2025 Preview: Houston

In recent years, Houston has dove into the transfer portal to fill out its roster. That wasn’t the case this offseason with only three additions. The Cougars will rely on their youngsters as they only have five upperclassmen on the roster and brought in a very talented freshman class. Despite the youth movement, head coach Kristin Vesely says they know the expectations set forth for them.

“We’re going to be really young,” Vesely said. “I wouldn’t doubt it if we had six freshmen starting at some point. We have had a lot of open conversations with them about where we need to be and what we need to focus on for the week. We don’t look at being young as a negative. I think this has been one of the most rewarding years so far, getting to go back to coaching and teaching. When we relied on transfers and large roster, we didn’t get a lot of that individual time with them. We couldn’t be more happy with how much they’ve grown.”

Houston Roster Movement

Impact Losses

LHP/UTL Shelby Smith
UTL/C Turiya Coleman (Transferred to Baylor)
OF Kennedy Thomas
UTL Laire Beautae (Transferred to Ole Miss)
INF Jazmyn Rollin
UTL Bree Cantu
OF Paige Hulsey

Transfer Additions

RHP Ranci Willis (Texas Tech)
INF Makenna Mitchell (Texas Tech)
OF Gabby Rawls (Texas Tech)

Freshman Class

RHP/UTL Brooke Wells (No. 15 overall recruit in the 2024 Softball America class)
RHP/UTL Maddie Hartly
RHP Rylee Michalak
RHP Nevaeh Brown
OF Ariel Redmond
INF Emilee Prochaska
INF Madox Mitchael
C Isabel Cintron
C Savanna Luther

Houston Newcomers

Brooke Wells arrives at the Houston program as a top-notch recruit. Wells was a five-star recruit and ranked 15th overall in the 2024 Softball America recruiting rankings. She’s spent time in the USA Softball Women’s Junior National Team System and recently played with the U-18 Team at the WBSC World Cup Group Stage in Fall 2024. She’s a talented hitter but she also really wanted to pitch, which Houston is allowing her to do as well.

“She has a really good skill set,” Vesely said. “I think what differentiates her is her mentality. She’s not pleased with being average. You know she shows up every day and a lot of our younger kids show up each day to get better. I think they’re not satisfied and that’s a unique quality in today’s times.”

Maddie Hartly has made significant strides in the fall. She’s a very good hitter that has plenty of power. She’s a product of the Texas Bombers organization, coming off a title at AFCS this summer and like Wells can also pitch. There is a good chance they’re playing in the field when they aren’t in the circle.

Vesely mentioned that Ariel Redmond should see a good amount of time in the outfield. Infielders Emilee Prochaska, Madox Mitchael and catcher Isabel Cintron are other freshmen to know regarding position players.

Rylee Michalak has emerged as a trustworthy starter in the circle. The righty is from Lawrenceville, N.J. and stood out at Notre Dame High School.

The Cougars also welcome a trio of transfers from Texas Tech. Ranci Willis, Makenna Mitchell and Gabby Rawls saw minimal time while in Lubbock but have plenty of opportunity in front of them. Vesely believes that they are all hungry to compete and possibly take on a bigger role with Houston.

Willis impressed Vesely with her spin in the circle. Her coach says a big part for her is simply believing in her talent. Vesely originally recruited Mitchell out of Santa Fe High School in Texas. Mitchell is a very twitchy athlete who has power. She and Rawls can certainly find a way into the lineup.

Houston Returners

The sophomore class will also see playing start from the jump to get that much-needed experience. Mikalah Nitta is the team’s best returning bat. She had a .333 average and 22 RBIs in 29 starts last season. Vesely commended her ability to never get out the same way twice.

Jordee Wilkins only had 26 at-bats as a freshman, but is a player that has returned very strong. Vesely said she’s in a very good spot.

Kayley Prudhomme has earned the right to be in the starting in the middle infield at the beginning of the season. She offers speed and power coming from the Texas Lady Dukes Club. Bethany Aguilar is another name to watch for the middle infield. She started 21 games at second base last season. Vesely said that they expect her to be a more consistent presence.

Junior Mandy Esman aside from Nitta is the only returner that had more than 75 at-bats last season. She started 35 games, mostly at shortstop. She had seven extra-base hits and 21 RBIs.

In the circle, Paris Lehman returns the most innings with 76.1 innings. Gigi Solis joined the team at the end of February as the Cougars battled injuries in the circle. She threw 20 innings last season and now has had a real offseason to prepare for the spring.

Houston Projected Lineup

C Isabel Cintron
1B Brooke Wells
2B Bethany Aguilar
SS Kayley Prudhomme/Mandy Esman
3B Maddie Hartly/Makenna Mitchell
LF Ariel Redmond/Gabby Rawls
CF Jordee Wilkins
RF Mikalah Nitta
DP TBD

Editor’s Note: These projections are predictions based on previous positions and conversations with coaches. This is a gentle reminder that a lot can change between now and February.

Vesely hasn’t closed the door on any starting spot, rightfully so with a youthful roster. Thus making the projection difficult for us because in full transparency the Houston staff is figuring it out themselves. Based on our conversation with Vesely we put together what one could be.