000).
Given her rich history in the game, how has softball progressed, in both talent and general popularity, since becoming a coach?
“It’s been amazing to watch it grow and develop, which can be attributed to social media,” Yates said. “Like anything else, there’s always growing pains. It comes with a lot of work–that has not changed–but, it’s been so fun to see so many girls realize their dreams.”
Interestingly enough, Yates will be joining her former Dobie teammate, Christina Mata (previously at Dawson and Pasadena Memorial), who will be taking up the assistant coach position at Kingwood in 2024.
“I’m really excited,” said Yates. “We’ve already met some of the [Kingwood] players and parents--both Christina and I. That’s what’s even more cool, the fact that I have her coming along with me after we played together for years, and won state when we were just kids.”
Yates’ eighteen-year career--beginning with Beaumont Cathedral, followed by Channelview, Manvel, and most recently Friendswood--has seen her adjust her mindset from being an all-american athlete to one of the most luminary coaches in the Houston area.
Photo provided by Coach Christa Williams-Yates
“When I first started coaching, I struggled with it,” she said. “But, you have to try and find that fine line. You want your expectations to be high, yet achievable, and push the girls to become better players and people.”
“Through my own experiences, I’ve found that I perform better when I have a relationship with the people I work with. So, I emphasize getting to know my kids and how to motivate them, individually. It’s not always easy, but that’s kind of where I’ve evolved, and it’s what I love.”
Coach Yates will have plenty of talent to work with, such as juniors-to-be, Mia Gagliardi (IF/C), Karli Challburg (P/OF), Leilani Garcia (IF), and Addy Sheppard (IF), who were each District 21-6A first-teamers in 2023.
The ensuing KHS softball season will be intriguing to witness to say the least, as Yates makes her Humble ISD debut.