The past two weeks have been a dream come true for Kingwood Softball, capturing the UIL 6A State Championship—no small feat in a state as competitive as Texas, where elite talent lines every inning of the road to victory.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Christa Williams-Yates and Assistant Coach Christina Mata, the Mustangs rolled over Forney with a 4–1 win in the last game at McCombs Field at University of Texas – Austin. It was a commanding game and a dream ending to a season of grit, growth, and greatness of this team that was here as a runner up last year. 

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and Texas softball legend Coach Williams-Yates instilled her championship mentality in Kingwood just two years ago. The team is 70–12–1 since then—most notably an astounding 34–3–1 this year. More remarkable than the record, however, is what this team stands for: resilience, faith, and the strength of team-first culture.

“I love all of these kids as if they were my own,” Williams-Yates said  to  reporters  following the victory.  “We did all that we possibly could and just left everything out there. It was an amazing experience.”

It really was. 

Sophomore sensation Hunter Quentel was state championship game MVP after a standout effort both in the circle and at the plate. She pitched a complete game with seven strikeouts and provided some breathing room for the Mustangs when she hit a clutch two-run homer in the third inning.

Senior catcher Mia Gagliardi, a Virginia Tech recruit, was 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI. Gagliardi was the heartbeat of the team all season—and this game was the finest possible last chapter in her high school career.

The other stars were Frei Pizarro, with the game‘s initial run, and Leilani Garcia, with a double that jump-started the Mustangs‘ rally in the third.

We asked rising Junior, Kendall Yates to reflect on the team, the next two years as a leader and what’s ahead for this team. “I would say something that keeps our team playing well is our team chemistry. We just love being around each other so much and when we play you can definitely tell that really enjoy playing together. I would say some advice for younger girls would be always play with a smile. Our team always played better when we were laughing and having a good time on the field. That and just play 100% so you know that you did all you could for your team and yourself.” – Kendall Yates

The victory was the icing on an incredible streak that featured not just a state title in softball—but a baseball title as well, one of the first schools in UIL history to win both diamond sports in the same season. We asked a few of the girls from all aspects of the team to tell us what this victory means to them and what it means to be a part of this great program. Starting with Kayla Macicek and ending with Lynsdie Gilman who reflected on the past two seasons and this incredible team win.

“The last two seasons have meant so much to me and the team because of where we have grown as teammates and friends coming together to finish what we left undone last year, without the same individuals who began this journey with us. The beginning of the season seemed shaky to us as we formed together as a team unit making it truly the greatest season Kingwood has ever witnessed.  So much was going through my mind in that last game. Mostly thinking about all the things Coach Yates and Mata remind us everyday about the game our performance and the hours of film we have spent studying our opponents and this game. So when I saw that ball coming towards me, I knew that I had to do this for our team since we have worked so hard the last couple of months to get here as one team.” – Kayla Macicek

Lyndsie Gilman reflected on being a part of a team that is like family to her. “Being apart of a team in high school provides great opportunities to grow individually and learn to work together to achieve one goal. Learning to be selfless and holding each other accountable by lifting others up in the good and bad. Being dedicated for not only yourself but also the team. Taking advance of opportunities when given. Always being supportive and encouraging of other teammates success.” – Lyndsie Gilman

After semifinal heartbreak a year ago, the Mustangs converted that loss into domination this season and a playoff  sweep and  overwhelming state-title performance.

For the Class of 2025, this title is more than a culmination—it‘s legacy. With outstanding leadership, returning talent and a culture tempered in the fire of hard work, Kingwood High has reached new heights. This moment won’t dissipate—it‘ll energize future greatness. Kingwood’s initial softball state title is the start of something great with more highlight, resilience and dominance from this team.