Academy athletes Breona Benavidez, Noah Chaisson, Juan Herrera and Andrea Martinez announce commitments to collegiate programs
- Four Youth Academy athletes announce commitments to continue athletic careers.
- Texas Rangers Youth Academy continues college preparatory workshops this month.
- Coach Edward “ET” Taylor inducted into Albany State University 2026 Hall of Fame.
This month, four Texas Rangers Youth Academy athletes announced their commitments to continue their baseball and softball careers at the collegiate level. Breona Benavidez, Noah Chaisson, Juan Herrera and Andrea Martinez are among the first class of 2027 Youth Academy athletes to announce the next step in their athletic journeys.
Ennis High School and Rangers Youth Academy softball player Breona Benavidez will continue her softball career at Temple College upon graduating in 2027. Benavidez, a right-handed pitcher and shortstop, competed through the Rangers Youth Academy RBI Regionals program and 2026 Jennie Finch Classic.
Noah Chaisson, a senior at Caddo Magnet High School, committed to the baseball program at Division III Centenary College. Chaisson, a left-handed pitcher and infielder, was part of the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup championship-winning team. He has trained with the Youth Academy since 2023.
Skyline High School baseball player and Texas Rangers Youth Academy athlete Juan Herrera announced this month his commitment to continue his career at NAIA-level Texas Wesleyan University. Herrera, a right-handed pitcher and catcher, started training with the Rangers Youth Academy in 2021. He most recently competed with the Youth Academy on the championship-winning Commissioner’s Cup and RBI Regionals team.
Andrea Martinez, a softball player at South Grand Prairie High School, committed to continue her softball career at NAIA-level Mid-America Christian University. Martinez, an outfielder, has participated in the Youth Academy’s RBI program for the past three summers.
SNAPSHOTS
College preparatory and advisory sessions continue throughout October
- What it is: The Youth Academy is partnering with the nonprofit organization Education is Freedom to offer a free college advisory program designed to guide high school students through each step of the college preparation process. The Rangers will also host the Kumar Family Success Series ACT Prep course this fall.
- When it is: The ACT College & Career Prep session will be held on Oct. 12, the Financial Aid & Scholarships session will be held on Oct. 19 and the NCAA Eligibility Center & Student-Athlete Prep Talk will be held Oct. 26.
- How to Register: Registration is free and can be found at texasrangersya.leagueapps.com for all sessions.
Rangers Youth Academy coach Edward “ET” Taylor inducted into Albany State University 2026 Hall of Fame class
Who it is: Rangers Youth Academy Coach Edward “E.T.” Taylor is a former baseball player and head coach at Albany State University. From 2002-10, Taylor led the Albany State baseball program to one of its most successful eras, compiling a 246–155 record, winning six conference championships and guiding the Rams to two NCAA Regional appearances. On Sept. 25, Taylor was officially inducted into the Golden Rams’ Hall of Fame.
Building strong foundations: The discipline and fundamentals first approach that were the building block of Taylor’s success at Albany State are mirrored in his work with Youth Academy athletes. He served on staff with the Youth Academy from 2018-23 and rejoined the team in 2026.
Education & Buckner International programming
The Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy goes beyond baseball and softball programming to benefit our community. With help from our partner Buckner International, the Academy hosts free education and enrichment courses for athletes and their families throughout the year. Register for all Youth Academy classes.