The Fab 5 - The 5 Seniors Who Helped Build The Legacy of CDS Softball

The Fab 5

Kryptonite (kryp·​to·​nite) - noun: a substance that causes the comic-book character Superman to become weak when he is exposed to it

—often used to describe something likened to kryptonite in causing someone’s weakness, etc.

For Covenant Day Softball, Cannon has been their kryptonite. The last time CDS beat Cannon was on April 26, 2022, when our current senior class, known as the Fab 5, were just 8th graders. This rivalry set the stage for the group’s special journey.

In an era when transfers are common and students frequently change schools, having the same core group of five athletes play together for six consecutive years is rare. This unique continuity has benefitted Head Coach Ashley Houseton and set Covenant Day apart.

At CDS, Coach Houseton has coached middle school basketball & softball, as well as varsity softball. In the spring of 2022, when low participation pushed her to move the Fab 5 up to varsity, their immediate impact pointed toward a promising future. That season, the team edged conference foe Cannon 5-4 in extra innings—still the last time they had managed to do so until now.

On Tuesday, April 28, CDS hosted Cannon for the last regular season meeting of the Fab 5’s careers. With so much meaning behind the game, the girls could have come into the game with the weight of the world on their shoulders. Coach Houseton refused to let that be the team’s mindset. When asked what she told the team before the game, Coach said, “I told them – what do you have to prove? Nothing. We’ve already proven we belong here and can compete with the best of them. Maybe 10 years ago, we were playing to prove that Covenant Day deserved a spot in this conference, but not today.”

Led by the Fab 5, the team has already proved they belong. At the end of the 2026 regular season, the Fab 5 amassed a record of 75-43-1 and 34-19 in conference play. Their achievements, including five All-Conference First Team and three All-State selections in the past three seasons, have not gone unnoticed.

The Fab 5 went into the Cannon game with a winning mindset. “This is a great opportunity. We get to compete. Why be afraid or nervous?” said RJ. Avery said before the game, she prayed for each of her teammates to receive what they needed to be successful. They went in knowing they were capable of winning, as long as they played their game and, most importantly, they played together.

And that’s what they did. Cannon drew first blood, but the Lions settled in and jumped out to a 10-3 lead in the third. The dugout was alive, the bats were on fire, and sophomore pitcher Alison Vandiver was dealing. But it couldn’t be that simple. Cannon is their kryptonite after all.

In the top of the 4th, Cannon put up 5 runs to bring the game within 2. In the second-to-last regular-season game, it was only fitting that the next generation, an eighth grader, Cathen Young, took over in the circle and secured 3 outs. Defensively, the team stopped Cannon and went on to score 9 more runs. Leading by 11 after five innings, the game concluded, and the Lions defeated their kryptonite.

That’s Covenant Day Softball. Gritty. Determined. Confident. Family.

The CDS Softball Family

The team’s motto this season is “selfless.” Talking with the Fab 5, that motto was woven through almost every response. There were no I’s in any response. It was always we, us, the team. The Fab 5 have served as leaders on the Varsity Softball team since the 9th grade, but they acknowledge the team around them that helped them succeed.

Ashley has consistently reminded this group of the importance of connecting with their younger teammates. Not only have they connected with their teammates, but the Fab 5 also see them as their little sisters. One of their greatest joys over the years has been watching them develop and building the legacy of CDS softball together.

The group also recognized the endless resources their families have poured into them over the years – from always having snacks (Mrs. Llaneza) to helping build a new clubhouse and bathroom (the Vandivers and the Llanezas). All their families have been bought in since the 7th grade, and that has helped extend the feeling of family on and off the field.

Kaitlyn Allen

Kaitlyn’s teammates describe her as a quiet leader who does what is right without seeking recognition. She is disciplined, observant, reliable, collected, and brings a sense of humor to the team.

Kaitlyn is the steady, calm force every team needs. Since her freshman year, Kaitlyn has maintained a batting average above .300 and was recognized this season for reaching 100 career hits. She always has encouraging words for others and works very hard on the field and behind the scenes.

In the fall, Kaitlyn will continue her academic and softball career at Tusculum University.

Charlotte Hall

Charlotte is a great example of what it means to be a great Christian athlete. She is rarely seen without a smile. Char is goal-oriented and tackles on-field tasks with joy and laughter. While quiet, she leads through action, taking control of centerfield and making key plays. Her teammates note her loving, caring nature and the support she provides.

Charlotte’s presence makes a difference, and she doesn’t need to speak to be heard. Her consistent actions do that.

In the fall, Charlotte will attend Clemson University and plans to major in nursing.  

Avery Houseton

There is simply no better way to put it. Avery Houseton is a force of nature. A three-sport athlete, Avery has already made her mark on the volleyball and basketball programs this year. And softball is proving no different.

Avery is every pitcher’s worst nightmare. As of today, Tuesday, May 7th, Avery has collected 196 hits, 187 RBIs, and 35 home runs. But what truly makes Avery special is not her stats, it’s her heart and humble confidence. She is the encouraging voice when it’s a tied game, and you’re in the batter’s box with a full count; she’s the energy in the dugout when the runs aren’t coming; she’s the warm hug after a big hit. Her teammates describe her as talented, dependable, caring, and a teammate who will carry you on her back.

Avery is headed to the University of North Carolina – Charlotte in the fall to play Division I softball.

Maizy Jones

A CDS lifer, Maizy is the ultimate teammate. She’s quick to pick up her teammates, no matter what. She is intentional, kind, gentlehearted, and easy to talk to. RJ said, “If anyone is going to make me feel better, it’s Maizy.” She creates deep, meaningful connections with her teammates, which helps strengthen the entire team. On the field, she moves intentionally and locks in to get the job done.

Maizy will attend Samford University and plans to major in architecture.  

Reilly Jane Llaneza

You can always count on RJ to bring the energy, grit, love, and encouragement to every game. Her teammates described her as wise, uplifting, observant, hardworking, and loving. Everything she does is done with compassion. She is a good example for her younger teammates and will literally put her body on the line for them. Since her freshman year, RJ has batted above .300 and was recognized this season for reaching 100 hits.

This fall, RJ will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and plans to major in Biomedical Engineering.  

Ashley Houseton

What would the Fab 5 be without their fearless leader? Would this group have stayed together since middle school without her constant presence? Fortunately, we will never know. Ashley’s love for this team has helped cultivate the family atmosphere. “I am so grateful for Ashley. She has loved me like I am one of her own. Outside of my parents, she is the person who has poured into me the most and taught me to be a confident person,” said RJ Llaneza.

Ashley practices what she preaches. Avery said, “Coach is selfless, which leads the team to be selfless. It’s much easier to show up with that mentality when your coach models that for you.”

Maizy knows many of Ashley’s lessons will stick with her long after softball. “Coach always says, ‘practice doesn’t make perfect, but it makes progress,’ and I need to hear that because sometimes I can be a perfectionist.”

The team’s sentiments were the same – they feel blessed to have had Ashley as a coach. Not only does she care about every one of her athletes, but she also believes in them more than they do at times. She is the ultimate mentor, guiding these young women to be true competitors on the softball field and in life.

After playing together for 6 years, this team has been through the ups and downs together. They have built lifelong friendships. “I want these girls to be in my wedding,” proclaimed Avery. “I found my people,” said Kaitlyn. “This group is a constant reminder of what is meaningful in life. They remind me how valuable relationships are,” said RJ. “All I could have ever asked for,” said Charlotte.

“The Fab 5 truly have my heart! They have been a strong driving constant force for me to coach since 7th grade,” said Coach Ashley. “Their dedication and determination are why the softball program is where it is today. I love these girls like my own. We have laughed, cried, prayed, joked, and competed with and for each other. I have watched Avery, Charlotte, Kaitlyn, RJ, and Maizy grow into strong, confident, determined young ladies who play this game with a whole lot of love for one another and their teammates. They play this game with lots of grit, heart, passion, and respect. They have paved the way for the future generations at Covenant Day, and they will forever leave a mark in the hearts and memories of all whom they have played with.”

The victory over Cannon was one of the Fab 5’s season goals, but the job’s not done yet. The fight continues Friday, May 8, when Covenant Day hosts Charlotte Country Day in the NCISAA State Tournament Quarterfinals. The team vows to play their game and, most importantly, to be selfless. Do what we know we need to do and play to our strengths.

Join us at Warner Park as your Lions begin their ultimate battle towards winning a State Championship and cementing the Fab 5’s legacy on Covenant Day forever.