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Atascocita's Kasidi Pickering
RAISED AT THE BALLPARK: Pickering Parlaying Prep Career into Big-League Dreams
2022-23 Atascocita High School Softball
Pickering has been a softball star for the majority of her life, considering her softball journey began early in her childhood.
“I grew up with my older sister [Kirbi] playing softball,” said Pickering. “So, I grew up at the ballpark starting when I was four years old. I was always playing up...I was playing on a 12U team at age 8. But, I got recruited [at age 10] to play on my Hotshots team and have stayed on that team ever since.”
The Atascocita senior has become an established leader among her teammates, particularly thriving in center field and at the plate, where she really makes her mark for the Eagles.
“In the outfield, I feel like I have a good command over the diamond,” she said. “I feel comfortable out there because I can be aware of everything that’s happening and make the plays when I’m depended on."
Pickering, a first-team, NFCA All-American, will be joining Oklahoma in the Fall –the perennial superpower in college softball
I feel like OU is where I belong,” Pickering said. “Given how I’ve grown up, with their championship mindset it should be a perfect fit for me. After my last season at AHS, I’m definitely going to be ready to experience that kind of play, at another level.”
Before she becomes a Sooner, however, she and the Eagles look to make sure she has a proper sendoff. There should plenty of excitement in store for Atascocita in the coming months as they chase a district title and beyond.
Bridgeland’s Anaiyah Robinson
NEW MENTALITY: Bridgeland's Robinson changing "first-round exit stigma"
In her freshman debut, Robinson earned 2021 Offensive Player of the Year honors and hasn’t slowed down since.
“Bridgeland has always had talented players,” said Robinson. “Our coach [Kaitlyn Bourgeois] really knows the game and exactly how to beat any team. She has the right players to do so. Personally, I think I play very direct. I’m always able to beat players one-on-one with my speed and skill set. Most importantly, I’m always looking for the goal.”
On top of being a standout for the Bears, her performance for her club team (Challenge), she garnered ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) first-team, all-conference honors. She has only boosted her reputation as an established leader among her BHS teammates, learning from those who have come before her.
“I’ve been blessed to have so many talented teammates through my first three seasons,” Robinson said. “They depend on me to make plays, and it’s something I take pride in. We have a lot of young girls that come to our games and look up to us. I hope we can make them proud… My dad pushes me to be a better player and prepares me for the future, and my mom is always supportive of me no matter what. So, I want to be like that.”
Given the attention placed on her exceptional performance, Robinson has committed to Oklahoma.
“OU from the start was great with recruiting,” she said. “The coaching staff was supportive throughout the entire process, and they truly care about how you’re doing and your accomplishments. When I visited OU, the school, soccer program and the environment all around were a dream. The biggest factor was their playing style. It fit me perfectly.”
It is clear that Bridgeland has become quite the powerhouse with Robinson leading the offense. However, the Bears have yet to make a deep playoff run due to unlucky first-round defeats in previous postseasons (2022: Tomball Memorial, 2021: Klein Cain).
Therefore, before she becomes an OU Sooner, it will be up to Robinson and the talented Bears roster to further establish Bridgeland soccer as a force to be reckoned with.
“This year we are a different team,” she Robinson. “We have a whole different playing style that’s been successful so far. We have beaten some high-level competition and our mentality is completely different. This year it’s personal for Bridgeland to end the first round-exit stigma.”