Ravens Ready to Soar: San Jac Softball Eyes Exciting 2025 Season
With the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the relentless drive to improve, the 2025 San Jacinto College Ravens softball team is ready to take the field with renewed energy and high hopes for the upcoming season. With a revamped roster and a focus on fundamentals, the Ravens are set to write the next chapter in their storied legacy.
Last year marked the team's seventh appearance in the National Junior College Athletic Association Softball Division I World Series and the first time under their new Ravens moniker. Ultimately, the team finished the season with a 42-25 record.
In 2024, the team's performance was highlighted by eight players earning all-Region 14 South Conference or all-region honors. Notably, Arriana Wright was named the Player of the Conference and Region, reflecting her exceptional contributions throughout the season.
Coming off a strong fall 2024 season, the Ravens are focused on continuous improvement. Head Coach Kelly Saenz is confident in the team's direction.
Our goal is to get better every time we step on the field. Yes, we aim for wins and a championship, but it's about mastering the little things. If we do that, success will follow.
The Ravens' fall performance showcased a promising pitching staff and a new team dynamic.
"We're a different team this year," Saenz said. "We're faster, more focused on doubles and singles, and less reliant on the long ball. It's an exciting challenge to figure out this group's best lineup and strategy."
As a community college team, the Ravens face annual roster turnover, but Saenz sees it as an opportunity for growth.
"Every year, we lose about half our team, so recruiting becomes about filling gaps and strengthening weaknesses," she said. "Our players know they have a real chance to compete, and that's what makes them work harder and improve faster."
Beyond the diamond, the team builds camaraderie through volunteer work, campus events, and Friday study halls. These moments off the field help foster the bonds that translate into teamwork during games.
This season, the team will face top-tier opponents, including national runner-up McLennan College and perennial contenders Odessa and Chipola Colleges.
"It's a tough schedule by design," Saenz said. "If you want to be the best, you've got to play the best. This will give us a clear benchmark right from the start."
With a blend of returning talent and standout freshmen, the Ravens' roster is bursting with potential. Sophomore pitcher Ashleigh Heiderscheit (Georgetown / Liberty Hill HS), a key contributor last year, has made significant strides. She'll lead a pitching staff bolstered by three dynamic freshmen: Kaelin Hicks (Crosby / Crosby HS, Addison Opela (East Bernard / East Bernard HS), and Vanessa Valdez (Humble / Atascocita HS).
"Each member of our pitching staff brings a unique style, and together they make us stronger than ever," Saenz said.
Behind the plate, freshman catcher Yadira Ortiz (Cypress / Cypress HS) has already turned heads with her strong arm and smart play. In the outfield, sophomore Iliana Melendez (Seabrook / Clear Lake HS) looks poised for a breakout season, building on her experience from last year.
"This team fights every inning," said assistant coach Kelsey Walters, who played at San Jac from 2008 to 2010. "They're not satisfied with one good inning; they keep pushing to improve."
Offensively, the focus is on hitting, with an emphasis on scoring runs to complement their strong defense and solid pitching staff.
"The game has evolved into a hitting game," Saenz explained. "If we can score runs, we'll be in a great position."
The 2025 season promises to be an exciting journey for Ravens softball. With a roster packed with talent and a commitment to excellence, the team is ready to soar.
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.
