(Seguin) — Seguin senior Ryan Rangel was named District 26-5A Defensive Player of the Year while junior Kendall Hurt earned Pitcher of the Year honors to lead a group of 13 Lady Matadors who received post-season recognition in a vote by the district’s softball head coaches.
Hurt lead the Lady Matador one-two punch pitching staff along with junior Madyson Shultze, who was named to the district’s First Team.
Speaking before playing in the San Antonio High School Softball All Star Game in Marion on Monday night, Rangel who was a power hitting 1st baseman for Seguin and a St. Edward’s University softball commit called the defensive award a surprise.
“It was a little bit unexpected.” Said Rangel. “I wasn’t really expecting to get that opportunity and get that award, but it was just nice of a surprise.”
Senior Ashlie Aguilar and sophomore Chloe Belicek were also named to the All-District First Team making the team as middle infielders.
Aguilar was the other Lady Matador competitor at Monday night’s San Antonio Softball All Star Game. She will play softball at John Melvin University in Louisiana next year and she reflected on her career in Seguin.
“Oh I’m gonna miss Seguin. I’m gonna miss the whole community.” Said Aguilar. “They were really big supporters and I’m really glad I got to grow up in that small town from playing little league to finishing out in high school. I know they’ll always have my back and I’ll be coming down to watch (and) support.”
Sophomore infielder Camryn Rios and freshman catcher Morgan Shultze landed on the All-District Second Team.
Seguin’s Honorable Mention selections include junior catcher and designated hitter Graylyn Salazar along with junior outfielder Summer Flores.
The Matadors’ Academic All-District honorees are Aguilar, Belicek, Flores, Rangel, Salazar, both Shultze sisters, freshman Erin Johnston, sophomores D’Yanna Priestly and Kaelynn Ramirez along with freshman Brylee Weiding.
The Lady Matadors finished third in District 26-5A, going 25-11-1 overall. Seguin advanced to the Bi-District round of the UIL playoffs after missing out on the playoffs in 2022. The Lady Matadors are lead by long time head coach John Garcia.