Midland High, Legacy softball teams look to experienced rosters in 2026

Both teams return core groups of players who have been through district and postseason battles.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The 2026 softball teams at Midland High and Legacy High School each have a strong core of experienced players returning from last year's playoff squads. Midland High is led by a trio of talented pitchers, including the 2025 District 2-6A Pitcher of the Year, while Legacy High leans on its senior duo of Payton Brooks and Lily Amaya in the circle. Both teams are optimistic that their veteran leadership and chemistry will help them advance further in the playoffs this season.

Why it matters

In a sport like softball where experience and team chemistry are so crucial, the fact that both Midland High and Legacy High return the majority of their rosters from last year's playoff teams gives them a significant advantage heading into the 2026 season. The continuity and familiarity the players have with one another should translate to success on the field.

The details

Midland High has three experienced pitchers leading its staff, including 2025 District 2-6A Pitcher of the Year Malyah Carrillo, Miami (Ohio) commit Kamryn Weir, and Emeri Ream. The Lady Bulldogs also have a strong junior class, with four players who have been three-year varsity letterwinners since their freshman year. Legacy High, meanwhile, returns its senior pitching duo of Payton Brooks and Lily Amaya, who have provided stability in the circle the past two seasons. The Lady Rebels also have several other experienced players back, including junior utility Olivia Burleson, senior utility Parker Brooks, and sophomore catcher Aaliaha Whitehead.

  • The 2026 softball season begins in February 2026.
  • Midland High finished the 2025 season with a 29-8 record, ending in the area round of the playoffs.
  • Legacy High finished the 2025 season with a 17-16 record and made the playoffs.

The players

Malyah Carrillo

The 2025 District 2-6A Pitcher of the Year for Midland High.

Kamryn Weir

A pitcher and first baseman/outfielder for Midland High who has committed to Miami (Ohio).

Emeri Ream

One of the experienced pitchers on the Midland High staff.

Payton Brooks

A senior pitcher for Legacy High who has signed with UT-Permian Basin and was a Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star in 2025.

Lily Amaya

The other senior pitcher for the Legacy High softball team.

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What they’re saying

“We're pretty excited about the ability that our kids have in the circle.”

— Shawnda Vines, Midland High head coach (mrt.com)

“Our team mostly being underclassmen, helps our chemistry build as we get through the season and as we start going into next season. I think we're all going to be interlinked and it's going to help us out a lot on the field.”

— Marley Porter, Midland High junior (mrt.com)

“Having the stability with them in the circle the last two years, we're just hoping they keep moving the needle. They work hard every single day.”

— Mandy Davis, Legacy High head coach (mrt.com)

“Since we are so close together and we have always played with each other, we communicate really well. Communication is a great part of softball. It leads to a lot of success. Without it, you don't have great outcomes, and you become disappointed. With that, you do have success and you make those rounds of playoffs.”

— Payton Brooks, Legacy High senior pitcher (mrt.com)

What’s next

Both Midland High and Legacy High will begin their district schedules in March 2026, with the goal of securing a playoff berth and advancing further than they did in 2025.

The takeaway

The experienced rosters and strong team chemistry of the Midland High and Legacy High softball teams give them an excellent opportunity to build on their playoff runs from last season and potentially make deep postseason pushes in 2026.