BEAUMONT, Texas - Throughout the entire summer, Lamar softball head coach Amy Hooks and her staff have been working to improve their team following last season's run to the Southland Conference tournament semifinals. Along with the freshmen joining the squad, the Cardinals are welcoming in five new transfers to the 409 for their 12th season of softball.

"These five transfers were the last pieces to our family," said coach Hooks. "Each of them are unique and bring something different to the field and locker room. There is a lot of talent that will be added to the field but more importantly, we are adding great people. I'm excited for team 12."


Trinity Brandon - UTL - Las Vegas, Nev./Arbor View HS/San Diego State.

From Las Vegas, Nev., Brandon arrives to Beaumont after one season with the Aztecs of San Diego State. Throughout her high school career as an Aggie at Arbor View High School, she batted .483 (113-for-234) for her career, with 17 home runs, 120 RBIs, 21 doubles, 17 triples, and 83 runs scored. Brandon was a first-team all-state selection, first-team all-league pick, a Max Preps freshman All-America honoree and the team's co-player of the year as a freshman.

She also helped them to the Southern Nevada regional championship while being named the Southern Nevada 5A Player of the Year and a first-team all-Southern Nevada selection as a junior. Brandon is one of two ex-members of the Corona Angels club softball team on the Cardinals' squad.  

"Trinity has a great personality that you are going to notice on the field. She brings a lot of energy and passion. Trinity will be a great addition in the infield and in the locker room."
- Amy Hooks, LU Head Softball Coach.


Rose Gonzales - IF - Dallas, Texas/South Grand Prairie HS/McLennan CC

Hailing from Dallas, Gonzales began her collegiate softball career at Abilene Christian recording a .222 batting average with 18 hits, two doubles, two homers, 10 RBIs, and nine runs scored for the Wildcats. This past season, she was at McLennan Community College where in 34 games for the Highlassies, she batted .351 driving in 20 RBI on 20 hits, including four doubles and three triples while also walking 25 times and stealing five bases.

In high school, she posted a .511 batting average with 44 RBIs and 20 stolen bases for the South Grand Prairie Warriors. Her play earned her 2021 District 8-6A Offensive Player of the Year honors. Off the field, she was a recipient for the President's Award, Superintendent's Honor Roll selection, and the top Mexican Scholar Award recipient while a member of both the national honor society and Magna Cum Laude.

"Rose has love for the game. She is a great defender and will bring depth to the middle positions."
- Amy Hooks, LU Head Softball Coach.


Sabrina Jolin - P - Anchorage, Alaska/South Anchorage HS/UNLV

From the Last Frontier state of Alaska, this Anchorage native flew down south to play for UNLV in the last two seasons. In 23.1 innings, she struck out 12 batters and would combine for a complete-game, two-hit shutout against CSU-Bakersfield in her first appearance of the season.

Dealing with frosty conditions didn't deter Jolin at South Anchorage High School for the Wolverines as she became a decorated athlete. Among her accolades include three Alaska Gatorade Player Of the Year honors in 2019 (0.65 ERA, 58 K's, .642 BA, 47 RBI), 2020 (.610 BA, 41 runs) and 2021 (0.82 ERA, 139 K's, .451 BA, 45 RBIs). Jolin is also a two-time Alaska Max Preps Player of the Year, 2021 USA Today Best in High School Sports for Softball, two-time high school MVP,  high school defensive player of the year, all-conference first team, CIC regional team, ASAA All-State, and all-conference honorable mention.

She is going to be a great addition to our bullpen. She is a hardworker determined to get better each day. I'm excited to see what Sabrina brings in the circle for Lamar.
- Amy Hooks, LU Head Softball Coach.


Jayne Sepulveda - IF - Monterey Park, Calif./St. Paul HS/Southern Utah.

A Monterey Park, California transfer who last played for the Thunderbirds of Southern Utah, Sepulveda posted a career .273 batting average with 69 hits, 13 doubles, one triple, six homers, and 19 RBI in 80 games played with 77 starts. Prior to her time in Cedar City, she played softball at St. Paul High School and was a 2021 First Team All-Del Rey League and All-Area San Gabriel Valley. This biology major also experienced time on the club level with the Corona Angels along with her teammate Brandon.

"She has a desire to win. She will be a great addition to the infield."
- Amy Hooks, LU Head Softball Coach.


Shenita Tucker - OF - Richmond, Texas/Lamar Consolidated HS/Florida Southwestern State

Hailing from Richmond, Texas, located 45 minutes outside of Houston, Tucker spent the last three seasons at Florida Southwestern State playing for the Buccaneers. In 117 games, she compiled 148 hits, 121 runs scored, 13 doubles, five triples, 70 RBI, and 32 walks while batting .412 for her career.

A four-time letter winner at Lamar Consolidated High School, this three-time first team all-district outfielder batted .567 with 12 homers and 77 stolen bases. All the while, she won three defensive player of the year awards for the Mustangs.

"Shenita has won at a high level. She works hard and has a high softball IQ. She will bring speed to the outfield and the lineup. Shenita has natural leadership qualities."
 

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