HOUSTON – The Houston area has long been known for the quality of high school softball every spring. There are powerhouse programs throughout the region and while many of the big public schools in Class 6A and 5A get the headlines the private school division has long been dominated by the Tigers program at St. Agnes Academy which has won 9 state championships dating back to their first in 1976 through last season when they brought home the 2024 TAPPS title.
St. Agnes once again is a favorite to win it again and one of their star players is senior pitcher Caroline Croker.
“I think it’s important as private school playing big schools, competing and we beat these teams,” Croker told KPRC 2 Sports.
“We won state last year and it’s been a great year and we’re looking forward to the playoffs over the next few weeks,” added Croker.
Croker is excelling not only in softball but also in the classroom. She is set to attend Washington University in St. Louis and will double major in Neuroscience and Mathematics and Economics. Academics will be front and center but she will play club softball for the university to remain close to the sport she loves.
For now Croker wants to close out with another state title while also helping to build on the strong tradition at St. Agnes.
“I want to win it my senior year but our goal this season is to win and also build our culture and building up our younger players,” said Croker. “What it takes to build it up for the future that will get us to state in the future.”
One of Croker’s biggest fans is St. Agnes Head Coach Priscilla Riser.
“She is special,” Riser told KPRC 2 Sports.
“She has great stuff and moves the ball well and hits all the quadrants of the zone and mixes speeds well. She’s a fighter and brings a lot of experience and leadership to the team and a lot of confidence.”
Riser added, “Caroline has embraced the younger pitchers and players and taken them under her wing. They watch her and learn from her and learn how they want to be when they are a junior and senior.”
Congrats to Caroline Croker, our UTMB Health Athlete of the Week!
