University of Houston Athletics
Softball Inks Second Pair of Transfers
6/25/2026 9:51:00 AM | Softball
Cougars add pitcher and infielder to 2026 signing class
HOUSTON – University of Houston Softball Head Coach Chrissy Schoonmaker announced the signing of a second pair of transfers to the roster on Thursday.
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Caylee Gaytan, P, Indiana State
A 5-foot-8 pitcher from Katy, Texas, Gaytan spent the 2026 season at Indiana State where she appeared in 28 games with 18 starts in the circle.Â
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She tossed 117.0 innings and 101 strikeouts, earning eight wins with nine complete games and two saves on the year. Playing out of Katy High School, she was ranked #16 in the Extra Inning Southwest Regional Ranking in September 2024 as well as #46 nationally in the 2025 class by Extra Inning Softball.Â
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Last summer, she was tabbed as Texas Fastpitch League Pitcher of the Tournament while also being named to the Gold Cup All-Tournament Team. As a senior at Katy HS, she helped lead the team to a 39-3-1 record, good for sixth overall in Texas and second in the 6A division.
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Nina Peyton-Johnson, INF, California
A 5-foot-8 infielder from Van Nuys, Calif., Peyton-Johnson spent the 2026 season at California.
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Coming out of Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, Calif., Peyton-Johnson earned first team recognition on the All-Mission League as a junior as well as All-League and All-City as a freshman. As a senior, she batted .615 while tallying 40 hits, 31 runs, 25 RBIs and 12 homers at Sierra Canyon.
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Gaytan and Peyton-Johnson join newcomers Yanina Sherwood and Larisa Perez as the first quartet of transfers to sign with Houston ahead of the 2027 season, bringing the total up to nine new faces (five freshmen) for the Cougars.Â
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SUPPORT YOUR COOGSÂ
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Softball by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining the Diamond Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Softball for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Softball. Fans also can follow the team on Instagram at @UHCougarSB.
− UHCougars.com −
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Caylee Gaytan, P, Indiana State
A 5-foot-8 pitcher from Katy, Texas, Gaytan spent the 2026 season at Indiana State where she appeared in 28 games with 18 starts in the circle.Â
Â
She tossed 117.0 innings and 101 strikeouts, earning eight wins with nine complete games and two saves on the year. Playing out of Katy High School, she was ranked #16 in the Extra Inning Southwest Regional Ranking in September 2024 as well as #46 nationally in the 2025 class by Extra Inning Softball.Â
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Last summer, she was tabbed as Texas Fastpitch League Pitcher of the Tournament while also being named to the Gold Cup All-Tournament Team. As a senior at Katy HS, she helped lead the team to a 39-3-1 record, good for sixth overall in Texas and second in the 6A division.
Â
Nina Peyton-Johnson, INF, California
A 5-foot-8 infielder from Van Nuys, Calif., Peyton-Johnson spent the 2026 season at California.
Â
Coming out of Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, Calif., Peyton-Johnson earned first team recognition on the All-Mission League as a junior as well as All-League and All-City as a freshman. As a senior, she batted .615 while tallying 40 hits, 31 runs, 25 RBIs and 12 homers at Sierra Canyon.
Â
Gaytan and Peyton-Johnson join newcomers Yanina Sherwood and Larisa Perez as the first quartet of transfers to sign with Houston ahead of the 2027 season, bringing the total up to nine new faces (five freshmen) for the Cougars.Â
Â
SUPPORT YOUR COOGSÂ
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Softball by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining the Diamond Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Softball for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Softball. Fans also can follow the team on Instagram at @UHCougarSB.
− UHCougars.com −
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