Kats announce 5 additions to SB class

HUNTSVILLE — Sam Houston head coach Garrett Valis announced the signing of five student-athletes who will join the Bearkat softball program, welcoming Morgan Barron, Leilani Tagudin, Callia Carreon, Ava Bennett and Kadeyn Patin to the team.

The five-member class features talent from across Texas, with four-year varsity starters, all-district selections and award-winning performers who bring experience and versatility to Huntsville.

"This class fits our standard and values very well," Valis said. "They have all played against the best out there and will bring that competitive nature with them. They will all benefit from the strength and conditioning program and have their best softball ahead of them, so the future looks bright. I am excited for them to officially join our program and welcome their families into ours."

Morgan Barron | P | Nederland HS
Barron joins the Bearkats after a standout career at Nederland High School, where she was a four-year varsity starter. She helped lead Nederland to the third round of the District 17-5A playoffs and the fourth round of the 19-5A playoffs. Barron earned first-team all-district pitcher honors in 2024 and 2025 before being named the 19-5A Pitcher of the Year in 2026.

She was also a 2025 Super Cup All-Tournament Team selection and earned academic all-district recognition three times.

"I am excited about adding Morgan to our pitching staff," Valis said. "She is competitive and works hard at developing her arsenal, so she is always growing, which is a great sign for her future. She will have a great opportunity to impact our roster in the circle early on."

Leilani Tagudin | INF | Anderson-Shiro HS
Tagudin was a four-year varsity starter at Anderson-Shiro High School, where she developed into one of the district's top all-around players. She was named the District 20-3A Defensive MVP as a freshman in 2024, earned first-team all-district honors at shortstop as a sophomore and was named the district's Offensive MVP as a junior.

Tagudin also earned Academic All-District honors three times.

"Lan is an athlete that we have followed for a long time," Valis said. "She loves our program and fits what we look for in a recruit so well. She will compete for us as a corner infielder and has the ability to hit for power. She is driven to improve her game and will benefit greatly from our strength and conditioning program."

Callia Carreon | INF | College Station HS
Carreon comes to Sam Houston after an accomplished career at College Station High School. She earned three first-team all-district selections and three academic all-district honors while being named Newcomer of the Year in 2024. She was also an all-state honorable mention selection and earned All-Brazos Valley second-team recognition in 2024.

Carreon was named College Station's Offensive Player of the Year and earned All-Brazos Valley first-team honors in 2026. She was also recognized as an NFCA All-American Scholar in 2024 and 2025.

"Cal is an athlete we have known for a while and is close to home, so we have been able to follow her development for some time," Valis said. "She has the ability to play both middle spots and provides some sneaky pop from the left side. We like her versatility and competitive nature."

Ava Bennett | Infielder | Oak Ridge HS
Bennett was a four-year varsity starter at Oak Ridge High School, earning first-team all-district honors at second base in 2024 before receiving back-to-back first-team selections at shortstop in 2025 and 2026. She was named her team's Defensive MVP in 2026 and earned academic all-district recognition three times.

Bennett was also named the Houston Chronicle Athlete of the Week in 2024 and ranked No. 29 in Line Drive Softball's Top 100 rankings in 2025. She is a member of the National Honor Society.

"Ava is another athlete that can impact our offense as a middle infielder early in her career," Valis said. "She has the glove and arm skill to play multiple positions and can do a little bit of everything from the left side in the box. Her motor and confidence on the field are strengths and show up every time she steps on the field."

Kadeyn Patin | Pitcher | Angleton HS
Patin joins the Bearkats after a four-year varsity career with the Angleton Ladycats. She earned second-team all-district pitcher honors in 2025 while helping Angleton capture the District 20-5A championship. Patin also earned academic all-district recognition in 2026.

"KK is a pitcher that can be a power arm for us as she continues to develop," Valis said. "She competes at a high level and really wanted to continue her career here, which is so important to us. She will have a great opportunity to pitch early in her career here."

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