COMMERCE – The East Texas A&M University softball team has signed four newcomers for the 2025-26 academic year this fall.
 
The four newcomers for the Lions are Izel Avalos from Pomona, California, Zoey Hipolito from Ontaria, California, Layni Kimura from Westminster, California, and Melina Peralez from Monroe, Indiana. All four newcomers will be eligible to compete for the Lions in the 2026 season.
 
"We are excited to add this 2025 recruiting class to our program. They are coming to us with a ton of experience, playing top caliber softball," said coach Brittany Miller, who is in her third season at the helm of the Lion Softball program.
 
"This group is excited to be Lions!"
 
Here is a detailed look at the four newest Lions.
 
IZEL AVALOS
5-4 • Pomona, Calif. • Diamond Ranch High School
Played for coach Robert Alaan at Diamond Ranch High School … Three-time San Gabriel Valley all-area team … 2022 Valley Vista League MVP … Two-time first team all-league … Two-time San Gabriel Valley All-Star Underclassman … Competed for Under-18 Team Mexico, winning the Acapulco Cup Championships and Puerto Rico International Challenge Silver Medalist … Named 2023 Puerto Rico International Challenge All-Star third baseman … Qualified for the Dallas World Cup … Three-time Principle Honor Award recipient … Two-time league champion … Received the 2024 Panther Award … Competed in club softball for SoCal Ruthless, Athletics Jendro, Wildcats, Firecrackers Premier RTY, and Mexico Junior Olympic Team
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Daughter of Georgina and Gerardo Avalos … Plans to major in biology
 
WHY EAST TEXAS A&M? "I chose East Texas A&M for its academic and softball programs. I also liked the school's campus and culture, and I feel that I can positively impact the school and softball program."
 
ZOEY HIPOLITO
5-5 • Ontario, Calif. • Ayala High School
Played middle infield and outfield at Ayala High School … Won the league championship twice in high school … Competed in club softball for Clutch Up, Smash, and Ruthless  
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Daughter of Christina and Leo Hipolito … Plans to major in kinesiology
 
WHY EAST TEXAS A&M? "The programs at East Texas A&M, specifically the nursing program and the ability to be able to do what I was to pursue later in life and get the chance to play Division I softball was a huge part of why I chose East Texas A&M."
 
LAYNI KIMURA
5-10 • Westminster, Calif. • Los Alamitos High School
Played for coach Rob Weil at Los Alamitos High School … Received the scholar athlete award … Played pitcher, outfield, and first base … Competed in club softball for Wildcats Weil
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Daughter of Liz and Aaron Kimura … Plans to major in criminology … Father, Aaron, played football at Golden West College … Sister, Makenzie, played softball at Warner Pacific (Oregon) and San Diego Christian
 
WHY EAST TEXAS A&M? "I chose East Texas A&M because of the openness of the city and the college town. The school is a perfect fit for what I wanted."
 
MELINA PERALEZ
5-5 • Monroe, Ind. • Adams Central High School
Played for coach Matt Zimmerman at Adams Central High School … three-time first team all-conference … 2024 Offensive Player of the Year … Holds a .504 career batting average, 124 hits, 113 RBIs, 12 home runs, and 27 doubles … Competed in club softball for Leo Pride and Indy Edge Premier Strelow
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Daughter of Michelle and Alfredo Peralez … Plans to major in criminal justice
 
WHY EAST TEXAS A&M? "I chose East Texas A&M because since ever since I was little, I have always dreamed about playing and going to school in Texas. The campus just felt like home and the team is like one big family that has a bond that I instantly clicked with."