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Katy's Cameryn Harrison
FUELING THE FLAMES: Nationally-recognized Harrison set to lead Katy in final revenge tour
However, her journey began long before she became a star for both the Tigers and her club team, Impact Gold.
“I’ve been playing the game since I was about seven-years-old,” she said. “I grew up around it because of my Dad, who played baseball at LSU. He’s kind of kept me in it. I just fell in love with the game, the grind, and all the work I have to put in, in order to seethe results.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Harrison getting“results” is an understatement.
After earning her second-consecutive District 19-6A MVP nod last Spring, Harrison became the No. 8 ranked player in the country for her class, prior to being named to the USA U-18 women’s national team in January.
Her widely-recognized dual-threat capabilities, as both a pitcher and batter, made it easy for the University of Arkansas to extend Harrison an offer – one which she would officially accept in October of 2023.
“I was looking for more of a ‘small town’ feel because that’s what I’ve grown up with,” said Harrison. “At Katy, we have that culture and tradition, which I love. When considering schools, I knew I wanted that same feeling, and Arkansas hit all those points for me.“
"Plus, their fan-base is super supportive. I really clicked with the coaches, and I know it sounds kind of cliché, but they made me feel welcome as soon as I stepped on campus.”
Harrison alongside fellow Arkansas-signee Ashtyn ReichardtBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Katy phenom can put up record stats like nobody’s business. However, her greatest asset is far less tangible.
“That would be my ability to lead, not only by example, but with the words I use to lift up my teammates as if they’re my own family,” she said. “I also feel that the way I carry myself on the field feeds into that. Since I am a two-way player, if I’m not able to do as well on the mound, I know I can make up for that by producing at the plate.”
Last Spring didn’t pan out quite as expected for the Tigers, falling 1-0 by a surprise Bellaire team in the UIL Area Round.
Understandably so, Harrison and her teammates have their ambitions set on re-establishing their reputation as one of the most feared teams in the state.
The stars of 2023-24 Katy TIgers SoftballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“Even throughout the off-season, I’ve seen the fire that’s been lit underneath us,” Harrison said. “We don’t want to go out like that again. On paper, we have the girls that we need to go where we should. So, going through that heart-break and all the emotions that come with it really has our minds focused for what’s to come this season.”
You heard it here first – “the fire has been lit”.
Stay tuned for the blaze that Harrison and Katy softball speak of as they charge for Austin and the State Tournament.
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Ella McDowell of Foster Softball
LIFE OF THE PARTY: Foster's McDowell is in a league of her own
Surprisingly, however, the No. 3 nationally-ranked player in the Class of 2024 didn’t start off her journey throwing a softball.
“Originally, I started out playing baseball,” she said. “But, when I was told I couldn’t play anymore, I naturally turned to softball. Over the years I’ve grown to love the game, from being with my teammates, winning and just having fun. Even though it’s a ‘failure-sport’, that little ounce of success that comes with it makes everything worthwhile.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
That “little ounce of success” translated into quite the reputation for Foster’s star shortstop.
It also earned her a spot on the USA U-18 Women’s National team, where she will be joined by Florida-commit Townsen Thomas (Episcopal), as well as her Impact Gold teammate Cameryn Harrison (Katy).
After USA competes in the 2024 WBSC Women’s World Cup in July, both McDowell and Harrison will be heading to Fayetteville to join the University of Arkansas softball program.
We (Arkansas softball) are going to be stacked next year,” said McDowell. “As soon as I went on my official visit, Arkansas just felt like home to me. Coach (Courtney) Deifel and her staff made me feel like myself.“
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
"Honestly, it was a surprise to so many people when I committed. In the past, Arkansas has been one of the lower teams in the SEC.However, they won the SEC Championship in 2022, so they’re definitely on the come-up. I really feel like I can be myself there, which is what I need.”
The soon-to-be Razorback intends to earn a degree in Sports Management, with which she will pursue a career in coaching.
It’s not difficult to see where she gets her ambition from. After all, her father is the head football coach at Grand Oaks High School in Conroe ISD.
“Obviously, so many people respect and love my Dad,” she said. “I want to have that same impact in softball. I’ve also been influenced by my Mom, since she’s a fighter and wants to win at everything she does. I want them to be proud of me, and I’ve gotten the best of both worlds in terms of the person I’m hoping to become.”
McDowell speaks a lot of her character and being “herself”.
Given her consistent introspection, one has to wonder what makes her tick.
“I like to think I have some swagger,” she laughed. “I don’t necessarily try to model myself after anyone, I just want to be me. I feel like I’m a friendly face. But, what separates me the most from others is that I would do anything for my teammates. I love them, whether they’re from Foster, Impact Gold or Arkansas. They are my family away from home, plain and simple.”
The stars of 2023-24 Foster SoftballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After going undefeated in district and three rounds deep in the postseason a year ago, how will McDowell and her teammates respond this Spring for Foster?
“We lost some great seniors over the off-season, so I’d say we’re at a little of a disadvantage to begin this year,” she said. “We’re going to need to be mentally tough and we’ve just got to fight, but I think if we can work together the way we normally do, then the sky is the limit.”
Rest assured, Foster should still remain a Class 5A power, but there’s no doubt that Ella McDowell will remain a super-human.