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The Hooks announced the 2026 South Texas Softball Preseason All Star Teams on Tuesday, Jan. 6, featuring 30 players from 19 area programs across the Coastal Bend.
The honorary team is divided into Private-3A and 4A-5A classifications and was voted on by 72 area head coaches.
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The teams will be recognized Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Hilliard Center’s Henry Garrett Ballroom during the 20th South Texas Softball and Baseball Winter Banquet, presented by Whataburger.
Corpus Christi native, Team USA member and Banana Ball coach Valerie Perez will serve as the featured speaker at the banquet.
2025 All-SOUTH TEXAS Veterans Memorial's Parker Malone leads 2025 Caller-Times All-South Texas Softball Team
The Private-3A squad is led by Woodsboro senior Sidney Castillo, who is being honored for a third consecutive year. Castillo is joined by teammate and senior Chayse Wernli.
Santa Gertrudis Academy, San Diego and Bishop each placed two players on the team. SGA seniors Natalia Escobedo and D’Andra Fernandez, both two-time honorees, will represent the Lions.
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Senior Mariana Molina and junior Dalisa Luera will represent the Vaqueros, while Bishop seniors Aubrielle Saldana and Kalie Garza were also named to the team.
Refugio senior Jazaelynne Lewis is a repeat preseason selection. The Private-3A roster is rounded out by senior Josette Aparicio of Taft, senior Jolie Mann of Skidmore-Tynan, junior Julia Garza of Odem, junior Sydney Ruiz of Three Rivers, senior Angelica Ortega of Riviera and junior Taygen De La Garza of London.
Coastal Bend programs also pace the 4A-5A selections, led by Calallen as it seeks a fourth consecutive UIL Class 4A state championship.
The Wildcats placed four players on the team in seniors Jordyn Thibodeaux, Audryna Almaraz and Braelyn Bailey, along with junior Kylie Butcher. Bailey is a repeat honoree, while Thibodeaux earned her third preseason selection to the team.
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Tuloso-Midway seniors Madison Gummelt, a repeat selection, and Avari Andrade were also named to the team. Gregory-Portland placed two seniors on the roster in Emily Cameron and Kailani Vargas.
Ingleside and Carroll each had two selections. Seniors Kylee Ward and Leilani Smith will represent the Mustangs, while Carroll seniors Isabella Montalvo and Kaeleigh Mendez earned all-star honors.
Veterans Memorial junior and reigning Caller-Times All-South Texas MVP Parker Malone, one of two juniors selected in the 4A-5A division, was recognized for the second straight year.
Rockport-Fulton senior Maddy Dykes is also a repeat selection, while Ray senior Kailey Benavides rounds out the rest of the all-star roster.
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Tickets for the winter banquet are on sale now. For more information about the event, call 361-561-HOOK.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Meet the 30 on the 2026 Hooks preseason softball all star teams
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