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Clear Springs' Erianna Garcia
THE PLAYMAKERS: Dominators of the Diamond powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Softball Athletes of the Week, as we enter the district portion of the Spring season.
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Kaylee Schweitzer -- Pearland Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Oilers have wasted no time proving themselves as contenders once again.
Under second-year head coach Michelle Hyden, Pearland has stormed to a 18-6 record this spring, including a definitive 8-0 start in District 22-6A play. Their latest statement came in a commanding 17-1 victory over Sam Rayburn on .
While the team’s success has been a collective effort, senior outfielder Kaylee Schweitzer has been a driving force behind their resurgence.
A UT-Arlington-commit, Schweitzer was part of Pearland’s 2023 state championship team and played a key role in last year’s playoff run to the Regional Quarterfinals.
With standout teammates like Payton Shugart (Texas State), Layla Bennett (Central Florida), and Laila Nobles (North Texas), the Oilers have all the tools to make another deep postseason push—and perhaps, another run at a state title.
Erianna Garcia -- Clear Springs Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
With head coach Jennifer Knight at the helm, Clear Springs has powered its way to an impressive 11-2 start, earning recognition from MaxPreps, which currently ranks them No. 9 in Texas.
Winners of 6-straight, the Chargers have dominated early district play, securing decisive victories over Clear Brook (19-7), Clear Lake (7-6), Brazoswood (13-2), and most recently, Clear Falls (17-3).
A high-powered offense has been the driving force behind the team’s success, headlined by standout senior catcher Erianna Garcia, an Abilene Christian-commit.
Garcia leads the Chargers with a .543 batting average, 24 RBIs, and five home runs, making her one of the most dangerous hitters in the district.
While she’s complemented by strong performances from Makenzie Thomas (.463 BA, 16 RBI, 5 HR), Alana Strever (.449 BA, 14 RBI, 1 HR), and Eryn Polite (.370 BA, 12 RBI, 2 HR), Garcia remains the undisputed alpha of a lineup poised to make a deep postseason run in the coming months.
Braelynn Jones -- Deer Park Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Riding a nine-game winning streak, Deer Park improved to 15-4 on the season with a thrilling 7-5 victory over Clear Lake, sealed by freshman Journey Calderon's walk-off home run on Friday.
The win also marked a 4-0 start in District 24-6A play, an encouraging sign for a program eager to bounce back after last year’s Area Round exit.
With tough district competition ahead, the Deer have already proven they can handle top-tier opponents, securing key wins over defending 6A state champion Weslaco, Keller (13-5-1), and Pearland (17-6) earlier this season.
Leading the charge is ace pitcher Braelynn Jones, a Texas Tech commit, who has shown poise in high-pressure moments—most notably during the Barbers Hill Tournament in early March, where she delivered numerous clutch performances with senior Madi Alvarado (Temple) providing relief.
Offensively, Deer Park boasts plenty of firepower, with standout contributions from Mia Montemayor (Texas Southern), Aleena Carrizales (Texas Southern), Camryn Plocheck (Texas State), Zoie Powell (San Jacinto CC), and the rising star Calderon.
This should keep some of the pressure off of Jones, when the Deer eventually turn their attention towards the postseason.
Charleigh Esparza -- Friendswood Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood is off to one of its hottest starts in years, boasting a near-perfect 19-1 record as they enter the first half of district play (4-0).
Their lone setback came in a tightly contested 5-3 loss to 6A powerhouse Clear Springs in late February. However, the Mustangs remain focused as they navigate a competitive District 20-5A, which features strong opponents like Angleton and La Porte.
Among the key contributors for coach Jarrod Hunter’s squad, senior Charleigh Esparza has been the steady force at the heart of the lineup.
The Baylor-commit has not only provided offensive firepower but also anchors the team defensively as the catcher, guiding the Mustangs with her leadership and experience.
With a playoff berth all but certain, Friendswood has its sights set on a deeper run, and with Esparza leading the charge, they’ll be a tough team to stop.
Persephone Soria -- Dobie Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Though the first half of the season has been filled with ups and downs, a strong 6-2 start to district play has Dobie (10-8) firmly in the playoff conversation.
Offense hasn’t been a concern for coach Robin Rackley’s squad, as the Longhorns have lit up the scoreboard against tough opponents such as Dawson (19-3), O’Connor (9-1), and Manvel (14-1) this season.
That production has been fueled by a well-balanced lineup featuring Chloe Nunez (.515 BA, 8 RBI), Amaya Corona (.367 BA, 15 RBI, 1 HR), and Lili Sepulveda (.302 BA, 19 RBI, 1 HR), among others.
However, the emergence of sophomore Persephone Soria has been a difference-maker. Soria is hitting for a .386 average, while having contributed 18 RBIs, including three doubles, two triples, and a home run.
Dobie hasn’t missed the playoffs in over a decade, and if Soria and company continue their strong play, that streak isn’t ending anytime soon.
Dickinson's David Chong
THE PLAYMAKERS: South Houston's most premier ballers of 2025 powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Boys Basketball Athletes of the 2024-25 season, who made key contributions all year long on the south side of H-Town.
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Michael Collins -- Shadow Creek Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Led by Coach David President, Shadow Creek was one of the most imposing squads in Texas—let alone Houston—this season.
After securing their second consecutive undefeated district championship (16-0 in 22-6A), the Sharks then advanced four rounds deep for the first time since 2022. Along the way, they took down Clements (71-60), Kingwood (66-30), and George Ranch (57-47).
However, their postseason journey came to a heartbreaking end in the Region III-6A Final, falling just short in a 60-57 overtime thriller against Katy Jordan—the team now vying for the 6A-DII State Championship.
Despite missing out on their first-ever State Tournament appearance, Shadow Creek’s 32-2 campaign was nothing short of remarkable.
While key players like Bryce Jackson, Aiden Law, and Adin Lewis played vital roles in the team’s success, it was senior point guard Michael Collins who served as the heart and soul of the squad.
In his final season, Collins earned another District MVP nomination, showcasing his ability to light up the scoreboard while creating opportunities for his teammates.
Though he has yet to announce his college commitment, he’s set to take his talents to the next level (offers from George Mason, Penn State, Lamar, etc.), capping off an outstanding high school career.
Dyllan Baker -- Friendswood Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Despite suffering an early exit to the postseason at the hands of Barbers Hill, that result was not indicative of how talented the Friendswood basketball program was this winter.
Under Coach Danny Russell, the Mustangs finished 27-6, securing their first district championship since 2014.
Leading the charge was senior point guard Dyllan Baker, who averaged over 15 points per game while adding 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per contest.
Beyond his stats, Baker’s leadership was invaluable, setting the tone for Friendswood’s success. His efforts earned him the District 20-5A MVP award, a well-deserved honor after securing first-team all-district selections in each of the previous two seasons.
Capping off a stellar high school career, Baker’s impact on the Mustangs will be felt for years to come.
David Chong -- Dickinson Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
By the time district play arrived, the Dickinson Gators were already battle-tested, having faced top programs like Fort Bend Marshall (5A-DII state finalist), Katy Jordan (6A-DII state finalist), North Crowley, and Ridge Point in the first half of the season.
Despite a strong showing and a second-place district finish, Dickinson (19-13) saw its playoff run cut short by powerhouse Atascocita in the opening round.
Still, the district recognized the Gators’ biggest asset—senior David Chong—naming him the 24-6A Most Valuable Player.
A standout all winter, Chong earned All-Tournament honors at the 2024 VYPE Holiday Invitational and dominated on both ends of the floor. His scoring ability from all ranges, elite ball-handling, and court vision helped him average 20 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals per game.
Though his college destination remains undecided, one of South Houston’s brightest stars is poised to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Madden Hill -- Clear Springs Basketball
Photo provided by Madden Hill (Twitter: @MaddenHill_1)
The term “freshman phenom” isn’t used lightly at VYPE, but it’s the perfect way to describe Clear Springs’ Madden Hill.
Living up to his “Mighty” nickname, Hill made an immediate impact in his high school debut, averaging 18 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal per game. Some already consider him the top-ranked point guard in his class, and his stellar play is proving the doubters wrong.
Hill played a key role in leading Clear Springs to its first district championship since 2011 (shared with Clear Creek), earning Co-District 24-6A Offensive MVP honors along the way.
Though the Chargers suffered an early playoff exit against North Shore, the future remains bright with Hill at the helm.
Julien Barclay -- Clear Lake Basketball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Like their district counterparts, Clear Lake (23-14) ran into trouble in the opening round of the playoffs, falling to C.E. King after finishing fourth in 24-6A (9-5).
While the early exit wasn’t ideal, the Falcons still achieved their goal of making the postseason for a third straight year.
At the heart of their success was senior Julien Barclay, a do-it-all playmaker who set the offensive tone with 16 points per game while contributing across the board with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals per contest.
His impact didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named the District 24-6A Co-Offensive MVP— a well-earned honor to cap off his stellar high school career.