(RV) Softball opening practice on Monday
After a historic 2024 campaign, the UHV softball team is ready to make another push at the NAIA Softball World Series in 2025.
The Jaguars (33-14 in 2024), who are receiving votes in the 2025 NAIA Preseason Poll, are coming off the program's ninth NAIA Tournament appearance in 17 seasons and open practice on Monday ahead of their 47-game schedule. It was the team's 13th 30-win season, as well.
"I'm thrilled to get the season started," said head coach Lindsey Ortiz, who enters her 12th season at the helm of the program. "I think this group is specifically exciting because we have so much experience on our roster and we have players who have done it at a high level for a long time. You can bring in talent as much as you want, but experience is hard to come by."
UHV's experienced roster is headlined by the return of NAIA First Team All-American Kenzie Chambers and NFCA Second Team All-American Claire Blinka. The Jaguars also return NFCA Second Team All-Region selection Kaylle Lopez and Second Team All-RRAC first baseman Allison Snedeker.
Last season, Chambers slashed a team-leading .492 and racking up a single-season program record 49 stolen bases, which ranked eighth nationally. She enters the season one stolen base from tying Madysin Leighton's career record of 90, which was set last season.
The Grand Prairie native became the 12th UHV softball player to be named an NAIA All-American and first since Aubri Hockenbury's First Team selection in 2017.
Blinka boasted career highs in RBIs (49), hits (54) and on-base percentage (.447) in 2024 to become the sixth-ever Jaguar to garner NFCA All-American honors and first since Rachel Laird in 2014.
"I think (our returners) are excited to put that responsibility on their shoulders and run with it," Ortiz said. "They can really be a force and a source of support for our younger players. I think they are going to do a great job."
UHV will also have a familiar face joining the coaching staff with Cameron Henneke, formerly Cowan, serving as a graduate assistant after a record-setting career in the circle, claiming the career program records for appearances, wins, innings pitched and shutouts.
Her experience will help bolster a pitching rotation which includes returners Alexi Wade and Hope Quinones, and new faces like Jocelyn Galvan, Keira Reis and Audrie Sayas.
"I think as great as Cam was as a player, she's an even better teacher," Ortiz said. "I've seen an immediate impact on our pitching staff as far as their confidence and through some mechanical adjustments. They're excited to get better and they're excited to grow and learn with her. I think it's going to make a huge difference this year."
The Jaguars open the season at the LSU Alexandria/Louisiana Christian Tournament Jan. 31-Feb. 1 before returning to Victoria for their home opener on Feb. 5 against NCAA Division III Schreiner University.