ETBU Softball | 25 Years of Success

The 2022 East Texas Baptist University softball season marked the 25th year of the program. In 25 years, softball has become the face of ETBU Athletics winning the University’s first-ever NCAA Division III National Championship in 2010. Since the first season, the program has played in 15 NCAA Division III National Tournaments, won 10 American Southwest Conference Tournaments, three NCAA Regional Championships, one Super Regional Championship, and played in two World Series. In the ASC, ETBU has played in 22 tournaments, the most of any other program in the conference, and has had 93 players earn All-Conference awards. For over 120 straight weeks ETBU softball has been nationally ranked and throughout the years has produced 15 All-American’s. 

Take a look below at how ETBU Softball has impacted a few of our former players.

Jessica Bowden | Houston, Texas | 2014-2016

• Pitching/Hitting Instructor at Hardball Academy
• Owner/Co-Founder of Softball and Baseball Doctor
• Professional Hitting and Pitching Instructor in Sterling Sports
• Master in Business Administration from ETBU

• 2014 NCAA Championship Tournament Team
• 2016 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion
• Three-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• All-ASC Third Team

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

The girls/teammates I was surrounded by made my transition from a different university very welcoming. The professors were amazing, the campus was beautiful, and I was able to grow my faith there as well.

Favorite moment at ETBU

Going to the World Series!!! All of the championships we won, SO MUCH FUN!

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

Playing hacky sack before every game.

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

Nothing is going to be handed to you easy. So you need to work hard for the things that you want. It may not always work out at first, but eventually it will.

Ashton (Brey) Carpenter | Lindale, Texas | 2010-2012

• Head Volleyball/Softball Coach at Van High School
• Married to Josh Carpenter
• Children: two boys

• 2010 NCAA National Championship Team
• 2011 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion
• Two-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• Two-Time CoSIDA Academic All-American
• Two-Time ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Award Winner

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

It was so special to play at ETBU because strangers from all different backgrounds became a family. We leaned on each other in the hard times, and celebrated each other in all the fun and exciting times. It was also special because ETBU was a close knit campus and so many of our professors always came to our games to support us.

 Favorite moment at ETBU

Of course, my all time favorite memory is winning the National Championship but there were so many other memories from my time there that also stand out. I love the community outreach that we were always a part of. For example, the softball and baseball teams helped out with the Buddy Walk. Now that I work in special education, I understand how big of a deal that was for the kids that attended and their families.

Sara (Clements) Coleman | San Antonio, Texas | 2012-2015

• Physical Therapist at New Braunfels Sport and Spine Physical Therapy
• Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Incarnate Word
• Married to Wesley Coleman

• 2013 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champions
• 2014 NCAA Championship Tournament Team
• Three-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• All-ASC First-Team

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

It allowed me to play the sport I love while also creating long lasting friendships and memories with my teammates. I hardly remember the wins/losses but I always remember the many laughs and small moments from each season.

Favorite moment at ETBU

The walk off super regional win in 2014 over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

My favorite would have to be at the beginning of the season when we each get a ball to keep in our gloves and we could decorate it with bible verses, quotes, and inspirational messages to help us throughout the season.

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

I just learned how to be an overall team player and to always work hard. Those have come in handy a lot in the adult world. Oh and I learned to always show up early!

Lexi (Langley) Commander | Elysian Fields, Texas | 2001-2004

• Head Softball Coach at Elysian Fields High School
• FCA Sponsor
• Married to Chad Commander
• Children: Caden

• Four-Time American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion
• Three-Time NCAA Tournament Participant

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

It was so special to play with a group of girls who loved the game of softball as much as I do!    It was also special to be a part of such a talented team year after year. Being ranked #1 in the nation my senior year was incredible, as well as winning the ASC championship four years in a row.

Favorite moment at ETBU

I think one of my favorite moments would be the series at Louisiana College my senior year. They were our rivals at the time and we won two extra inning games in 11 and 10 innings at their place. In the double header against them at our place, Mandie Hill pitched a perfect game!  To be a part of that was a moment I’ll never forget.

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

The value of hard work and doing everything for a purpose to the best of my ability. I learned that the way you approach little things matter because those little things matter and set you apart from others. ETBU softball is about a tradition of excellence and being able to be a part of this program for four years made me stronger than I knew possible.

Angela (Gonzales) Cooper | Magnolia, Texas | 2001-2004

• Head Softball Coach at Magnolia High School
• Master of Science in Sports Management from Liberty University
• Married
• Children: Catlina

• Four-Time American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion
• Three-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• Three-Time NFCA All-American
• Two-Time ASC East Player of the Year
• 2002 ASC Tournament MVP
• 2004 NCAA Division III Catcher of the Year
• ETBU Hall of Fame

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

The traditions of the program are like no other. It truly was like home to me when I first stepped on campus. It was a small, intimate campus with strong core values. I made the greatest best friends there. I was able to play with some of the most amazing women and work toward our common goals each year together. I still try to visit at least once a year and share all the traditions and uniqueness of the program with my daughter (who has dreams of playing for Aunt Nae-Nae and to put her name on the record books at Tigerland one day).

Favorite moment at ETBU

There are a lot of memories like winning four ASC championships, beating Louisiana College four times all by home runs my senior year, being ranked #1 my senior year, fall World Series games that turned into prank wars, and traveling to new places with my softball sisters.

Ayrika (Henderson) Giese | Nacogdoches, Texas | 2009-2010

• Elementary Education PE Teacher at Woden ISD
• Married to Tony Giese
• Children: Addison (13), Kason (9), Zane (4), Tyson (2)

• 2010 NCAA National Championship Team
• Two-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• NFCA All-American First Team
• 2009 ASC East Pitcher of the Year
• 2010 ASC Athlete of the Year
• Two-Time All-ASC East First Team
• ASC Record for Season ERA
• ETBU Hall of Fame

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

We were a family! Forced to be “Softball sisters” but CHOSE to be Friends!!!

Favorite moment at ETBU

Winning the 2010 National Championship!

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

National Snow Cone Day

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

Live my life with “No Regrets!”

Carrie (Mills) Gilcreass | Nacogdoches, Texas | 2001-2004

• First Assistant District Attorney in Nacogdoches County
• Married to Aaron Gilcreass
• Children: Quinn (8), and son Beckett (3)

• Four-Time American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion
• Three-Time NCAA Tournament Participant

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

Playing softball at ETBU was such a special experience. My freshman year, I played with the first class of graduating seniors. Back then, we were still playing with a plastic temporary fence that we had to take up and down because we were sharing a field with the soccer team. However, there was already such a sense of pride in wearing that uniform. There was a tradition of excellence established by the very first players that has been handed down by each team since. We have a sisterhood that I continue to treasure.

Favorite moment at ETBU

During my time at ETBU, we won four conference championships and were ranked first in the nation my senior year. I have some wonderful memories from those games. My favorite memories though are from the times spent with my teammates. I still laugh thinking about the pranks we played on each other during the fall intrasquad Blue/Grey World Series and some of the crazy Halloween costumes from our team’s annual team party.

Christy (Shipley) Gipson  | Beaumont, Texas | 2004-07

• Nursing professor at UT Tyler
• Doctorate in nursing from UT Tyler
• Married to Coby Gipson who is a football coach at Lamar University.
• Children: Camryn (13), Connor (4), Casen (2)

• 2004 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion
• NCAA Tournament Participant
• NFCA All-American
• Two-Time ASC East Player of the Year
• CoSIDA Academic All-American
• ETBU Career Leader in At-Bats, Runs Scored, Hits, Doubles, Triples, Batting Average
• ASC Record for Career Triples and Total Bases
• ETBU Hall of Fame

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

Playing at ETBU was special for a number of reasons. There was a foundation of success and a strong commitment to spiritual development. My professors knew me and helped equip me for my future endeavors. It was close to home and my family could come watch me play. Finally, I made lifelong friends with teammates who became family. If I had to sum it up in one statement-it would be the people and relationships that turned into lifelong friendships that made it so special!

Favorite moment at ETBU

Celebrating wins with my teammates and the song they used to sing when I hit a home run.

Heather (Hogan) Gonzales | 1998-2001

• Travel Agent - Mickey Mom Travel
• Married to Jeremy Gonzalez
• Children: Bailey (12), Major (8)

• 2000, 2001 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champions
• NCCAA National Tournament Participant

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

Playing softball at ETBU was special for me because it was the beginning of so many wonderful things in my life … the beginning of my college career which I had dreamed of since I was a little girl, the beginning of a new program, which no one knew what the future held, but what a bright future it was, and the beginning of many beautiful lifelong friendships. 

Favorite moment at ETBU

Looking back, believe it or not, some of my favorite memories were probably some of the toughest times. My favorite memory is walking off the field for the last time with the five other seniors that were in my freshman class. Of all the people we saw come and go, we were the last ones. We worked hard to be those final few players.

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

I will never forget how hard Coach Reeves pushed us. He taught us to push through the hard things. He was tough, but he loved us. Softball and Nursing school were difficult and I had no idea how I was going to do both. He wouldn’t let me give up. And I did it! I completed my degree in four years and somehow managed to play softball the entire time. Not many schools would have let me do that. Learning that I'm capable of so much more was a huge life lesson from my time at ETBU and it has continued to serve me well these past 25 years!! I’m so thankful for my years at ETBU and the opportunity to play with so many amazing women and coaches.

Missy (Mohon) Hass | Austin, Texas | 1998-2001

• Forensic Analyst Technical Leader - UNT Center for Human Identification
• Master of Forensic DNA Analysis & Serology from the University of Florida  
• Married to Nate Hass (ETBU Baseball Alumni)
• Children: Madison (12), Isabella (7)

• 2000, 2001 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champions
• NCCAA National Tournament Participant
• Three-Time National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA) All-American
• NCCAA All-Tournament Team
• ASC Record for Career ERA, Fewest Hits, Runs, and Walks Allowed
• ETBU Hall of Fame

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

We were a family from the start. Most of us knew each other already from summer ball and the new relationships we formed were invaluable.

Favorite moment at ETBU

My favorite moment was dumping buckets full of  ice water down the stairwell onto Coach Mike Reed and Coach Kent Reeves as they returned from dinner.

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

Resilience, perseverance, and how to work hard every day. We were truly a team both on and off the field.

McKayla Hendrix | Tulsa, Okla.  | 2017-2018

• Civil Litigation Lawyer at Conner & Winters, LLP
• Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law

• Two-time NCAA Tournament Participant

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

It is special to play softball at ETBU because it’s much more than just softball — it’s a family and a team that the community wholeheartedly supports

Favorite moment at ETBU

My favorite memory is getting the opportunity to go to Costa Rica for a mission trip. Being able to learn from the people there and grow in our faith as a team was incredible.

Kaitlyn Hollingshead | Fort Worth, Texas | 2014-2017

• Physical Therapist at Texas Health Huguley 
• Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of North Texas Health Science Center

• 2014 NCAA Championship Tournament Team
• 2016 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion
• Four-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• Two-Time All-ASC Second-Team
• Two-Time All-ASC Third-Team

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

Anyone who has played for ETBU softball can speak to its culture. It’s a place of lots of hard work, dedication, discipline, and high expectations. However, once you “buy in” it quickly becomes a place of fun, laughter, faith, fellowship, friendship, love, as well as a place where endless memories are made that you cherish forever! It’s a program where you appreciate every team that came before you whose hard work got us where we were. You then do your absolute best to leave the place better than when you found it. That is what’s so special about playing for this program. It's never about one player or one team, but about the culture that makes every person that goes through there better in every way! 

Favorite moments at ETBU

My favorite memory was 100% our mission trip to Costa Rica. Anytime you have the opportunity to be God’s hands and feet is always a good one but getting to do that with your favorite people is really something special! But, in a close second, the other moment is Lacey Lindsey’s walk off homerun to send us to the World Series in 2014!

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

I always loved playing Hacky Sack before the games! I’m my opinion it was a great warm up and a great way to make sure everybody was having a good time before we started playing.

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

There are two big things I took away from my time at ETBU. Number one is take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves. And number two is love the people next to you, invest in them, encourage them, and celebrate their accomplishments. There is nothing better in life than doing great things with great people. That’s what ETBU softball was about and what I try to do on a daily basis!

Dani (Miller) Holmes | Norfolk, Va. | 2006-2009

• Outreach Education Specialist - Samaritan House, Inc.
• Master of Divinity-Theology from Baylor University - Truett Theological Seminary
• Master of Social Work from Baylor University - Garland School of Social Work
• Married to Brett Holmes
• Children: Julian (8 months)

• 2009 NCAA Tournament Participant
• ASC East Honorable Mention

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

The ETBU softball program was a beautiful blend of growing in my identity as someone who is loved by God, playing the sport I love, and fun! The softball program allowed me to grow in ways I never would have imagined and I will be forever grateful. 

Favorite moments at ETBU

Well, of course being a part of the 2010 NCAA Division III National Championship team! What a dream! But another favorite memory is when I could not walk for graduation (because we were at the conference tournament) as my teammates held an impromptu graduation on the charter bus! A pillow case was my graduation cap, a blanket was my gown, the division champs trophy was my diploma, and all my teammates sang the graduation song as I walked down the aisle of the bus! 

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

Playing little games (like hacky sack) before a softball game!

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

The softball program built a wonderful foundation for me as a person and helped me grow to become confident in who I am as a unique creation of God!

Jessica (Delgado) Jakubowski | Arlington, Texas | 2012-2015

• Missile Security Controller - United States Air Force Security Forces
• Married to Scott Jakubowski
• Children: Expecting

• 2013 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champions
• 2014 NCAA Championship Tournament Team
• Three-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• All-ASC East Second-Team

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

ETBU Softball was such a family. We were so close as players on and off the field. Playing softball at ETBU was very special on the field and, yes, we were very successful, but to me success happened after my career. My mentors Coach Shirley and Coach Galloway saw a future for me that not even I could see and that was coaching. Coaching the game I love has turned me into the leader I am today who is now serving in the U.S. Military. So much respect and love will always go to this very special program

Favorite moments at ETBU

Winning was always fun but my favorite memories would be from all the volunteer events we had during my time at ETBU. The connections we made with both community and university are irreplaceable. I was extremely blessed to be a part of a program who gave just as much time to their community and university as to their program.

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

Motivation Softball. Every year before the season starts Coach Shirley would give each one of us a blank softball. With this softball we would decorate it how we see fit. For myself I would have Family names, bible verses and motivational quotes. All these examples of my Motto in life Faith, Family, and Fight. We kept this softball in our gloves at all time when not being used. Being able to lay eyes on this 24/7 was a way I was able to stay confident humble and never lose sight of who I am and what I represent.

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

“It’s not about winning the Battle it’s about winning the War” This was a quote Coach Shirley would say throughout my time at ETBU. Of course at that time we took this quote and related it to softball, now it is so much more. Now I view this quote and think life can get really tough sometimes but you can always learn from it and be better. Realistically, with this quote, what comes to mind is in my current career war is always something staring me down in the face but how we prepare for it will be reason we succeed. So day in and day out I give 110% to the mission.

Lacey Lindsey | Leander, Texas | 2014-2017

• BRC Healthcare, Senior Billing Specialist
• Master of Science in Health Administration from the University of North Texas
• Engaged

• 2014 NCAA Championship Tournament Team
• 2016 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion
• Four-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• Three-Time NFCA All-American
• 2015 ASC Player of the Year
• ETBU Career Leader in Games Played, Home Runs, RBI
• ASC Career Leader in Home Runs

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

I was fortunate enough to meet my lifelong best friends through the program and that is something I will always be grateful for. It was also special to be a part of a program that had a long standing tradition of excellence that challenged you to keep that tradition alive. 

Favorite moments at ETBU

My favorite memory was warming up before one of the ASC championship games against UT Tyler. We always knew how important energy was so we made it a point to bring the most energy we possibly could from the moment we stepped off the bus that day. UT Tyler had to walk past us while we were hitting soft toss and the look on their faces when they could feel the energy radiating from every single one of us told us that we had already won that game before even stepping onto the field. Needless to say, we won the game and added another ring to our collection that night.

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

National Snow Cone Day!!

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

I learned that hard work, discipline, and a positive attitude will make good things happen for you. I also learned that you always have more supportive people around you than you think.

Jayme (Perez) McNeill | Clarksville, Tenn. | 2014-17

• Executive Assistant for cybersecurity company Menlo Security
• Master of Business in Entrepreneurial Leadership from ETBU
• Married to Jourdan McNeill (ETBU Football alumni) who is the running backs coach at Austin Peay State University. 

• 2014 NCAA Championship Tournament Team
• 2016 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion
• Four-time NCAA Tournament Participant
• Four-Time NFCA All-American
• CoSIDA Academic All-American
• NCAA Woman of the Year Top 9 Finalist

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

Words don't even begin to explain how special the ETBU Softball program is to me. ETBU Softball gave me an opportunity to learn the game in a greater capacity, create lifelong friendships with my teammates, openly express my faith in Jesus, and learn how to lead on and off the field. 

Coach Shirley cultivates a unique opportunity for every player who comes into the program to not only learn a lot about the game of softball but to become an individual leader. ETBU Softball has taught me how to overcome adversity, lead with integrity, and be resilient in everything I do and show compassion for others. 

The coaching staff is another reason why I believe ETBU Softball is so special. Coach Shirley, Guy, and Coach Galloway are truly a few of the best coaches in the country, with their mix of humor and candor. Coach Shirley is passionate, a great communicator, respectful, and a go-getter. She is the ultimate role model for me and embodies everything I want to be as a leader and mother. 

Favorite moments at ETBU

My first one is our mission trip to Costa Rica in 2016. It was a blast to bond with my teammates in a way that I had never done before. On that trip we got to serve in their communities, share the Gospel, and play against the Costa Rican National team. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

My second one is hitting the walk-off homerun my freshman year during the NCAA Super Regionals. That's like the ultimate moment every player dreams of. I was SO HAPPY that night that I couldn't stop smiling. 

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

My favorite tradition would be on Senior Day. All the seniors before our pregame prayer pass down their decorated softball to someone younger in the program. It was super sentimental and was our version of passing the baton.

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

ETBU Softball taught me how to celebrate success - both large and small. For example: it’s so easy to celebrate homeruns during games, but at ETBU, we ALSO celebrated sacrifice bunts. It didn’t matter what the case was, you were taught to CELEBRATE every good thing that your teammates did. I loved that we did that! This idea of celebrating every moment will help me throughout my life to embrace the little joys of life.

Lynette (Luedders) Ogletree | Tyler, Texas | 1998-2001

• Partner and Dentist - Smith Dental Care 
• Doctor of Dental Surgery from Texas A&M - Baylor College Dentistry
• Married to Buddy Ogletree (ETBU Men’s Soccer Alumni)
• Children: Carly (16), Jenna (16), Brody (10)

• 2000, 2001 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champions
• NCCAA National Tournament Participant
• ASC East Player of the Year
• Two-Time All-ASC

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

To be immersed in a Christian environment combined with competitive sports takes a special set of coaches and players. Disciplines learned on and off the field were implemented in life skills. 

Favorite moment at ETBU

When the team put hot dogs on the baseball players' car antennas while they were gone on a road trip. It was over 90 degrees and we discovered a different way to roast hot dogs! 

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

Rock pick up. Tedious, learned not to complain, took pride in our field by caring for it ourselves and taught appreciation and gratefulness.

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

Grit, put in the hours, be the hardest worker on the field, always keep your integrity, better together.

Shelby Parker | Allen, Texas | 2011, 2013-2015

• Teacher at McKinney North High School
• Master of Education in Sports and Exercise Leadership from ETBU
• Assistant Softball Coach

• 2011, 2013 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champions
• 2014 NCAA Championship Tournament Team
• NFCA All-American First Team
• 2015 ASC Pitcher of the Year
• Four-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• ETBU Career Leader in Strikeouts, Wins, Innings Pitched
• ASC Record for Season Strikeouts and Single Game Strikeouts

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

Beyond the wins and losses, the lifelong friendships I’ve developed with my teammates and my coaches are what is most special about my experience playing at ETBU. Coach Galloway has made a huge impact on my life and how I work with pitchers on my team and as a pitching coach. Coach Shirley taught me so much about life and continues to mentor me as a coach.

Favorite moment at ETBU

I get this memory on my Facebook page every year about a time when Coach Galloway told me how mature I was getting and then I proceeded to pull gummy bears out of the pocket of my softball pants. We always had so much fun during bullpens. Another one was winning the Marshall Super Regional with two walk offs by Lacey Lindsey and Jayme Perez. Lastly, anytime we beat UTT was the best time!

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

I loved getting to wear the bandana bracelets on our wrist for all of the series that we got a sweep!

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

The most important thing that I’ve taken away from my experience at ETBU is being able to understand and work with young athletes just like myself and being able to help them grow as young adults and softball players. Coach Shirley has shown me that, as much as you love winning, it’s not always about the game.

Amanda (Garrett) Reed | Tyler, Texas | 1998-2001

• Married to Mike Reed (ETBU Baseball Alumni)
• Stay at home mom
• Children: Garrett, Gavin, Rylie Paige

• 2000, 2001 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champions
• NCCAA National Tournament Participant
• NCCAA All-American
• Two-Time All-ASC East Division First Team
• 2000 ASC Tournament MVP 
• ETBU Hall of Fame

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

Being part of a first year program.

Favorite moment at ETBU

Dumping water on the coaches at the hotel! Also Coach Reeves wearing two belts to practice.

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

Making sure we had all the numbered softballs in the bucket after practice so we didn’t have to run that number of laps on the ball. Also team breakfast.

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

Work ethic

Jennifer (Doyal) Russel | Magnolia, Texas | 2001-2004

• HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood
• University of Houston Pharmacy School
• Married

• Four-Time American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion
• Three-Time NCAA Tournament Participant

Lacy (Liles) Schneider | Seguin, Texas | 2012-2014

• Machine Sales Rep for HOLT CAT
• Married to Jordan Schneider
• Children: Tripp (1), another boy on the way

• 2013 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion
• 2014 NCAA Championship Tournament Team
• Two-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• NFCA All-American
• CoSIDA Academic All-American
• ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Award Winner

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

Before I became an ETBU Tiger, softball had become a job. I no longer had the drive and desire for the game that I once had when I was a 9-year old travel ball player. However, when I found my way into the ETBU program I was privileged to play with a group of girls and have a coaching staff that played as a team. If one of us fell, another one of us picked her up. We were in it together till the end. I’m very thankful to this group of people because they allowed me to fall back in love with the game of softball.

Favorite moment at ETBU

One of my favorite moments at ETBU was making it to the NCAA Division III College World Series. It was something as girls we had been working towards since we were very young. All the late night games, playing through pain, diving in the dirt, pushing through Texas heat, all the years of big wins and even bigger losses…we made it to the “Big Show.” Many of us had been dreaming of this from the start and we did it! Oh what a feeling it was!

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

Wearing the bracelets all year long representing the games we had won that season.

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

Adaptability is key in being successful or overcoming obstacles. Each game, much like all situations in life, is different and requires a different approach and quite often an adjustment in your previous approach. Softball taught be how to adjust when different obstacles came my way. I know how to overcome and adapt and the game taught me that.

Alicia (Wright) Seeton | Lavon, Texas | 2009-2010

• Special Education Teacher at Wylie High School
• Master in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas
• 2021 Wylie HS Teach of the Year
• Married to Jeremy Seeton (ETBU Football Alumni)
• Children: Tallon (6), Tate (5)

• 2010 NCAA National Championship Team
• Two-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• All-ASC Second Team

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

When I first started pitching lessons at the age of 7, I began hearing about this famous softball coach named Coach Galloway. To be able to play for someone I looked up to my entire life was an unforgettable experience. It was so special to be a part of the culture of excellence that Coach Shirley created. Winning the national championship was icing on the cake.

Favorite moment at ETBU

One of my favorite memories was being the player that got to step on home plate as the winning run when we won the 2010 National Championship and then turning around and seeing my dad yelling and screaming with excitement.

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

National Snow Cone Day

Lya Swaner | Wylie, Texas | 2010-2013

• Emergency Room Physician Assistant - Hunt Regional Hospital (Greenville, Texas)
• Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Northern Arizona University

• 2010 NCAA National Championship Team
• 2011, 2013 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champions
• Three-time NCAA National Tournament Participant
• CoSIDA Academic All-American
• NCAA Woman of the Year Top 9 Finalist
• ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Award Winner
• 2013 ASC Tournament MVP

Favorite moment at ETBU

My favorite moment was watching the school's reaction and cheering and support as we won the national championship!

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

I can’t think of a favorite but I definitely loved National Snow Cone Day

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

Teamwork. Most everything in life involves working with others to accomplish a goal! I wouldn’t have had a successful career as a ball player or in life without this skill!

Lindsey Vasquez | Lufkin, Texas | 2014-2017

• Senior Accountant at Axley & Rode, LLP
• Master in Professional Accountancy from Stephen F. Austin University
• Engaged

• 2014 NCAA Championship Tournament Team
• 2016 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion
• Four-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• Two-Time All-ASC First-Team
• ETBU Career Leader in Steals

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

Playing softball at ETBU was special because the program teaches you self-reliance and personal responsibility on and off the field. It was special to be a part of a program that prepared me for life after softball. 

Favorite moment at ETBU

My favorite memory at ETBU softball was the year we suffered a loss on campus and became a closer family for it. This was a rebuilding year for the softball program and we honored our campus by earning a regional championship.

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

My favorite softball tradition is the dugout culture. The dugout culture brought the best memories, laughs, and friendships I will never forget.

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

Practicing your craft! There are no short cuts, so if you want to be good at something you have to put in the work consistently to be on any diamond in life.

Maranda Westbrook | Grand Saline, Texas | 2012-2015

• 6th Grade Science Teacher at Grand Saline ISD
• Assistant High School Softball Coach, Middle School Volleyball and Basketball Coach
• Master of Education in Sports and Exercise Leadership from ETBU

• 2013 American Southwest Conference Tournament Champions
• 2014 NCAA Championship Tournament Team
• Three-Time NCAA Tournament Participant
• Three All-ASC Team Awards

Why was it so special to play softball at ETBU

I always dreamed of playing college ball and winning a ring and ETBU gave me that chance.

Favorite moment at ETBU

My favorite moment came in 2013 when we won the ASC Tournament Championship as it was the first championship I had won.

Do you have a favorite ETBU Softball Tradition and if so, what was it

Energy & Excitement!

What was something that you learned in the program or took away from your experience that has helped you throughout life

Little things matter and pay off in a big way. The way you do them is the way you do everything. Ranging from how you treat people, take care of your business, prepare for tests /games, etc. Also, body language speaks volumes.