Coyotes enter softball season with Hanf as major weapon

On the surface it may seem like a rebuilding season for the Weatherford College softball team in 2026. However, they have two things that could make an argument for otherwise.

Head coach Haylee Williams and All-American pitcher Sarah Hanf, a sophomore from Elk Grove, California.

Williams has consistently led the Coyotes to the postseason since taking the helm in 2013, including a berth in the NJCAA Division I Softball World Series that same season. Last season she guided them to a 33-15 overall record and a 21-11 mark in the Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference, along with an appearance in the Southwest District A Championship.

Hanf, a right-hander, made history in 2025 when she pitched the first perfect game in Weatherford College history. She ended the season with a 21-7 record, striking out 207 and walking just 25 in 145.2 innings with a 2.11 earned run average.

Hanf and fellow sophomore Janae Trojacek, a catcher from Groesbeck, are the lone returning starters. Trojacek posted a .323 batting average with six doubles, a home run, 13 RBI, a .343 on-base percentage and .462 slugging percentage.

While returning starters are few, Williams clearly knows talent across the board when she sees it. It's a formula that's worked well in her career.

"I am so excited about this season, we are really talented at every position, well rounded, good team speed, exceptional team chemistry, and a talented, deep, well-balanced pitching staff," she said. "I expect big things from this team and, more importantly, they do too!"

Other key returners who could move into the starting lineup this season, Williams noted, include:

*Second baseman Rian Coon (Eaton High School). "She got some playing time last season, but should earn her way to a much larger role this season. She is a great athlete, good speed, high energy kid and a leader for our team," Williams said. 

*Outfielder Ava Garcia (Wolfforth Frenship). "She has really been playing well, she plays hard, has a plus arm in the outfield and also brings a ton of energy," Williams noted.

*Catcher Olivia Cantu (Weatherford). "She has just steadily improved with her time here at WC, commands the defense extremely well behind the plate, natural leader, tough, she will be in the fight in a really stacked catcher position."

Williams has a solid recruiting class that includes numerous players who could make an immediate impact. They include, with Williams' comments:

*Freshman right-handed pitcher Kamryn Mears (Wharton). "Kamryn will see significant time in the circle for us and will also hit for herself. She throws hard, locates well, and changes speed super effectively."

*Freshman catcher Joni Jackson (Breckenridge). "Joni is locked in to really make an impact for us offensively. A kid with a ton of power, super strong, and does a really good job behind the plate." Jackson can also play first base and designated player.

*Freshman catcher Cameron Gregory (Abilene). "This kid is an absolute energy machine. She is explosive and twitchy, a rocket for an arm, and tremendous bat speed. We anticipate Cameron having an impact for us in all aspects of the game." Gregory can also play first base and designated player.

*Freshman shortstop Aofia Noa (Las Vegas). "Another really good athlete, strong, fast, unreal hands on defense, can hit a ton. Excited to watch her this season."

*Freshman third baseman Kinley Kemp (Weatherford). "Kinley has really pushed for time at third base, tall defender with good range and a plus arm, smart hitter, good power to all fields, she is a fast learner with a high ceiling."

*Freshman outfielder Alexandra Graham (Colorado Springs, Colorado, transfer from Hofstra). "We added another powerful lefty hitter, rangy in the outfield, good speed, and a big arm."

*Sophomore third baseman Aundrea Thompson (Frisco, transfer from Arkansas Tech). "Aundrea was an easy fit into our program. Another natural leader, super tough, plays hard, vocal, good power at the plate."

*Sophomore right-handed pitcher Kaymie Chandler (Weatherford, transfer from Northwestern State University). "We are so excited to have her join our pitching staff.  Another pitcher who will hit for herself, really good hitter, a lot of D1 experience in the circle."

The Coyotes are picked fourth in the NTJCAC, one of the nation's toughest leagues. In this season's preseason national rankings, Grayson is ranked No. 3, McLennan is No. 4 and Temple is No. 22.

"Oh yeah, it will be a dog fight again for sure, with multiple teams in our conference ranked in the top 20 all season," Williams said. "Usual suspects as well as more talented teams from Hill, Cisco, Vernon."

The Coyotes' season begins Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. against Howard College at Stuart Field. Check wcathletics.com for more information.