Softball

Austin Sports Journal 2025 All-Austin metro softball awards: Rouse’s Madi George named Miss Austin Softball

By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

Below are the individual award winners for the 2025 high school softball season.

More: 2025 All-Austin Metro Softball Class 6A, 5A and 4A& below teams

Miss Austin Softball

Rouse third baseman Madi George (18) smiles as she walks to third base during a Class 5A Division II regional final on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)

Madi George, Rouse senior infielder

Ole Miss signee Madi George was one of the most feared hitters in the Austin-area. She got the Barry Bonds treatment several times when it was her turn at bat, getting intentionally walked over and over.

In Rouse’s regional final series with District 25-5A rival Liberty Hill, Lady Panthers’ head coach Kristen Brewer intentionally walked George in all but one plate appearance. It was a show of respect for Class 5A’s home run leader who blasted 27 balls over the outfield wall this season.

It was a respect that George, who missed most of her junior season with an ACL injury, commanded.

She played a big part in Rouse’s first ever appearance in the UIL softball state semifinals. She had a .612 batting average with 56 runs scored, 66 RBIs and 11 doubles in 131 plate appearances.

Oh, and for those intentional walks – she was walked 44 times.

Past winners

2024 – Rylee Slimp, Liberty Hill

Offensive player of the year

Dripping Springs’ Lorelei Gamble heads to first base after ball four is called during a Class 6A Division II softball regional final playoff game at Concorida University Field in Austin, Texas on Thursday, May 16, 2025. (Michal Adams/Austin Sports Journal)

Lorelei Gamble, Dripping Springs sophomore catcher

Lorelei Gamble was arguably just as feared when she stepped into the batter’s box as George.

The sophomore helped her team reach the state semifinals for the first time since 2017 and did it with pure power at the plate, as well as behind it.

Gamble hit 23 home runs and drove in 66 runs on her way to being named the District 26-6A most valuable player.

She led Dripping Springs with a .547 batting average and had 18 hits for extra bases and scored 29 runs. As the season went on, opposing teams wanted nothing to do with Gamble and walked her 60 times.

Behind the plate, she had 133 putouts and just four errors for a .973 fielding percentage.

Past winners

2024 – Anya German, Bowie

Pitcher of the year

Cedar Ridge pitcher Caitlin Benningfield (3) winds up to deliver a pitch during a Class 6A Division II softball regional final playoff game at Concorida University Field in Austin, Texas on Friday, May 16, 2025. (Michal Adams/Austin Sports Journal)

Caitlin Benningfield, Cedar Ridge senior

Caitlin Benningfield had a remarkable season in the circle, posting a 23-3 record and a 0.73 earned run average with 207 strikeouts and 29 walks.

The senior was listed as a pitcher, but she was the true definition of a utility player.

Benningfield was valuable at the plate as well with a .506 batting average with 11 doubles, six triples, four home runs and 38 RBIs. She played a big role in the Raiders’ district championship and run to the Class 6A Division II regional finals

Past winners

2024 – Cambree Creager, Georgetown

Small school player of the year

Lexington’s Taylor Akin (10) is introduced before the UIL Class 3A Division II state championship game on on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the University of Texas’ Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)

Taylor Akin, Lexington, sophomore pitcher

Taylor Akin’s championship bloodline rubbed off on the Lexington Lady Eagles, as the sophomore pitcher helped her team reach the Class 3A Division II state championship game for the first time in school history.

Akin posted a 21-4 record in the circle with a 1.70 earned run average. She finished with 216 strikeouts and 33 walks and was the District 19-3A pitcher of the year.

Rising Star (top newcomer)

Hyde Park’s Alexandra Akins (28) runs toward home plate during the TAPPS Division II softball state championship game on Monday, May 12, 2025 at UT Arlington in Arlington, Texas. (Photo courtesy of TAPPS)

Alexandra Akins, Hyde Park, freshman utility

Get to know the name Alexandra Akins. You’ll likely hear it a lot over the next three years.

The freshman pitcher/shortstop burst on to the Austin high school softball season with a remarkable rookie season. She helped the Lady Panthers win the TAPPS Division II softball state championship for the first time in school history.

She did so with a .436 batting average, 25 runs scored, 24 RBIs, six doubles, a triple and four home runs at the plate. She had 10 stolen bases, a .865 fielding percentage with just five errors in 25 games.

Akins also backed up pitcher Alexa Stout and made 19 appearances in the circle where she had 78 strikeouts, a 9-3 record and a 4.17 earned run average.

Past winners

2024 – Julie Rodriguez, Lake Travis

Coach of the year

Lexington head coach Lauren Robertson signals to stop as Avery Rodriguez reaches third base during the UIL Class 3A Division II state championship game on on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the University of Texas’ Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)

Lauren Robertson, Lexington

Lauren Robertson led the Lexington Lady Eagles to their first trip to the state championship game. Under her direction, Lexington finished the season 27-9 and in second place in a competitive District 19-3A.

 The Lady Eagles had several impressive showings against some noteworthy Class 6A and 5A opponents, including a win over Georgetown, a two-run loss against Class 6A state finalist Tomball and a win over 6A Lewisville Flower Mound.

In the playoffs, Lexington went 9-1 before losing to powerhouse Coahoma in the state finals.  

Past winners

2024 – Kristen Brewer, Liberty Hill