June 26, 2025 - The Smithson Valley High School Rangers baseball team made school history and ended its season as the 2025 UIL State 5A Division 1 Runner Up earlier this month.
With a 28-13 overall record, the Rangers led fans on a historic ride to the school’s first-ever trip to the state championship and the only San Antonio area team to make it to a baseball state title game this year. Furthermore, it was the first 5A program from the area to compete in a state championship game in the last decade.
“This was an incredible run by a group of kids who completely bought into team baseball,” says Chad Koehl, SVHS head baseball coach. “No one cared who got the credit. I know this is cliche, but they truly wanted to play and win for each other and the SV community.
“We had to win our final two district games just to get into the playoffs. Once in, they honestly built a bond I have not seen many teams have. We truly wish we were still practicing right now. I think that is what most on the outside looking in do not see. Win or lose the last game, the coaching staff would love to still be on the field with this group. The journey is what makes the run special.”
For six Rangers, the baseball success capped off a year of state competition that culminated in both gold and silver hardware. These athletes were also members of the school’s state 5A champion football team: Aiden Verette, Adam De Hoyos, Colton Hornsby, Jacob Kirk, Parker Moeller and Braydon O’Malley.
The honors kept coming for the Rangers with Koehl named Coach of the Year by the San Antonio Express-News and the Region 8-5A Coach of the Year by the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA); assistant baseball coach Lane Bowman was named the THSCA Region 8-5A Assistant Coach of the Year; catcher Bryce Wells was named to the All-Area Super Team and All-Area Class 5A Team, and Verette was named to the All-Area Class 5A Team.
The season started for the Rangers with a dedication of the school’s renovated baseball field and facilities in March with former players on hand for the celebration. The additions and upgrades included a concession stand, dugouts, press box, lockers, flooring and lighting and electrical infrastructure which was funded by voters who supported the district’s May 2023 Bond.
The 2025 Rangers Baseball Team
- Blake Allen
- Alton Behrend
- Andrew Bonner
- Adam De Hoyos
- Jace Dixon
- Matthew Felix
- Jake Furay
- Justin Fruscella
- Cooper Gibson
- Colton Hornsby
- Elliot Hyde
- Paxton Ingalls
- Jacob Kirk
- Andrew Lunsford
- Nick Miller
- Parker Moeller
- Trey Morgan
- Braydon O'Malley
- Stephen Ozuna
- Gavin Parker
- Luke Schroeder
- Matthew Shaw
- Gunnar Shoquist
- Kolter Smedley
- Aiden Verette
- Owen Vick
- Bryce Wells
- Luke Williams
Congratulations!
Photo descriptions
-The Smithson Valley baseball team ended its season as the 2025 UIL State 5A Division 1 Runner Up.
-Smithson Valley High School head baseball coach Chad Koehl during the 2025 UIL State 5A Division 1 championship game on June 6.
-Smithson Valley High School Rangers baseball team competed for the 2025 UIL State 5A Division 1 title on June 6.
-Smithson Valley High School senior Parker Moeller scored the Rangers’ only run in the first inning of the 2025 UIL State 5A Division 1 championship game against Aledo on June 6.
-The Smithson Valley baseball team celebrated renovations and upgrades to the school’s field and facilities in March with a dedication ceremony. Pictured in front from left is Comal ISD Board of Trustees President Rus Garner, SVHS head baseball coach Chad Koehl and Comal ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. John E. Chapman III.
-Smithson Valley head baseball coach Chad Koehl.