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The 2026 Texas high school softball season was full of surprising finishes, outstanding individual achievements and memorable postseason moments.
Now with the high school softball season officially in the books, it’s time to answer a major question: Who was the Big Country’s best softball player during the 2026 season?
We want to hear from you! The Reporter-News has selected 16 of the Big Country’s top high school softball players as finalists for the 2026 Readers’ Choice All-Big Country Softball MVP.
Finalists were selected based upon statistics, individual accolades, team success and feedback from area coaches.
The Readers’ Choice All-Big Country Softball MVP poll will open on Tuesday, July 14, and close at 5 p.m. Monday, July 27.
Here is a closer look at every candidate for the Abilene Reporter-News’ Readers’ Choice All-Big Country Softball MVP for the 2026 Texas high school softball season:
Athletes listed in alphabetical order below.
More: Fan Vote: Who should be 2026 All-Big Country Boys Track & Field MVP?
More: Gordon, Hamlin baseball standouts named to 1A UIL All-Tournament Team
More: Fan Vote: Who should be the ARN’s 2026 All-Big Country Girls Track & Field MVP?
Gabby Cabrera, Tuscola Jim Ned, So.
Cabrera set the tone at the top of Jim Ned’s deep lineup during the Lady Indians’ run to the regional finals of the 3A DI UIL Softball Playoffs, hitting .543 with 48 runs scored, 30 RBIs, 17 doubles, six home runs, four triples, 24 stolen bases and a 1.603 OPS.
Kyleigh Caperton, Early, Sr.
Caperton — one of the Big Country’s most talented shortstops — thrived for Early during a strong senior season, posting a .529 batting average and 1.777 OPS with 35 runs scored, 22 RBIs, 11 stolen bases, seven home runs, five triples and three doubles.
McKinley Crouch, Merkel, Fr.
Crouch became one of the Big Country’s most accomplished young softball stars after a breakout freshman year in the circle for Merkel. The Lady Badgers’ ace recorded an 8-4 record with a 2.40 ERA and 239 strikeouts through 131 innings pitched to help Merkel reach the area round of the 3A DII UIL Softball Playoffs.
Avie Faries, Abilene Wylie, Jr.
Fairies was a key part of the Lady Bulldogs run to the regional finals of the 5A DII UIL Softball Playoffs as Wylie’s most reliable arm in the circle. She finished a strong junior season with an 8-5 record, a 3.69 ERA and 89 strikeouts through 81⅔ innings pitched.
Sydnee Gomez, Snyder, Jr.
Gomez helped the Lady Tigers lock up their second straight district title and advance to the regional semifinals of the 4A DII UIL Softball Playoffs thanks to her work in the circle and offensive consistency. Snyder’s junior ace registered a 12-3 record in the circle with 137 strikeouts and a 2.09 ERA through 70 innings pitched. She also tallied 45 RBIs, 18 doubles, nine home runs and a triple while hitting .429.
Jojo Gonzalez, Big Spring, Jr.
Gonzalez made a name for herself as one of the Big Country’s premier power hitters after hitting .461 with 48 RBIs, 28 runs scored, 12 home runs, six doubles and a 1.580 OPS during Big Spring’s run to the area round of the 4A DI UIL Softball Playoffs.
Addi Hart, Coahoma, Sr.
Hart left her mark as the Big Country’s top leadoff hitter and an elite defensive center fielder during Coahoma’s fifth consecutive trip to the state championship game in the 3A DII UIL Softball Playoffs. She finished a sensational senior season hitting .622 with 70 runs scored, 46 RBIs, 10 home runs, 16 doubles, two triples, 31 stolen bases and a 1.882 OPS.
Lauryne Hobbs, Eastland, Sr.
Hobbs proved why she’s one of the Big Country’s most dangerous hitters and versatile utility players for the Lady Mavs this year, recording 30 RBIs, 26 runs scored, nine home runs, five triples and five stolen bases on a .571 batting average with a 2.019 OPS.
More: ACU hires Texas Tech baseball legend as next softball coach
More: Check out unique features of ACU football's conference championship rings
More: Abilene Christian replaces track, begins renovations at Elmer Gray Stadium
Jaylee Lowe, Hawley, Sr.
Lowe capped off an impressive high school career as one of the Big Country’s most dominant two-way players in 2026. She anchored a deep Lady Cats lineup, where she hit .565 with 49 RBIs, 36 runs scored, 14 doubles, 12 home runs, 16 stolen bases, a triple and a 2.074 OPS. She also starred for Hawley in the circle, racking up a 9-1 record with a 1.58 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched.
Kenzie McLean, Cross Plains, Fr.
McLean was an invaluable part of the Lady Buffs’ historic run to the state semifinals of the 1A UIL Softball Playoffs, hitting .539 at the plate with 34 RBIs, 31 runs scored, 17 doubles, four home runs and six stolen bases offensively. Cross Plains’ ace also delivered in the circle with an 11-4 record, a 1.27 ERA and 246 strikeouts through 110⅓ innings pitched.
Ary’anna Mealing, Forsan, Sr.
Mealing gave the Lady Buffs lineup plenty of power, speed and consistency during their run to the area round of the 2A DI UIL Softball Playoffs, hitting .524 with 44 RBIs, 39 runs scored, 14 doubles and six triples.
Mikaelynn Miles, Hico, Sr.
Miles was both a standout hitter and pitcher during the Lady Tigers’ run to the area round of the 2A DII UIL Softball Playoffs. She posted a .514 batting average and 1.426 OPS while collecting 34 RBIs, 28 runs scored, 12 doubles, two triples, two home runs and nine stolen bases. She also tallied a 15-5 overall record in the circle with a 3.11 ERA and 105 strikeouts through 115⅔ innings pitched.
AJ Pevey, Cisco, So.
Pevey was an elite defender at shortstop and provided the Lady Loboes with a big bat atop their lineup during Cisco’s run to the state semifinals of the 2A DI UIL Softball Playoffs. She tallied 56 RBIs, 49 runs scored, 18 doubles, nine home runs, five triples and nine stolen bases while hitting .500 with a 1.557 OPS.
Avah Reyes, Abilene High, Sr.
Reyes helped lead Abilene High to its first regional finals appearance in program history during a deep run in the 5A DI UIL Softball Playoffs. The Lady Eagles’ ace dominated in the circle, finishing a strong senior season with a 19-7 record, a 2.41 ERA and 193 strikeouts through 148 innings pitched. She also posted a .352 batting average with 16 RBIs offensively.
Brynli Reynolds, Clyde, Fr.
Reynolds helped the Lady Bulldogs go 21-6 during a sensational freshman season both in the circle and at the plate. She burst onto the Big Country’s high school softball scene by dominating in the circle with an 18-4 record, a 0.69 ERA and 333 strikeouts in 141⅔ innings pitched during her breakout freshman season. Reynolds also tallied 33 RBIs, 13 runs scored, 12 doubles, six home runs and a triple offensively while hitting .537 with a 1.647 OPS.
Brynlee Stocks, Haskell, Jr.
Stocks shined both at the plate and in the circle during the Maidens’ run to the regional semifinals of the 2A DI UIL Softball Playoffs. She racked up 37 RBIs, 33 runs scored, 11 doubles, six triples, four home runs and six stolen bases, posting a .521 batting average and a 1.542 OPS offensively. In the circle, Stocks recorded a 7-0 record with 52 strikeouts and a 2.95 ERA through 57 innings pitched.
VOTE HERE
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Fan Vote: Who should be the ARN’s 2026 All-Big Country Softball MVP?
Continue reading...
Now with the high school softball season officially in the books, it’s time to answer a major question: Who was the Big Country’s best softball player during the 2026 season?
We want to hear from you! The Reporter-News has selected 16 of the Big Country’s top high school softball players as finalists for the 2026 Readers’ Choice All-Big Country Softball MVP.
Finalists were selected based upon statistics, individual accolades, team success and feedback from area coaches.
The Readers’ Choice All-Big Country Softball MVP poll will open on Tuesday, July 14, and close at 5 p.m. Monday, July 27.
Here is a closer look at every candidate for the Abilene Reporter-News’ Readers’ Choice All-Big Country Softball MVP for the 2026 Texas high school softball season:
Athletes listed in alphabetical order below.
More: Fan Vote: Who should be 2026 All-Big Country Boys Track & Field MVP?
More: Gordon, Hamlin baseball standouts named to 1A UIL All-Tournament Team
More: Fan Vote: Who should be the ARN’s 2026 All-Big Country Girls Track & Field MVP?
Gabby Cabrera, Tuscola Jim Ned, So.
Cabrera set the tone at the top of Jim Ned’s deep lineup during the Lady Indians’ run to the regional finals of the 3A DI UIL Softball Playoffs, hitting .543 with 48 runs scored, 30 RBIs, 17 doubles, six home runs, four triples, 24 stolen bases and a 1.603 OPS.
Kyleigh Caperton, Early, Sr.
Caperton — one of the Big Country’s most talented shortstops — thrived for Early during a strong senior season, posting a .529 batting average and 1.777 OPS with 35 runs scored, 22 RBIs, 11 stolen bases, seven home runs, five triples and three doubles.
McKinley Crouch, Merkel, Fr.
Crouch became one of the Big Country’s most accomplished young softball stars after a breakout freshman year in the circle for Merkel. The Lady Badgers’ ace recorded an 8-4 record with a 2.40 ERA and 239 strikeouts through 131 innings pitched to help Merkel reach the area round of the 3A DII UIL Softball Playoffs.
Avie Faries, Abilene Wylie, Jr.
Fairies was a key part of the Lady Bulldogs run to the regional finals of the 5A DII UIL Softball Playoffs as Wylie’s most reliable arm in the circle. She finished a strong junior season with an 8-5 record, a 3.69 ERA and 89 strikeouts through 81⅔ innings pitched.
Sydnee Gomez, Snyder, Jr.
Gomez helped the Lady Tigers lock up their second straight district title and advance to the regional semifinals of the 4A DII UIL Softball Playoffs thanks to her work in the circle and offensive consistency. Snyder’s junior ace registered a 12-3 record in the circle with 137 strikeouts and a 2.09 ERA through 70 innings pitched. She also tallied 45 RBIs, 18 doubles, nine home runs and a triple while hitting .429.
Jojo Gonzalez, Big Spring, Jr.
Gonzalez made a name for herself as one of the Big Country’s premier power hitters after hitting .461 with 48 RBIs, 28 runs scored, 12 home runs, six doubles and a 1.580 OPS during Big Spring’s run to the area round of the 4A DI UIL Softball Playoffs.
Addi Hart, Coahoma, Sr.
Hart left her mark as the Big Country’s top leadoff hitter and an elite defensive center fielder during Coahoma’s fifth consecutive trip to the state championship game in the 3A DII UIL Softball Playoffs. She finished a sensational senior season hitting .622 with 70 runs scored, 46 RBIs, 10 home runs, 16 doubles, two triples, 31 stolen bases and a 1.882 OPS.
Lauryne Hobbs, Eastland, Sr.
Hobbs proved why she’s one of the Big Country’s most dangerous hitters and versatile utility players for the Lady Mavs this year, recording 30 RBIs, 26 runs scored, nine home runs, five triples and five stolen bases on a .571 batting average with a 2.019 OPS.
More: ACU hires Texas Tech baseball legend as next softball coach
More: Check out unique features of ACU football's conference championship rings
More: Abilene Christian replaces track, begins renovations at Elmer Gray Stadium
Jaylee Lowe, Hawley, Sr.
Lowe capped off an impressive high school career as one of the Big Country’s most dominant two-way players in 2026. She anchored a deep Lady Cats lineup, where she hit .565 with 49 RBIs, 36 runs scored, 14 doubles, 12 home runs, 16 stolen bases, a triple and a 2.074 OPS. She also starred for Hawley in the circle, racking up a 9-1 record with a 1.58 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched.
Kenzie McLean, Cross Plains, Fr.
McLean was an invaluable part of the Lady Buffs’ historic run to the state semifinals of the 1A UIL Softball Playoffs, hitting .539 at the plate with 34 RBIs, 31 runs scored, 17 doubles, four home runs and six stolen bases offensively. Cross Plains’ ace also delivered in the circle with an 11-4 record, a 1.27 ERA and 246 strikeouts through 110⅓ innings pitched.
Ary’anna Mealing, Forsan, Sr.
Mealing gave the Lady Buffs lineup plenty of power, speed and consistency during their run to the area round of the 2A DI UIL Softball Playoffs, hitting .524 with 44 RBIs, 39 runs scored, 14 doubles and six triples.
Mikaelynn Miles, Hico, Sr.
Miles was both a standout hitter and pitcher during the Lady Tigers’ run to the area round of the 2A DII UIL Softball Playoffs. She posted a .514 batting average and 1.426 OPS while collecting 34 RBIs, 28 runs scored, 12 doubles, two triples, two home runs and nine stolen bases. She also tallied a 15-5 overall record in the circle with a 3.11 ERA and 105 strikeouts through 115⅔ innings pitched.
AJ Pevey, Cisco, So.
Pevey was an elite defender at shortstop and provided the Lady Loboes with a big bat atop their lineup during Cisco’s run to the state semifinals of the 2A DI UIL Softball Playoffs. She tallied 56 RBIs, 49 runs scored, 18 doubles, nine home runs, five triples and nine stolen bases while hitting .500 with a 1.557 OPS.
Avah Reyes, Abilene High, Sr.
Reyes helped lead Abilene High to its first regional finals appearance in program history during a deep run in the 5A DI UIL Softball Playoffs. The Lady Eagles’ ace dominated in the circle, finishing a strong senior season with a 19-7 record, a 2.41 ERA and 193 strikeouts through 148 innings pitched. She also posted a .352 batting average with 16 RBIs offensively.
Brynli Reynolds, Clyde, Fr.
Reynolds helped the Lady Bulldogs go 21-6 during a sensational freshman season both in the circle and at the plate. She burst onto the Big Country’s high school softball scene by dominating in the circle with an 18-4 record, a 0.69 ERA and 333 strikeouts in 141⅔ innings pitched during her breakout freshman season. Reynolds also tallied 33 RBIs, 13 runs scored, 12 doubles, six home runs and a triple offensively while hitting .537 with a 1.647 OPS.
Brynlee Stocks, Haskell, Jr.
Stocks shined both at the plate and in the circle during the Maidens’ run to the regional semifinals of the 2A DI UIL Softball Playoffs. She racked up 37 RBIs, 33 runs scored, 11 doubles, six triples, four home runs and six stolen bases, posting a .521 batting average and a 1.542 OPS offensively. In the circle, Stocks recorded a 7-0 record with 52 strikeouts and a 2.95 ERA through 57 innings pitched.
VOTE HERE
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Fan Vote: Who should be the ARN’s 2026 All-Big Country Softball MVP?
Continue reading...
