Softball team looks to make big impact on 2026 season

January 29, 2026

Hill College Head Softball Coach Gregory Cary has had a full year of recruiting behind his belt, and now he’s ready to showcase the talent he has acquired as the Rebels prepare for the upcoming 2026 season.

Cary, who joined the Hill College coaching family in 2024, also credits the new softball facilities and upgrades as integral parts of the college's recruiting process.

“We have a mission this year, which is to win as many games as possible,” Cary said. “It’s an exciting time here – not just for us, but for all Hill College athletic programs.”

So far, 21 freshmen have joined the softball team – all with the willingness and intensity to bring a winning culture to the program.

“They [incoming freshmen] want to be a part of this movement,” Cary added. “In fact, a few of our student-athletes turned down multiple offers at other institutions just to come play here.”

A few key players to watch for the Rebels this season include freshman pitcher Madison Mauricio, sophomore infielder Kala Cobb, freshman utility player Kasara Brooks, and freshmen Canadians Grace Culutzan and Halle Joy.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited about a season,” Cary said. “There is tremendous chemistry with this team, and both our student-athletes and coaches are fully invested.”

Last season, there were four [out of nine] teams in the conference who were ranked in the NJCAA Division I National Softball poll – including powerhouse programs like McLennan Community College, Grayson College, and Weatherford College.

Cary said he wouldn’t be surprised if those teams will also show up on this year’s national poll as well.

"For us right now, it’s just going to be to try to jump up as many spots in the conference as possible,” he added.

Cary and longtime assistant coach Jean Melo Fernandez will be taking the Rebels on the road to participate in a few out-of-state softball tournaments prior to the beginning of conference play including Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Kansas.

"I want us to have a good start, continue to build chemistry, identify ourselves and to just focus on the game of softball,” he added. “Once we return, I’m looking forward to a great start of the season at home.”

The first matchup of the season will be a doubleheader against Clarendon College on Jan. 31 beginning at noon.

“The first three weeks will pretty much determine the key to our season,” Cary said. “If we go out and get some wins early, it will definitely boost morale.”

The regular season runs through May 9, and the NJCAA Region 5 Division I Softball Tournament is scheduled for May 13 at a site and time yet to be determined.

For more information on the Hill College softball program, please visit https://hillcollegeathletics.com.

Hill College 2026 Softball Roster

1 Kaia Cobb, R-So, IF (Ft. Collins, Colorado)
2 Madison Mauricio, Fr, P (Rockport)
3 Lacy Forns, Fr, UT (Hillsboro)
4 Jayda Granger, Fr, OF (Hankamer)
5 Landri Hernandez, Fr UT (La Grange)
7 Sarah Padilla, Fr, OF (Gonzalez)
8 Delana Heuer, Fr, C (Pearland)
9 Shyla Thompson, Fr, UT (Abilene)
10 Grace Culutzan, Fr, P (Calgary, Canada)
11 Abigail Neill, Fr, P (Abbott)
12 Malaya Gabriel, Fr, IF (Kyle)
13 Madison Fletcher, Fr, OF (McKinney)
15 Hailey Broussard, Fr, C (Angleton)
16 Karla-Fay Martinez, So, C (Cypress)
17 Halle Joy, Fr, IF (Harbour Main, Canada)
18 Leticia Nunez, So, IF (Corpus Christi)
19 Erika Gomez, Fr, C (Jasper)
20 Presley Gaitan, Fr, IF (Stephenville)
21 Ella Sharp, Fr, P (Lipan)
22 Liliana Ramirez, Fr, IF (Kyle)
23 Kendal Sanford, Fr, 1B (Georgetown)
24 Kasara Brooks, Fr, UT (Cameron)
27 Mia Gonzalez, Fr, IF (Brownsville)
30 Grace Thompson, So, P (Canton)
33 Nevaeh Garza, Fr, P (Converse)

Head Coach: Gregory Cary
Assistant Coach: Jean Melo Fernandez