On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Brookeland Lady Cats head softball coach McKenzie Vaughan and junior pitcher Paige Powell join the show as Brookeland prepares for another trip to the state semifinals. After reaching the state championship game last year, the Lady Cats are back in position to chase a title, and this year’s group is focused on finishing the job.

Coach Vaughan reflects on a fast-moving season that started almost immediately after basketball, with many of her athletes balancing multiple sports, including softball, basketball, track, and tennis. She discusses the challenges of coaching at a small school, where athletes often compete in several sports at once, and how communication between coaches, extra effort from players, and strong community support have helped Brookeland stay successful.

Powell talks about the difficulty of shifting from basketball to softball, competing at the state track meet while in the middle of a softball playoff run, and learning how to balance focus across multiple sports. She also shares the team’s mindset after last year’s state championship loss, explaining how the Lady Cats are determined to give 100 percent in every drill, every practice, and every game as they chase the gold.

The conversation also looks back at Brookeland’s tough playoff series against Slocum, which gave the Lady Cats the kind of adversity they did not face much during last year’s postseason run. Vaughan explains why that challenge could help prepare the team for the pressure ahead, while Powell breaks down her mindset in the circle and the importance of staying calm, trusting her defense, and moving on to the next pitch.

Looking ahead, Vaughan previews Brookeland’s one-game state semifinal matchup against Moulton in New Caney and explains what the Lady Cats need to do offensively to earn another trip to Austin. The episode also highlights the powerful support from the Brookeland community, the role of faith within the program, and what it means for the Lady Cats to play for something bigger than themselves.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, former Spring Hill Panther and current ETBU Tigers pitcher Conner Smeltzer joins the show after helping East Texas Baptist punch its ticket to the Super Regionals. Smeltzer reflects on closing out the regional championship game, striking out both batters he faced, and the emotions of celebrating another major postseason moment with his teammates.

Smeltzer talks about ETBU’s incredible season, including a 36-10 record, a 20-game winning streak, and the Tigers’ third regional championship in four years. He explains what makes this group so special, from the team chemistry in the locker room to the confidence that comes from playing winning baseball at the right time of year.

The conversation also dives into Smeltzer’s first season at ETBU after transferring from Murray State College, where he learned the toughness and work ethic required on the junior college baseball route. He discusses why ETBU felt like the right fit, the importance of being closer to home, and how the Tigers’ winning culture played a major role in his decision.

Smeltzer also reflects on growing up in Spring Hill, playing for the Panthers, and the strong community support that continues to follow him throughout his college baseball career. Looking ahead, he previews ETBU’s Super Regional series against Lynchburg, the No. 2 team in the country, and shares why the Tigers are embracing the underdog role as they chase another postseason breakthrough.

Also in this episode, the show discusses major NASCAR headlines, including the passing of Kyle Busch and the Coca-Cola 600’s 600 Miles of Remembrance tribute honoring fallen service members, including Slocum native Sergeant Bobby Frank Limerick.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, former Tyler Legacy standout and LeTourneau softball record holder Maddie Flanery joins the show to reflect on a remarkable college career. Flanery discusses her final season with the YellowJackets, where she hit over .400, scored 45 runs, drove in 16, and continued to create chaos on the base paths.

Flanery leaves LeTourneau as the program’s all-time leader in career stolen bases with 151 and runs scored with 132, while also ranking among the program’s top 10 in walks, hits, and batting average. She opens up about overcoming a difficult freshman season, changing her mindset, and learning to play with joy, gratitude, and confidence.

The conversation also dives into the role faith has played in Flanery’s journey. She shares how her identity shifted away from performance on the field and toward gratitude, how her involvement with FCA shaped her college experience, and what it has meant to share her testimony with other student-athletes.

Flanery also talks about earning the SCAC Elite 19 Award, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, receiving multiple academic honors, and balancing the demands of being a student-athlete. She reflects on her time at Tyler Legacy, the coaches who helped her fall in love with softball, her kinesiology degree, interest in coaching, and what may come next after graduation.