Islanders Softball Announces Six to Signing Class

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi softball coach Mark Montgomery announced the signing of six newcomers to the Islanders as part of its 2027 signing class. Montgomery enters his second season at the helm of the Islanders softball program.

Chloe O'Brien | Outfielder
O'Brien joins the Islanders from Lantana, Texas, where she attended Guyer High School. There she was named 1st Team All-District and 1st Team All-Area. 
Why they chose TAMU-CC: I chose TAMU-CC because I fell in love with the beautiful campus and scenery. I was also drawn to the strong camaraderie between the players and coaches, which made it feel like a family.
Mark Montgomery: "Chloe has tremendous speed, with a solid glove and a good bat. She can hit for both power and average. Look for her to battle in the outfield and give us even more speed on the bases."

Izzy Gonzales | 3rd Base
Gonzales comes to the Island from Leonard, Texas, where she was a standout at Melissa High School. She was a four-year varsity letterman and has won the District 5A Championship in three of those seasons. She was named 1st Team All-District after her sophomore and junior seasons. 
Why they chose TAMU-CC: I selected Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi because it perfectly blends the academic excellence of the Texas A&M System with a stunning island campus. Learning from dedicated faculty, doing meaningful research, and studying in a tranquil coastal setting made TAMU-CC my ideal choice for academic and personal growth. I am also excited to continue pursuing my passion for softball here.
Mark Montgomery: "Izzy is a very smooth Infielder. She has remarkable range and quick reflexes, as well as a plus arm. This will allow her to compete all over the infield. Look for her to challenge for a starting position immediately."

Aubrey Garza | Catcher/Utility
Garza comes to Corpus Christi from San Juan, Texas where she attended Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School. She helped lead her team to be District Champions and was named Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State the last two season.
Why they chose TAMU-CC: I chose TAMU-CC because I fell in love with the campus and the team's strong bond. I also admire Coach Montgomery's aggressive base running approach and competitive mindset, which align with the way I want to play the game.
Mark Montgomery: "Aubrey has incredible power at the plate and is a very versatile on defense. Her ability to not only catch, but to play wherever is needed, should make her an immediate impact on the team."

Kenzie Hess | Shortstop
Hess joins the Islanders from Trinity Valley Community College, where she spent one season. She appeared in 65 games, hitting .391 with five homeruns and drove in 47 runs. A native of White Rock, British Columbia, Canada, she was named 1st Team All-Conference and 2nd Team All-Region.
Why they chose TAMU-CC: I chose TAMU-CC to pursue my dream of going D1 while living by the beach again.
Mark Montgomery: "Kenzie is one of the best defensive middle infielders I have seen. She can throw from any angle and has a very quick release. Her work ethic and drive are off the charts. Plus, her experience playing at TVCC as well as with the Canadian National organization should allow her to come in as an effective leader immediately."

Chayla Prendergast | Pitcher
Prendergast is set to join the Islanders from Great Bend High School in Otis, Kansas. There, she has been named 1st Team All-Conference three times, Conference Player of the Year twice, and 2nd Team All-State.
Why they chose TAMU-CC: I chose TAMU-CC because it feels like the right place for me to continue growing as not only a softball player, but as a person. I am excited to have the opportunity to challenge myself and be a part of the Islander family. 
Mark Montgomery: "Chayla is a big, strong pitcher. She has played with current Islander Riley Dreher. She is one of the top pitchers from all of Kansas and has some dominant stuff. She is only going to get better and better, as she learns to compete in college."

Anna Turner | Pitcher
Turner comes to South Texas from Cave Springs, Arkansas, where she played at Bentonville High School. She has been a part of three high school state championship teams.
Why they chose TAMU-CC: I chose TAMU-CC because of the unique atmosphere of being on an island. I also love the coaches, which was a huge contributing factor to choosing TAMU-CC! Can't wait to be an islander! Shakas Up! 
Mark Montgomery: "Anna is a very hard-throwing right-hander from Arkansas. She is already throwing 65mph with great movement. Look for her to grow in consistency and become absolutely dominant at the collegiate level."

#ShakasUp