The Galveston College softball team begins the road to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I National Tournament when the Whitecaps host Ranger College on Jan. 30 for a 2024 spring season home-opening doubleheader at 1 and 3 p.m. at the Lassie League Complex, located at 2506 83rd St.

 

Galveston College, ranked No. 19 in the NJCAA DI preseason poll, will look to repeat as the Region 14 South Conference champions, make a return trip to the Region 14 Tournament and qualify for the National Tournament in Oxford, Alabama.

 

The Whitecaps return six sophomores from last year’s squad that finished the 2023 regular season with a 38-11 record and in the Top 20 of the NJCAA DI rankings. In addition, GC will have 17 freshman players entering the program this season. Two of those freshman players transferred to Galveston College in the fall. This talented group consists of players from California, New Mexico, Wyoming, Canada, Australia and Texas.

 

“Galveston College’s returning sophomores were big contributors to the team’s success as a program last year. They understand that the name on the front of their jersey is very important, worked hard on and off the field, and was willing to do whatever was necessary to make the team successful,” said GC Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach, Kelly Raines. “Our sophomores have shown all the leadership qualities necessary to lead our freshmen in the right direction. They have led by example with their work ethic in the classroom and on the field. We believe this group of players can be a very special team.”

 

Expectations are high for this team as students first and then as athletes. This year’s team finished with a 3.46 GPA in the fall 2023 semester and they hope to improve on that academic mark during the spring 2024 semester.

 

The Whitecaps competed in 11 fall doubleheader scrimmages and will compete in 56 games during the 2024 spring season.

 

Among this season’s players to watch are: Karlie Barba, Samantha Gonzalez and Jessica Munro (sophomores); Breigh Houser, Ella Herrewig, Jenna Johnston and Brooklyn Spencer (freshmen).

 

ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE

Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs