​The 2026 Texas high school softball season was full of surprising finishes, outstanding individual achievements and memorable postseason moments.Now with the high school softball season officially in the books, it’s time to answer a major question: Who was the Big Country’s best softball player during the 2026 season?AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWe want to hear from you! The Reporter-News has selected 16 of the Big Country’s top high school softball players as finalists for the 2026 Readers’ Choice All-Big Country Softball MVP.Finalists were selected based upon statistics, individual accolades, team success and feedback from area coaches.The Readers’ Choice All-Big Country Softball MVP poll will open on Tuesday, July 14, and close at 5 p.m. Monday, July 27.Here is a closer look at every candidate for the Abilene Reporter-News’ Readers’ Choice All-Big Country Softball MVP for the 2026 Texas high school softball season:Athletes listed in alphabetical order below.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMore: Fan Vote: Who should be 2026 All-Big Country Boys Track & Field MVP?More: Gordon, Hamlin baseball standouts named to 1A UIL All-Tournament TeamMore: Fan Vote: Who should be the ARN’s 2026 All-Big Country Girls Track & Field MVP?Gabby Cabrera, Tuscola Jim Ned, So.Cabrera set the tone at the top of Jim Ned’s deep lineup during the Lady Indians’ run to the regional finals of the 3A DI UIL Softball Playoffs, hitting .543 with 48 runs scored, 30 RBIs, 17 doubles, six home runs, four triples, 24 stolen bases and a 1.603 OPS.Kyleigh Caperton, Early, Sr.Caperton — one of the Big Country’s most talented shortstops — thrived for Early during a strong senior season, posting a .529 batting average and 1.777 OPS with 35 runs scored, 22 RBIs, 11 stolen bases, seven home runs, five triples and three doubles.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMcKinley Crouch, Merkel, Fr.Crouch became one of the Big Country’s most accomplished young softball stars after a breakout freshman year in the circle for Merkel. The Lady Badgers’ ace recorded an 8-4 record with a 2.40 ERA and 239 strikeouts through 131 innings pitched to help Merkel reach the area round of the 3A DII UIL Softball Playoffs.Avie Faries, Abilene Wylie, Jr.Fairies was a key part of the Lady Bulldogs run to the regional finals of the 5A DII UIL Softball Playoffs as Wylie’s most reliable arm in the circle. She finished a strong junior season with an 8-5 record, a 3.69 ERA and 89 strikeouts through 81⅔ innings pitched.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSydnee Gomez, Snyder, Jr.Gomez helped the Lady Tigers lock up their second straight district title and advance to the regional semifinals of the 4A DII UIL Softball Playoffs thanks to her work in the circle and offensive consistency. Snyder’s junior ace registered a 12-3 record in the circle with 137 strikeouts and a 2.09 ERA through 70 innings pitched. She also tallied 45 RBIs, 18 doubles, nine home ru