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A graphic showing Hawk award winners
Posted: May 19, 2025

Conference Award Honoree's

Four Lady Hawks Earn All-Conference Honors Following 2024–25 Season

The Howard College Lady Hawks capped off the 2024–25 softball season with four of their own receiving well-deserved recognition from the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) for their outstanding performances throughout the year.

Kaela Martinez, a sophomore pitcher, was named to the WJCAC First Team after a dominant year in the circle. Martinez was a true workhorse for the Lady Hawks, appearing in 28 games and starting 22. She threw 139.2 innings, struck out 150 batters, and held opponents to a 2.91 ERA while recording 17 complete games. Her poise, endurance, and ability to keep opposing hitters off balance made her one of the top pitchers in the conference and a key reason Howard clinched a postseason berth.

Joining Martinez among the award winners was freshman infielder Elena Mendez, who earned All-Conference Honorable Mention. Mendez led the Lady Hawks with a .371 batting average, adding 4 home runs, 21 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. Her consistency at the plate and impact on both sides of the ball made her one of the most reliable contributors in the lineup.

Sophomore outfielder Ashley McMahon also picked up All-Conference Honorable Mention honors. A returning leader on the team, McMahon batted .316, scored 30 runs, and swiped 12 bases, bringing speed and savvy to the top of the order while patrolling the outfield with confidence and experience.

Rounding out the list of award winners was sophomore Beatrice Nakae, who earned Honorable Mention All-Conference Outfielder. Nakae showed her power potential with 6 home runs and added 13 stolen bases, proving to be a dual threat throughout the season.

The recognition of these four players reflects the growth and promise of the Lady Hawks program under the direction of Head Coach Ashley Lopez and Assistant Coach Kirsten Martinez. As the team looks ahead to the 2025–26 season, the contributions of these honorees will serve as a standard and an inspiration for the next wave of Howard College softball.