CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi softball team has gotten busy under new head coach Mark Montgomery as he announced a signing class of nine players on National Signing Day.
"This may be the best class I've recruited in my 20+ year career," said Montgomery. "Every single player is an exceptional defender. In addition, there is a great mix of speed and power for a strong offensive game. Finally, every young woman in this class is of outstanding character. This class will help elevate Islanders Softball to a new level of distinction and excellence for years to come."
The Islanders sign Carissa Anaya, Maddie Bryant, Madelynn Cantu, Riley Dreher, Isabella Fails, Elise Genera, Ryleigh Johnson, Kaeleigh Mendez, and Shaenyn Yates for the early NCAA softball singing period of 2025.
Anaya is a versatile infield player from Pearland Texas, who is graduating in May of 2026, from Glenda Dawson Highschool. As she is competing here, she is in a highly competitive 6A league. There, Anaya successfully earned All-District honors for three consecutive years, showcasing her consistent performance and dedication on the field. Anaya has played club ball with the Strykers 4 where her team has received notable accolades including becoming ranked in the El Top 100 (55) in infielders and Top 20 in middle infielders. Along with that, she was selected to participate in a televised game at the prestigious Colorado Sparkler tournament. While on the Island, she is wanting to pursue a bachelor's degree in biology.
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"Choosing Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi was an easy decision," said Anaya. "I loved the tight knit, coastal vibes where I can pursue my biology degree while living out my athletic dream alongside the new coaching staff as they grow the Islanders softball program. It seems like the perfect place to grow both on the field and in the classroom."
"Carissa is smooth Infielder form Houston Texas. She has the ability to play middles or third base. She has a quick release and has extraordinary footwork. She has also played at an incredibly high level and that experience will allow her to be ready to compete right away," said Montgomery.
Bryant is an infield corner player from Apache Junction where she attends Desert Ridge High School, competing for her last year in the 6A Fiesta League. She has earned 6A Honorable Mention honors in 2024 and 2025, along with recognition of being a Golden Scholar for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. Bryant has also played club softball for Arizona Rising under Coach Rey Vela gaining a great year's progress. During her schooling at A&M-Corpus Christi, she plans to pursue a degree in nursing with the goal of becoming a travel registered nurse.
FOLLOW MADDIE ON X @ MaddieBryant_10
"I am looking forward to playing for Coach Montgomery and his new staff, as well as attending school on the beautiful campus of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi!" said Bryant.
"Maddie is a corner from Mesa, Arizona. She plays outstanding defense and can hit for both power and average. However, what separates Maddie from other players is the infectious energy she brings to the field every day. Maddie plays inspired and more importantly she inspires those around her," said Montgomery.
Cantu is a pitcher from Weslaco, Texas, currently attending Weslaco Highschool. She has earned numerous honors throughout her high school career, including being named the 32-6A Most Valuable Player in 2025, District Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, and District Flex Player of the Year in 2023. Cantu also received All-State recognition, including the prestigious Texas Player of the Year award for the Texas Sportswriter Association in 2024. Her team won the state championship in 2024 and secured district titles in both 2024 and 2025. Notably, she was named The Monitor's Pitcher of the Year and earned 6A All-State Softball Team Honorable Mention as a junior.
"I chose the Islanders because of the commitment I saw in the coaches and the players. I also liked that the school had the degree programs I was looking for and that those programs were nationally recognized. Most of all it's close to home," said Cantu.
"Madelynn is an awesome athlete who pitches," said Montgomery. "She was the "6A Texas Player of the Year" her sophomore year at Weslaco HS, as she led her team to the State Championship. She is calm and composed in the circle and pitches with both speed and precision. Look for her to immediately impact our pitching depth."
Dreher is a standout utility player from Hays, Kansas, who graduated this past spring from Hays High School where she competed in the 5A WAC league under Head Coach Abby Gillan. In high school, Dreher earned First Team All -League honors every year from 2022 to 2025 and received All-State recognition, including honorable mentions in 2022 and 2023, and Second Team honors in 2024 and 2025. She additionally helped lead her team to a league title in 2024. Dreher will come to the Island after a year with Hutchinson Community College. Academically, Dreher earned honors like the Honor Roll and the Dane G Hanson Award. She plans to pursue a nursing degree and continue the family legacy of being a college athlete.
"I chose Texas A&M-Corpus Christi because it felt like a great environment between the team, coaches, and the campus! The schools' academics also feel like a great fit and I can't wait to get started!" said Dreher.
"From Hays, Kansas Riley is an amazing athlete and a true utility player with the ability to play 6 different positions. However, her real strength is her power lefty bat, hitting for both power and average. Having played a year at Hutchinson CC, look for Riley to hit the ground running," said Montgomery.
Fails is a catcher from Clear Lake, TX, currently attending Clear Lake High School. She has earned notable recognition throughout her high school career, including Honorable Mention for 3rd Base as a sophomore and All-District Catcher as a junior. Fails also achieved All-District Academic honors, showcasing her commitment both on the field and in the classroom. She has been a key player for the Hotshots club team for five years under head coach Steve Jones as well. As an expected class of 2030, Fails plans to pursue a major in Business during her time on the Island.
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"I chose Islanders Softball because it immediately felt like home. I quickly fell in love with the team culture, the city, and the campus environment," said Fails.
"Isabella is a tremendous defensive catcher from Houston," said Montgomery. "She has a strong arm and fantastic POP time. In addition, she is super athletic and strong hitter. Her size and strength will allow her to withstand the grind of being a Division I catcher."
Genera is a middle infielder from New Caney, Texas, currently competing in the 6A class at New Caney High School. She has earned multiple All-District honors, including District 13-6A First Team UTL in 2023, Honorable Mention in 2024, and 2nd Team All District in 2025. Genera was also part of the 2023 District 13-6A District Champion team. Along with school ball, she participated in club ball for two years with Texas Unity Smith under Coach Gary Smith, helping her team secure a Tier 2, 3rd Place finish at the AFCS National Championship. Genera plans to major in nursing with aspirations to become a travel nurse or registered nurse.
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"I chose Texas A&M-Corpus Christi because of the great Softball & Nursing Program offered at this university- I am excited to be able to play softball while perusing my nursing career! I also love that University is on an island and by the beach!" said Genera.
"Elise is a true Utility player. She has the ability to play almost every position on the field. She has great footwork and a strong Left-Handed bat. She also has a 70+ mph overhand arm which will translate to anywhere on the field. This Porter TX recruit will be able to help our team in multiple ways," said Montgomery.
Johnson is a shortstop from Rogers, graduating in 2026 from Rogers High School. She earned All-State honors in 2025 and was a key player on her team when they became Conference Champions in 2024. Johnson has also been a multi-sport athlete with participation in track, holding the school record for freshmen discus. At the softball club level, she plays for Epic National Smith under Coach Scotty Smith in 2025. Johnson plans to major in business as she moves forward in her academic and athletic career.
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"I chose the Island because the moment I stepped on campus I immediately felt at home. The coaching staff is amazing, and the beach is a nice bonus!" said Johnson.
"Ryleigh is a power-hitting middle infielder from Rogers, Arkansas. She has a great glove, strong arm, and a consistent power bat. Her experience playing at such a high level should allow her to come in and immediately contribute," said Montgomery.
Mendez is a local shortstop and second baseman from Corpus Christi, Texas, currently at Mary Carroll High School competing in the 5A classification. Mendez has earned multiple honors, including 2023 Newcomer of the Year, 2024 Gold Glove and Offensive Player of the Year, and 2025 Defensive Player of the Year. Academically, she was recognized as Academic All-District in 2024. On the club level, Mendez played for Diamond Athletics from 2024 to 2025 under Coach Jose Agosto. At A&M-Corpus Christi, she plans to pursue a nursing degree with the goal of becoming a NICU nurse.
"I chose Islanders Softball because with it being in my hometown I felt right at home as well as feeling very welcomed by the loving community I was surrounded by. I am very excited to be able to call this my home for the next four years and pursue my education and softball career," said Mendez.
"Kaeleigh is a true middle infielder from Corpus Christi," said Montgomery. "She has one of the best gloves I have seen. Exceptional footwork and soft hands make her one of the best defenders in the state. Couple that with some deceptive power to the plate, look for Kaeleigh to compete immediately for a spot on the field."
Yates is a middle infielder from College Station, Texas. She is competing in the highly competitive Texas UIL 5A District 17 under Head Coach Vinnie Carreon at College Station High School. Yates earned First Team All-District honors in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and helped lead the team to a district championship in 2024, with runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2025. The team consistently reached the Regional Quarterfinals during those years. Yates holds the school record for single-season runs scored and was ranked as the #17 athlete on the ODM National Leaderboard with an impressive 99.2361 Allister Index Score. In the classroom, she also earned Academic All-District honors from 2023 to 2025. In club ball, Yates played for Texas Blaze for one year and TX Unity for three years, helping TX Unity reach the Elite Eight Tier 1 at the 2024 Alliance Nationals. Individual accolades include NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete in 2024 and the Cougar Award in 2025, voted by teammates. On the Island, Yates plans to pursue a major in Biology or Universal Studies with the goal of becoming a dermatologist.
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"I chose the Islnders because of the culture and coaches. When I stepped on campus I just felt at home. I can definitely see myself growing as a person and player here!" said Yates.
"Shae is a strong middle infielder from Houston, with real propensity for power at the plate. She has a chance to go yard every time she steps in at the plate. She will bring added power with flexible defense to our team," said Montgomery.
#ShakasUp
