INSIDER
EXPERT HIRE: Olympian Williams-Yates taking reins of Kingwood program
Read full article: EXPERT HIRE: Olympian Williams-Yates taking reins of Kingwood programAfter spending nine years with a Class 5A powerhouse, the Friendswood Mustangs, coach Christa Williams-Yates will be taking her talents to the Mustangs of Kingwood High, heading into next season.
SWITCHING GEARS: Rochinski’s future at Lake Creek, following legendary coaching career
Read full article: SWITCHING GEARS: Rochinski’s future at Lake Creek, following legendary coaching careerShortly after winning their second-straight UIL state championship, Lake Creek Softball dropped another bombshell. Following her impeccable tenure with the Lions, Michelle Rochinski ultimately decided to step away from her position as head coach of the softball program.
SENIOR SEND-OFF: Bridgeland stars establish legacy in historic season
Read full article: SENIOR SEND-OFF: Bridgeland stars establish legacy in historic seasonDespite their unfortunate defeat (3-6) against Denton Guyer in the UIL-6A State Semis, the Bears displayed remarkable grit and class throughout this year’s postseason
“OFFICIALLY ON TOP”: Lady Oilers detail their championship season; photo gallery
Read full article: “OFFICIALLY ON TOP”: Lady Oilers detail their championship season; photo gallerySenior left-hander Abigail Gutierrez delivered the final pitch of her high school career, which would result in a 5-4-3 double play. A period of anticipatory silence fell upon the crowd as they awaited the umpire’s gesture -- out.
BACK2BACK: Stars of Lake Creek reflect on second State Title; photo gallery
Read full article: BACK2BACK: Stars of Lake Creek reflect on second State Title; photo galleryWith the iconic sound of the ball slapping into the catcher’s mitt, the Lake Creek crowd and dugout were sent into a frenzy. They were state champions, yet again.
LIONS SHARE: Lake Creek’s team effort leads to State Final return; photo gallery preview
Read full article: LIONS SHARE: Lake Creek’s team effort leads to State Final return; photo gallery previewCoach Michelle Rochinski and her team of premier athletes decided to make a statement when they faced Frisco Heritage--REPEAT OR BUST.
EXTRA INNINGS: Bridgeland is State-Bound after an instant classic; photo gallery
Read full article: EXTRA INNINGS: Bridgeland is State-Bound after an instant classic; photo galleryIf there’s one thing Bridgeland Softball will be remembered for this year, it will be their resilience in the face of tremendous pressure.
THE RIVALRY: Lake Creek advances to Regional Finals with sweep of Barbers Hill
Read full article: THE RIVALRY: Lake Creek advances to Regional Finals with sweep of Barbers HillThe matchup between Lake Creek and Barbers Hill was the most anticipated series in the UIL Softball postseason thus far. The Lions came in as the No. 1 team in country and Barbers Hill was the third-ranked team in the nation going into the game.
THE BREAKDOWN: The can’t miss 6A Regional Quarter softball matchups; photo gallery
Read full article: THE BREAKDOWN: The can’t miss 6A Regional Quarter softball matchups; photo galleryThe Area Round of the Class 6A Softball postseason was simply astonishing. All the unexpected developments that took place in the Area Round -- Bellaire upsetting Katy, Heights defeating Cinco Ranch, Kingwood shutting out Brazoswood – are exactly what makes this game so interesting to watch. You never know what might happen!
ONTO THE NEXT: Ranking the Class 5A Softball matchups in Rd. 3
Read full article: ONTO THE NEXT: Ranking the Class 5A Softball matchups in Rd. 3Another weekend of postseason softball has passed, and tensions have never been higher. Now that we’re onto the 5A Regional Quarterfinals, the teams remaining are emphasizing quality over quantity with their playoff hopes on the line.
DOMINANT PERFORMANCE: Episcopal reigns supreme in SPC Championship weekend
Read full article: DOMINANT PERFORMANCE: Episcopal reigns supreme in SPC Championship weekendThe 2022-23 school year has further proven what a juggernaut the Houston Episcopal athletics program is in the Southwest Preparatory Conference.
THE BIG TICKET: VYPE’s Top-5 can’t-miss Class 6A playoff series
Read full article: THE BIG TICKET: VYPE’s Top-5 can’t-miss Class 6A playoff seriesThe bi-district round of the 2023 UIL playoffs did not disappoint. In the process of various must-watch Bi-District matchups, the number of teams in the UIL tournament has been cut in half. Fortunately for the Houston area, dozens of local ball clubs still remain.
THE WRAP: Lake Creek, Barbers Hill sit atop 5A Area Softball Power Rankings
Read full article: THE WRAP: Lake Creek, Barbers Hill sit atop 5A Area Softball Power RankingsThe opening round of the UIL Softball playoffs has come and gone. After an exhilarating series of Bi-District matchups, several big names showcased the talent that the Houston area has come to expect throughout the year.
WIN OR GO HOME: VYPE’s Class 6A Softball bi-district prospectus
Read full article: WIN OR GO HOME: VYPE’s Class 6A Softball bi-district prospectusOver the years, the State Title for Texas High School Softball has come through Houston. Some of the best in H-Town lace them up vying for their respective Regional title. Region III will be a bloodbath with Katy, Pearland and Ridge Point are the favorites for a State run, while The Woodlands, Klein Collins and Bridgeland will be names to watch in Region II.
BASES LOADED: A complete breakdown of Class 5A softball bi-district playoffs
Read full article: BASES LOADED: A complete breakdown of Class 5A softball bi-district playoffsAt long last, the UIL Softball postseason has arrived. Can anyone take down Lake Creek High School? Barbers Hill, Foster and Friendswood will give it their best shot as other Class 5A favorites. Following a volatile regular season which showcased the best in H-Town as well as some surprise clubs advancing to playoff contention, the road to the State Title starts now.
THE 411: Eisenhower’s Karisma has Charisma
Read full article: THE 411: Eisenhower’s Karisma has CharismaThe Eisenhower senior has created quite a resume. She was named first-team, all-district for her play on the volleyball court this Fall. During the Spring, she puts on her spikes for the Eagles’ softball.
“WHY NOT ME?”: George Ranch’s Garner Intends To Guide Team To Greatness
Read full article: “WHY NOT ME?”: George Ranch’s Garner Intends To Guide Team To GreatnessFOLLOWING GEORGE RANCH SOFTBALL’S IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE LAST SEASON, IN WHICH THEY FINISHED SECOND IN THE DISTRICT EN ROUTE TO AN APPEARANCE IN THE UIL 6A REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS, THE LONGHORNS ARE RETURNING TO THE DIAMOND TO PUSH THEIR PROGRAM FURTHER INTO THE PLAYOFF RACE.
THE TALE OF TWO SEASONS: Leach twins lead TWHS to staggering turnaround
Read full article: THE TALE OF TWO SEASONS: Leach twins lead TWHS to staggering turnaroundNever count out The Woodlands Highlander softball. After starting off district play with an 0-4 record, the Highlanders defied expectations and flipped the script to win 11 consecutive district games, clinching a playoff spot in the process.
HEADS HELD HIGH: Ridge Point’s Warnken reminds her team of their historic journey
Read full article: HEADS HELD HIGH: Ridge Point’s Warnken reminds her team of their historic journeyWith the sound of the final buzzer echoing across the pitch, tears began to fill the eyes of numerous Ridge Point’s players. Fort Bend Ridge Point (23-0-5) faced the Flower Mound Marcus (24-1-1) on Saturday afternoon, and it was a true game of possession.
ROUNDING THIRD: Lake Creek, Katy lead VYPE’s Top 20 as district wraps up
Read full article: ROUNDING THIRD: Lake Creek, Katy lead VYPE’s Top 20 as district wraps upThe softball regular season is rounding third and heading for home as the playoff picture is coming into focus. Everyone is playing for second in the VYPE Public School Top 20 as Lake Creek has won 71 straight games – the UIL State record. The Lions will be the favorites in Class 5A, but the classification is loaded with talent.
BUDDING SUPERSTAR: Desselle Primed To Be A Leader For GCM Softball
Read full article: BUDDING SUPERSTAR: Desselle Primed To Be A Leader For GCM SoftballGOOSE CREEK MEMORIAL SOFTBALL RETURNS TO THE DIAMOND THIS SPRING WITH THE INTENTION OF RECLAIMING ITS STATUS AS A CONTENDER IN A CHALLENGING DISTRICT THAT FEATURES THE LIKES OF PERENNIAL POWERHOUSES BARBERS HILL, PORT NECHES GROVES AND CROSBY.
PROTECT THE NEST: FBCA Softball starts district play with a BANG
Read full article: PROTECT THE NEST: FBCA Softball starts district play with a BANGThe seven-time State Champions, FBCA Softball is entering the second half of the Spring season with one mission in mind. Bring back the title. After the 2022 season, which saw the Eagles finish as a TAPPS-II State Finalist (fell to Legacy Christian), second-year coach Kelli Jacoby’s group has returned to the diamond with the ambition to go back to Arlington. Only this time they don’t intend to leave empty-handed.
THE WIND UP: VYPE Softball Rankings, No. 1 Lake Creek Lions
Read full article: THE WIND UP: VYPE Softball Rankings, No. 1 Lake Creek LionsThe Lions won the program’s first-ever State Title and Ava Brown was named the Gatorade Texas Player of the Year. She signed with Florida after registering an immaculate 0.46 ERA and 335 strikeouts last season.
THE WIND UP: VYPE Softball Rankings, No. 2 Deer Park Deer
Read full article: THE WIND UP: VYPE Softball Rankings, No. 2 Deer Park DeerDeer Park has been one of the strongest softball programs in the Greater Houston Area for the past few years. In 2021, the Deer won the program’s third State title and returned to Austin again in 2022.
THE WIND UP: VYPE Softball Rankings, No. 6 Katy Tigers
Read full article: THE WIND UP: VYPE Softball Rankings, No. 6 Katy TigersThe Katy Tigers have made the Regional Semifinals in back-to-back seasons heading into 2023. Led by legendary coach Kalum Haack, who enters his 25th season at Katy and his 36th overall as a head coach, the Tigers could make another deep run in 2023.
They’re Back! Bridge City Softball has the look of a champion
Read full article: They’re Back! Bridge City Softball has the look of a championFollowing last year’s dominant season in which the Cardinals were undefeated district champs, there is no reason why a repeat isn’t in order. Throw in the fact that the majority of the previous roster remains, Bridge City is a Regional favorite.
THE WIND UP: VYPE Softball Rankings, No. 7 The Woodlands Highlanders
Read full article: THE WIND UP: VYPE Softball Rankings, No. 7 The Woodlands HighlandersThe Woodlands was just one series victory away from punching their ticket to Austin a year ago. This was the Highlanders' first trip to the Regional Finals since 2017 and now they will try and punch through and reach the State Tournament for the first time since 2015.
THE WIND UP: VYPE Softball Rankings, No. 8 Barbers Hill Eagles
Read full article: THE WIND UP: VYPE Softball Rankings, No. 8 Barbers Hill EaglesBarbers Hill entered the 2022 season as the defending Class 5A State Champions after winning the program’s first-ever crown in 2021 and was even crowned the National Champions by MaxPreps.
LEADERS OF LEADERS: McKee has been voice of Lake Creek
Read full article: LEADERS OF LEADERS: McKee has been voice of Lake CreekTHE LAKE CREEK LIONS WENT 38-0 IN 2021, BEFORE RUNNING INTO THE BARBERS HILL BUZZ-SAW IN THE REGIONAL FINALS. THE EAGLES SWEPT THE LIONS IN AN INSTANT CLASSIC SERIES AND EVENTUALLY WON THE CLASS 5A STATE TITLE.
Next Level Team: Lake Creek softball has multiple players commit to D1 college programs in week
Read full article: Next Level Team: Lake Creek softball has multiple players commit to D1 college programs in weekHOUSTON - When Michelle Rochinski fills out her lineup card for Lake Creek softball in the spring for the first time, she will have the luxury of penciling in not just one but multiple college-level caliber players into it.
LSA's Gonzalez verbals to University of New Mexico softball
Read full article: LSA's Gonzalez verbals to University of New Mexico softballHOUSTON - Evany Gonzalez can't even count how many nights and days she went out and got reps on the diamond. It was "non-stop" work in hopes of one day achieving her goal.
VYPE Houston Public School Softball Player of the Year Fan Poll presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors
Read full article: VYPE Houston Public School Softball Player of the Year Fan Poll presented by Academy Sports + OutdoorsThe Softball season is over, and the championships have been won! Now it's time for the fans to speak!
VYPE 411: Emily Rogers of Second Baptist School Softball
Read full article: VYPE 411: Emily Rogers of Second Baptist School SoftballEmily Rogers recently won the VYPE Houston Private School Softball Player of the Year Fan Poll! VYPE caught up with Rogers for the 411 on the star from Second Baptist School.
H-Town High School Sports Episode 34 presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors
Read full article: H-Town High School Sports Episode 34 presented by Academy Sports + OutdoorsH-Town High School Sports rolls on! In case you missed it, check out the full-length episode on YouTube below! Don't forget to subscribe to VYPE on YouTube for more great video content!
UIL STATE SOFTBALL: Liberty claims second State Championship, West wins MVP
Read full article: UIL STATE SOFTBALL: Liberty claims second State Championship, West wins MVPAUSTIN – After sitting in a dugout for two hours watching the rain drizzle onto the tarp covering Red & Charline McCombs Field, Liberty could have let that kill their momentum.
Eagles Soar to TAPPS Division II State Championship
Read full article: Eagles Soar to TAPPS Division II State ChampionshipHOUSTON – As Brandy Mardis stood on the field, watching her team run together and celebrate on the infield, the Second Baptist School softball coach was finally able to take a deep breath.
VYPE Campus Spotlight: Second Baptist School's Rachel Riley tosses no-no
Read full article: VYPE Campus Spotlight: Second Baptist School's Rachel Riley tosses no-noHOUSTON - It is a bit of a superstitious rule of thumb that while a no-hitter is happening, you don't mention that a no-hitter is happening, especially to the pitcher.
VYPE Houston Softball Rankings (3/31): Lake Creek, Barbers Hill leads Top 20
Read full article: VYPE Houston Softball Rankings (3/31): Lake Creek, Barbers Hill leads Top 20In the circle, Kennedy is 8-0 with 111 strikeouts and just seven walks with no runs in 55 innings. Sophomore Ava Brown has also been crushing it, hitting .609 with 29 RBIs, 10 doubles, and seven home runs. Ad1)Lake Creek Lions (24-0, 7-0) (Prev. 7)2)Barbers Hill Eagles (25-2, 7-0) (Prev. 4)8)Magnolia West (18-4, 7-0) (Prev.
Ball Girl to Senior: Sarah Stubbs is an FBCA Lifer
Read full article: Ball Girl to Senior: Sarah Stubbs is an FBCA LiferThere is a photo that hangs in the Fort Bend Christian Academy field house that includes Sarah Stubbs. In it, Stubbs is standing at the end of the line of players during the National Anthem before a game. In that photo, Stubbs was in the third grade as a ball girl for the softball team. Now, in 2021, Stubbs is a senior on that very team looking to bring another state championship back to FBCA. VYPE caught up with the former ball girl and current senior at the Spring Media day to learn more about what it meant to her to be a ball girl and what she tells the current ball girls today.
VYPE Campus: The Hodge Sisters finally together
Read full article: VYPE Campus: The Hodge Sisters finally togetherIt will be a Hodge family affair at Fort Bend Christian Academy softball games this and even next spring. Hadley Hodge has arrived at the high school level. Due to their age difference, coming up through select softball the Hodge sisters never found themselves on the same team. Now, in 2021, that is all changed with them both in high school at Fort Bend Christian Academy. Learn more about the Hodge sisters in this VYPE Campus feature.
THE INFLUENCER: Barbers Hill's Landry beast on the mound; famous on Tik Tok
Read full article: THE INFLUENCER: Barbers Hill's Landry beast on the mound; famous on Tik TokTHE INFLUENCER: Barbers Hill's Landry beast on the mound; famous on Tik TokSamantha Landry single-handedly pulled VYPE (@vype_texas001) into the Tik Tok World. She's pretty chill, honestly, and reluctantly posted a Tik Tok a while back. Everyone is into Tik Tok and it's just something everyone has in common. AdShe likes Tik Tok star Charli D'Amilio, of course, and finds inspiration sometimes from a guy "Nate in the Army". "Charli has a great presence on Tik Tok and Nate has helped me get through some personal stuff and is just inspiring," she said.
VYPE 2021 Softball Preview: Private School No. 3 Lutheran South Academy
Read full article: VYPE 2021 Softball Preview: Private School No. 3 Lutheran South AcademyLutheran South Academy has confidence and why shouldn't they? The Pioneers haven't soon forgotten about the magical 2019 season, which gave them their second title in five years. As Nicole Andrade eyes her fourth year as head coach at LSA with seven starters back, the confidence is there. Coach Andrade believes the lessons they learned from the 2020 season being taken away have made them stronger together as a unit heading into 2021. AdCLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 2021 VYPE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL MAGAZINECLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 2021 VYPE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PHOTOSCLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL DIGITAL MAGAZINE
VYPE 2021 Softball Preview: Private School No. 4 The Woodlands Christian Academy
Read full article: VYPE 2021 Softball Preview: Private School No. 4 The Woodlands Christian AcademyRichard Perez's squad was in the big dance two years ago, playing for the TAPPS Division III State title. TWCA fell short but would have been a solid contender to get back in 2020, after suffering only one loss in '19. Ashley Darilek returns for her junior season but will make the move from shortstop to catcher. Other players to watch include Mackenzie Morris, who brings a big bat to the lineup and will play shortstop, and Aubrey Hollas, who returns after taking a year off. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 2021 VYPE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL MAGAZINECLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 2021 VYPE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PHOTOSCLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL DIGITAL MAGAZINE
Diamond Stars: VYPE's Top 21 Softball Preseason Prospects
Read full article: Diamond Stars: VYPE's Top 21 Softball Preseason ProspectsHeading into the 2021 season, VYPE decided to rank its Top 21 prospects in both baseball and softball in the Greater Houston area. Here are the Top 21 softball players as ranked by VYPE heading into the spring. 1 Sophia Simpson, Barbers Hill (Texas)2 Turiya Coleman, C.E. King (Oklahoma)3 Koko Wooley, La Porte (Texas A&M)4 Mya Holmes, Texas City (Texas)5 Samantha Landry, Barbers Hill (UL at Lafayette)6 Katie Cimusz, Atascocita (Texas)7 Kennedy Powell, Conroe (UCLA)8 Olivia Johnson, Pearland Dawson (Washington)9 Mia Scott, Angleton (Texas)10 Kayden Henry, Dickinson11 Ja'Naiya Thomas, Cypress Creek (Houston)12 Demi Elder, Clear Springs (Texas Tech)13 Emiley Kennedy, Lake Creek (Texas A&M)14 Kasidi Pickering, Atascocita15 Sa'Mya Jones, Pearland Dawson16 Emma Strood, Clear Springs (LSU)17 Avery Hodge, Fort Bend Christian Academy (Oklahoma)18 Gabby Leach, The Woodlands19 Alannah Leach, The Woodlands20 Brianna Ellis, Memorial (Auburn)21 Cameryn Harrison, KatyAdCLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 2021 VYPE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL MAGAZINECLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 2021 VYPE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PHOTOSCLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL DIGITAL MAGAZINE
VYPE Houston Preseason Private School Softball: Others to Watch
Read full article: VYPE Houston Preseason Private School Softball: Others to WatchSecond Baptist School enters this season with six starters returning for Brandy Mardis' team. Once basketball season is over, Leyla Ertan will make her way over to the field. The Lady Broncos are young as juniors Amanda Pollock (P), Annelise Shaw (Utility), and sophomore catcher Alyson Griffith will star for the team. He will have some star power as rising recruit Victoria Hunter and UTSA-signee Emily Dear return for the Panthers in 2021. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 2021 VYPE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL MAGAZINECLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 2021 VYPE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PHOTOSCLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL DIGITAL MAGAZINE
PHOTO GALLERY: Houston Softball Photoshoot #Whatasnap
Read full article: PHOTO GALLERY: Houston Softball Photoshoot #WhatasnapNo, we are not asking if you want cheese on your No. 1 from Whataburger. Instead, saying to smile for the camera. Houston softball stars got to experience the bright lights at the recent VYPE Houston Softball Photoshoot presented by Whataburger. Click here to visit your local Whataburger and make sure to check out #WhataSnap.
VYPE Awards Interview: Hall of Famer Austgen built Deer Park into state power
Read full article: VYPE Awards Interview: Hall of Famer Austgen built Deer Park into state powerWhat a night it was as the VYPE Awards presented by Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine were held virtually on Sunday. VYPE caught up with recent Hall of Fame inductee Deer Park softball coach Carrie Austgen just before the award show. While she is well-known for winning two state titles at Deer Park in 2012 and 2014, there's much more to the story. She reached state three times at Deer Park and once at Brazoswood. Houston Methodist serves as the official health care provider for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Rice Athletics, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera.
Pasadena ISD Playmakers powered by Texas Citizens Bank
Read full article: Pasadena ISD Playmakers powered by Texas Citizens BankThere are so many great athletes in Pasadena ISD. VYPE highlights five athletes from the Padadena ISD softball diamond in this edition of The Stars of Pasadena ISD powered by Texas Citizens Bank. Anabella Valadez, Pasadena MemorialWhile the season was just getting started, Pasadena Memorial was trying to again dominate the district. This content is brought to you by Texas Citizens BankTexas Citizens Bank is a Houston community bank dedicated to concierge banking for owner-managed businesses. Learn how Texas Citizens Bank can help you grow your business at TexasCitizensBank.com.