Ravens Softball opens 2026 season focused on daily growth

The San Jacinto College Ravens open the 2026 softball season with a clear objective: get 1 percent better every day.

After finishing third in conference play last season and earning a berth in the NJCAA Region XIV South Division tournament, the Ravens return with renewed focus and a commitment to strengthening their culture and consistency.

Under head coach Kelly Saenz, the emphasis is on accountability, cohesion, and steady improvement throughout the roster.

“Our main goal is to build a strong team culture and hold each other accountable,” Saenz said.

That culture is already taking shape. The Ravens are pushing one another in practice, communicating more effectively and working collectively to elevate their performance.

This year’s squad brings a different identity to the field. Speed and consistent hitting throughout the lineup define the 2026 roster, giving Saenz confidence that production can come from any spot in the order.

“We are quicker this year and have the ability to hit the ball consistently throughout the lineup,” Saenz said. “No matter who is in the lineup, they will produce.”

The sophomore class has emerged as the backbone of the team, showing significant growth in work ethic and leadership. Their vocal presence and maturity are helping set the standard for the rest of the roster.

Infielder Kamryn DeLeon (Alvin HS/Alvin, Texas) has stood out for her versatility, while behind the plate, catcher Ary Garcia (Klein Collins HS/Spring, Texas) anchors the defense.

“Ary controls the infield and outfield so well from her catching position and is a person that will get the team pumped up,” Saenz said. “Kamryn contributes offensively while handling multiple infield positions.”

Health and lineup consistency will be key factors throughout the season. With multiple lineup combinations available, the Ravens are continuing to build chemistry through the early part of the schedule.

“Through our first eight games, the scoreboard may not reflect the results we want, but the growth within this team has been undeniable,” she said. “We have become more relentless in our approach, more disciplined in our execution, and stronger in our team chemistry. The foundation we're building now will show up when it matters most.”

While conference, regional, and national titles remain the ultimate goals, Saenz defines success in broader terms.

“A successful season for this group will be measured by our growth from the first pitch to the last, our consistency in competing with toughness and discipline, and our commitment to doing things the right way every single day,” she said.

For the Ravens, success means playing unselfish softball, responding to adversity with confidence and representing the program with class on and off the field.

“If we can look back knowing we competed relentlessly, supported one another, developed as players and people, and left the jersey better than we found it — then it will have been a truly successful season,” Saenz said.

As the Ravens begin the 2026 campaign, their focus remains steady: build consistency, strengthen team culture and compete with discipline each time they take the field.

Learn more about the Ravens and view the full schedule

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.