KINGWOOD, Texas – In Kingwood, the sounds of softball can still be heard throughout the campus. While the school year in Humble ISD ends on Thursday, the Mustangs work is not done yet.
“It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience; there are really no words to describe it,” Senior outfielder Ava Jolley told KPRC 2 Sports. “It’s very surreal!”
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The ‘Stangs are state tournament bound for the first time since the 2013 season. The UIL tournament will take place in Austin, and Kingwood opens in the Class 6A semifinal round Friday night at 7 p.m.
“We have to stay true to ourselves,” said Junior 3rd baseman Sara Haug after Monday’s practice. “We’re Kingwood and we may not be as well-known and may not be ranked number one, but we are, by heart, a really tough team to compete with. I’m very proud of us to not let the labels get to us at all.”
“We’ve been working so hard to get to this point,” said Junior outfielder Mia Gagliardi. " To see our work pay off is exciting, and I’m really happy for us as a team.”
Kingwood punched its ticket thanks to a two-game regional final sweep over the Katy Tigers, who were ranked No. 1 in Texas and nationally.
In a spring that has seen the Kingwood area hit hard again by flooding, this team has not lost its focus at any point. Now, they head to Austin with the one goal being bringing home the 6A state title.
“This is just like the Astros; we are the Astros, and this is our moment. This is our time, and we will not be distracted but instead come together,” Jolley added.
For Kingwood Head Coach and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Christa Williams-Yates, coaching this senior class has been special.
“It’s nice to see these kids get the recognition they deserve,” Williams-Yates told KPRC 2 Sports. “At the same time, it’s so much fun to see a team or a community come together, and we definitely feel that.”
Kingwood opens UIL State tournament play Friday night in the Class 6A semifinal round against Waco Midway.