Texas Tech Signee Hannah Wells Crowned 2024–2025 Gatorade National Player of the Year After Leading Coahoma to a Stellar 35–1 Season and the 3A Division II State Championship — A New Era of Red Raider Softball Excellence Is Already in Motion
In a season that will echo through Texas high school sports history for years, Hannah Wells — the sensational two-way player from Coahoma High School — has been officially named the 2024–2025 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year. With poise well beyond her years and the fire of a seasoned competitor, Wells dominated the diamond all year long, leading the Coahoma Bulldogettes to a blistering 35–1 record and a resounding 3A Division II State Championship.
Wells, a Texas Tech signee, becomes the first player from a 3A school in Texas to ever earn the national honor — a testament to both her undeniable talent and the weight of her leadership. Whether in the circle or at the plate, she played with unmatched consistency, posting an astounding 0.48 ERA with 321 strikeouts and a .547 batting average, including 14 home runs and 61 RBIs.
But the numbers, impressive as they are, only scratch the surface of Wells’ impact.
“She’s the type of player that doesn’t just win games — she elevates everyone around her,” said Coahoma head coach Landon Russell. “Her drive, discipline, and unshakable focus changed the culture of this program. She’s a once-in-a-generation athlete.”
Her postseason performance was nothing short of iconic. In the state title game, Wells struck out 16 batters and launched a towering three-run homer in the fifth inning to break open a tight game, leading Coahoma to an 8–2 victory over Gunter. The crowd at Red & Charline McCombs Field roared as Wells rounded third, tears welling in her eyes. It was more than a win — it was a legacy-sealing moment.
Now, as she prepares to join the Texas Tech Red Raiders, excitement is swelling in Lubbock. Head coach Craig Snider called Wells “the cornerstone of what we’re building,” emphasizing her potential to lead the program to unprecedented heights.
“She’s got that fearless West Texas spirit,” Snider noted. “Hannah Wells isn’t just ready for college softball — college softball better be ready for her.”
The Red Raiders, already emerging as a rising power in the Big 12, see Wells as the face of a new era. With All-American arm talent and a bat that changes the game, she’s expected to compete for a starting spot as a freshman and potentially headline the next wave of national contenders from Lubbock.
In a heartfelt social media post, Wells thanked her hometown, teammates, coaches, and family: “This award isn’t just for me. It’s for every girl in a small town who dares to dream big. Coahoma made me. Texas Tech is where I’ll soar.”
Indeed, a new chapter is being written — and Hannah Wells holds the pen.
