Alief ISD Fall 2023

ALIEF ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

ALIEFISD.NET

Continues

COMPETITION, DISCIPLINE, OPPORTUNITY – THE PILLARS OF ALIEF ISD ATHLETICS

PREGAME

We Are Alief

Welcome back, Alief ISD family! I am so excited for this new school year and grateful for the opportunity to share with our community all of the great things happening in our district through our partnership with Vype Media. Our Athletic department, led by Athletic Director Scott Moehlig and Assistant Athletic Directors Marla Brumfield Lewis and Ralph DeLaRosa, with support from our coaches and trainers, have created a strong team of student athletes that are ready to compete at the highest level. A strong academic foundation is paramount in Alief ISD. Our teachers and coaches are on the same page and share with our athletes often the importance of being successful; in and out of the classroom. Our district’s goal is to ensure a quality education for every student and for those students to graduate on time; ready to take on the world. That can only be accomplished through a partnership between the district, parents and community.

As a former athlete myself, I understand personally the hard work and dedication required to compete in school sports. Those early morning and late evening practices can be brutal; especially in the Texas sun, but even when I felt as if I couldn’t run another lap or dribble another ball, I knew that I couldn’t let my team down and my team wouldn’t let me fail. We were one. Our students are taught at a very early age the importance of teamwork. They don’t operate in a silo, but instead, work together towards a common goal and even if they don’t win, they try their best. That’s what life is all about. If you get knocked down, get up and live to try another day. We never stop fighting until the final whistle blows! I encourage our community to continue their support of our student athletes and artists. Our students have been working so hard and it is important for us to show up for them. Our kids perform better when they know they have their community rallying behind them. Let’s show them that their hard work is not in vain. I look forward to seeing you at our fall athletic events this season!

Let’s go, We Are Alief ISD Dr. Anthony Mays Alief ISD Superintendent of Schools

Everlyn Nguyen TAYLOR

PREGAME

Hello Alief ISD supporters, I am so excited for this new school year! The fall is one of my favorite times of the year for one reason only, and that’s sports! I have been a sports fanatic all of my life. It was the love of sports and the support of my family that led me to become an athlete in school and a teacher/coach. Sports provided me with the opportunity to meet a diverse group of people, enhance my ability to work collaboratively and helped me to develop into the leader I am today. This is what we provide here in Alief ISD. Scott, Marla and Ralph continue to do an excellent job providing our coaching staff with the tools they need to be successful. It is because of their leadership that our students continue to excel on all levels. Coaching isn’t for the faint of heart. As a former athlete, I can attest to that. But our staff does it because they love the students and want to see them succeed. Our coaches work 24-7. They serve as mentors, surrogate parents and friends to our students and do what it Partnerships Matter

takes to get them where they need to be. They also have great relationships with our parents; which is a must. Studies show that a strong school-parent relationship helps students not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. We hope to continue to forge those relationships in the days and months ahead. I am thankful for the support of our Alief ISD community. Our community is so diverse and so are the students that participate in our extracurricular programs. We strive to ensure equity throughout the district, but specifically amongst our athletic and Fine Arts programs and encourage every student to utilize their gifts and talents as often as possible. Now is the time for students to discover who they truly are and find their passion and our programs are a great place to start. As we venture into our busy season, I want to thank Vype Media for their support. It is because of initiatives such as this that our students can be represented beyond a local level. Our students deserve to be recognized and Vype Media has provided them the opportunity to do just that.

Best Wishes on a Successful Season Hilda Rodriguez Alief ISD Assistant Superintendent of Support Services

ISD Board of Trustees

Secretary

President

DR. LILY TRUONG Vice-President

JENNIFER KEY

DR. GREGG PATRICK Assistant Secretary

DR. DARLENE BREAUX

Trustee

Trustee

Trustee

RICK MORENO

ANN WILLIAMS

JANET SPURLOCK

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PREGAME

The Beginning of a New Era

SOCIAL

@vypehouston /vypetexas

@vypetexas @vype.houston

We are extremely excited about our recent partnership with Vype Media this school year. This is a great opportunity to highlight our school district, athletic programs, coaches, trainers, athletes and support groups. Our athletes and coaches have been working diligently in the Texas heat this summer and are chomping at the bit to reap the benefits of their hard work. Our student athletes have already proven that they have become not only good athletes, but also great citizens and role models in their schools and in the Alief community. Personally, I wish for them the best this season and in their future endeavors.

VYPE STAFF PUBLISHER VYPE MEDIA, LLC CEO Shane Hildreth

CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Matt Malatesta CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Derek Dusek CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Tiller

ALIEF ISD PUBLICATION + VYPE LOGO DESIGNER Meadowlark Creative • Carrie@ArtByMeadowlark.com PHOTO EDITOR Bradley Collier CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bradley Collier, Jamey Wright, Doug Brown STAFF WRITER Matthew Ogle DIGITAL EDITOR Jackson DiPasquale CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE Diana Alvarado

I can’t do this job alone. It takes a strong group of individuals to keep this ship moving in the right direction and I am so grateful for their support. Our athletic directors, Marla Brumfield Lewis and Ralph DeLaRosa, are my left and right hand. Together, we make an amazing team and their leadership guides our coaches, trainers and student athletes towards greatness. Our entire athletic team gives their all each and every day, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank them publicly for all that they have done for our students. This inaugural issue is just one of several new initiatives you will see from the Athletic department and we look forward to celebrating all of our programs in the district. To the administration, teachers, boosters and spectators, we thank you for your unconditional support and the extra effort that you give our kids. To the parents, thank you for doing such a fine job in raising these young men and women, and please continue to support them in their endeavors. To the student body and fans, cheerleaders, band, JROTC, dance team and especially our managers and athletic trainers, we thank you for your never-ending spirit, enthusiasm, and support. To our athletes, play hard, have fun, and always remember, “Do what’s right!” Let’s make this year the best yet! #WeAreAlief . Coach Scott Moehlig Alief ISD Athletic Director

CONTACT INFORMATION MAILING ADDRESS: VYPE Media, LLC 1334 Brittmoore Road, Suite 2901 Houston, TX 77043 EMAIL: info@vypemedia.com

PHONE: 713-969-7105 WEBSITE: vype.com

VYPE is published by Vype Media, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. VYPE is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondence will become property of VYPE. EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. For editorial matters, please contact the editor. The views of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the policies of VYPE nor that of the publishers. VYPE has a clear commitment to inviting and publishing corrections of fact and clarifying errors of context. Corrections of errors and mistakes are a necessity in obtaining credibility in the magazine. VYPE supports and encourages our staff and contributing writers and photographers to make any potential error known to our editor. ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. The views and opinions of VYPE advertisers does not reflect that of VYPE High School Sports Magazine. In accordance with the NCAA Bylaws, VYPE and its advertisers have complied in all advertisements present in VYPE.

ON THE COVER Photo by BRADLEY COLLIER The Tradition Continues: Welcome to the Alief-VYPE innaugural edition.

@AliefISD /AliefISD @alief _ proud

SOCIAL

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Brandon Barrera TAYLOR

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The rhythm of the drum line can be heard from Elsik to Taylor, marking the beginning of the 2023-24 Alief ISD athletics calendar. The crack of pads and booming voices of coaches can be heard on the practice fields throughout Alief, while the squeaking of shoes and thumping of volleyballs fill the gyms of Elsik, Hastings and Taylor. The light footsteps of cross country runners and the whopping of tennis balls off of racquets stamp a new season, while cheer and dance routines are practiced for countless hours preparing for halftime performances. Hear the band? Here comes the Fall.

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Tay’Ron Hughes ELSIK

Jade Darty HASTINGS

Vanessa Noriega TAYLOR

Prisca Aroh ELSIK

Anghelo Diaz HASTINGS

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PHOTO feature

Nayeli Mejia TAYLOR

Andrea Shaw HASTINGS

Joy Ajaegbu ELSIK

Torian Roberts TAYLOR

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Reese Bender HASTINGS

Larry Aponte ELSIK

Alayshia Tatum TAYLOR

Ameiah Erskine, Keleigh Yates, Soko Martinez ELSIK

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Sydney Nollie HASTINGS

Ukpono Udobong TAYLOR

Samuel Marcelin ELSIK

Julie Nguyen HASTINGS

Mia Torres TAYLOR

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NEWS

alief isd

OCTOBER 14 | 10 AM ALIEF CRUMP STADIUM 12321 ALIEF CLODINE RD, HOUSTON, TX 77082

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MIGHTY RAMS

ELSIK HIGH

Elsik High S chool

Eric Dadzie Jr.

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ELSIK FOOTBALL

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Pay it

Rodriguez Comes Home to Change Culture; Keep Athletes in Alief

2023 Rams Football Team

Kaden Mendenhall

Trenton Robey

Antonio Hurtado

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ELSIK FOOTBALL

FEATURE

Dajon Patterson

Shawn Ward

Onyedikachi Ikoro

CORNER

“

Last year we came in late as a coaching staff, where we were just learning the kids’ names. Now, we have had a season, an offseason, Spring Football and Speed and Conditioning. While we couldn’t flip the win-loss record last year, we were able to flip the mindset of Elsik football. Our athletes know they have coaches who care about them beyond football. We have also built that foundation over the year, so we aren’t teaching the schemes, we are correcting and adjusting them. We are a young team that has experience. They had to play early, so the Friday Night Lights don’t scare them. Remember, I played here in the glory days and I’m wanting to bring the magic back. We have the athletes in this community. I just want our kids to stay in Alief, not to go make other programs across the city better. I think we are moving in that direction.

COACHES

” ~Shea Rodriguez ELSIK FOOTBALL

Marco Savoy

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ELSIK VOLLEYBALL

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Ram Volleyball has Playoffs in Sights

2023 Rams Volleyball Team

Angie Benitez

Jamya Fields

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ELSIK VOLLEYBALL

FEATURE

Lena Mombo

Sediong Scott

Prisca Aroh

What I love about this team is our competitiveness and passion to never give up. It’s bold, but we are going to make it to playoffs this year. Our style is scrappy and aggressive, but we still have a lot of fun. What I love about the sport is that you learn life sessions like dealing with adversity and adapting to your circumstances on and off the court. Our playmakers will be Sediong Scott, Jamya Fields and Lena Mombo. “ CORNER

” ~Alyssa Lantz ELSIK VOLLEYBALL

COACHES vype.com \\ FALL 2023 \\

Beverlie Gabriel

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ELSIK TENNIS

feature

Abraham Martinez

Young Tennis Team has Talent

Ashtyn Davis

Felix Mones De Oca

2023 Rams Tennis Team

My main thing is introducing the sport of tennis to my kids. They don’t have a lot of previous experience in the sport. We are learning the game, having fun and learning to be competitive. We are a young varsity team on the boys’ side led by Larry Aponte, who is our No. 1 singles and doubles player. Our junior girls were freshman district champs a few years ago, so I have high expectations for them. Look out for Ninfa Martinez and Yesenia Saloj. “ ” ~Jennifer Marquez ELSIK TENNIS COACHES 14 \\ ALIEF ISD \\ FALL 2023 \\ vype.com

Julissa Nochez

CORNER

Larry Aponte

Yesenia Saloj

ELSIK CROSS COUNTRY

FEATURE

S tate

Erick Isaac

Elsik Cross Country Pacing the District in Success

Jacob Ordonez

Jesus Baltazar

2023 Rams Cross Country Team

CORNER

We’ve been building the last three or four year and have a group of kids who have bought into the training and the process. Last year was a good indication as to where we are going in the future. I had a phenomenal runner who qualified for State in Bissinatt Abdelasis and she leads the way for us. Getting kids to buy into what cross country is can be tough. It’s a hard sport. If you are willing to put in the work, the results will come. But it’s a slow process. Our team is based on discipline … it’s just like life. We wake up early and finish late. We just put in the work. We also do things right in the classroom. Last year, we took the entire team to the Regionals and this year we want to make it to State like some of our girls. “ ” ~Jackie Kemp ELSIK GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Kimberly Gutierrez

Margarita Baltazar

~Ronald Brooks ELSIK BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

COACHES vype.com \\ FALL 2023 \\

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ELSIK CROSS COUNTRY

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ELSIK’S BISSINATT ABDELASIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON THE RUN. Her family of eight are refugees from the Sudan, where they fled from the war-torn African country to the United States in 2017. A family friend at her church got her into running and the rest is history. “Running just relaxes me when I’m stressed,” she said. “It makes me forget about things like school and other things going on in my life.” Last season, Abdelasis had a breakout season, finishing third in the District 23-6A meet. “I told her that the Top 20 runners at Regionals would advance to State,” coach Jackie Kemp said. “She took off and I saw her after the first mile … she was in the Top 20. Then mile two … still in the Top 20. She just decided after her sophomore year that she was going to be a distance runner and she just flipped the switch. She is a big, strong girl with determination. That can take you a long way.” She finished 17th at Regionals and reached her goal of advancing to State. “My personal best was 19.50 and I’m working to go under 18 minutes,” she said. “I’ve turned into a leader on this team. Everyone sort of looks up to me because they see the hard work I put in.” When she isn’t running or doing school work, the junior helps take care of her younger siblings, enjoys watching K (Korean)- Dramas and plays volleyball and soccer with her brothers. “There is never any quiet time at my house,” she laughed. “It’s always busy and family is always coming and going. I think I’m a natural care-giver having grown up with such a big family. That is pushing me into nursing as a future career. It makes me happy to help people.” Abdelasis Overcoming the Odds On the \\ By Matt Malatesta

Bissinatt Abdelasis

FOR MORE PHOTOS, VISIT US ON INSTAGRAM: @alief_proud

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NEWS

ALIEF ISD

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ELSIK BAND, CHEER, DANCE

feature

Friday Night

The Ram Band, Cheer, Dance Programs Set the Tone Under the Lights

Jayden Johnson

Ameiah Erskine

Ameiah Erskine, Davion Perry, Dianna Aviles, Jayden Johnson, Emilio Alas, Jenesis Uvillada, Jerushah Olobayo, Keleigh Yates, and Soko Martinez

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ELSIK BAND, CHEER, DANCE

FEATURE

Jenesis Uvillada, Dianna Aviles

Davion Perry, Emilio Alas

Davion Perry

Soko Martinez

Jenesis Uvillada

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ALIEF ISD

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FIGHTING BEARS

HASTINGS HIGH

Hastings High S chool

Ma’Kaylee Martin

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HASTINGS FOOTBALL

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The

Hastings will Bully Competition Up Front

2023 Bears Football Team

Ikechukwu Okafor

Mac Thomas Owusu

Jae’Don Webster

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HASTINGS FOOTBALL

FEATURE

Smith Orogbo

Pablo Membreno

CORNER

“

Hastings has a proud football tradition dating back decades and we are trying to bring back that success. Our kids want to be here, I’m happy to be here and it’s just a great atmosphere and great administration to work within. I’m a big believer in running the ball and defense and those are our strengths. We have five big offensive linemen, who have worked together really well for a few years. It starts there. We have three great running backs and we have hired a new passing-game coordinator, who will make us really dynamic. Our QB and WRs had a great 7-on-7 season, so they are ready. As usual, our defense is fast and physical. We have a pair of explosive defensive ends, our linebacker returns this season after an ACL injury and our back end is really solid. We are in a spot to win this year.

COACHES

” ~Thomas DeLaRosa HASTINGS FOOTBALL

Jonathan Richmond

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HASTINGS VOLLEYBALL

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S etting the

Amyah Weathersby

Bears Have Come Out of Hibernation Under Marshall’s Plan

Lauryn Brown

2023 Bears Volleyball Team

Last year, we had more wins in a season than we had in the past decade. Our goal is to beat that win-total this season. I’ve been here three years and was just trying to build the confidence and passion inside this program at first. That progression is done and now we just want to win. Our strength is our chemistry and our blocking. I also think we have the best setter in the district in Lauryn Brown. Our expectations are to win the close games we haven’t in the past and get into the playoffs. That’s the new culture at Hastings volleyball. “ ” ~Sharonda Marshall HASTINGS VOLLEYBALL COACHES 24 \\ ALIEF ISD \\ FALL 2023 \\ vype.com

CORNER

Daniella Udegbunams

HASTINGS VOLLEYBALL

FEATURE

Udegbunam Brings Elite Athleticism to the Court

\\ By Matt Malatesta

LEGENDARY BASKETBALL PLAYER DENNIS RODMAN WAS FAMOUSLY NAMED “THE WORM”. Hastings volleyball star Dani Udegbunam is … “Noodle”, for many of the same reasons. “Dani is such a raw athlete,” coach Sharonda Marshall said. “I had to push her when I first got here because her body was just … all over the place. That’s when she got the nickname. She’s stiffened up a lot and has so much poise on the court. She can touch 10-feet, 4-inches and is so aggressive on the front row. It’s scary.” She might be scary on the court, but off the court she’s a puppy. “I’m completely obsessed with animals, especially my dog Ace,” she laughed. “If he is happy, I’m happy. If he’s sad, I’m sad. I hate to leave him when I have to go on Club (AVA) volleyball trips. I just miss him. He’s made me want to go to school for animal science and work in that field someday.” For now, Noodle is putting in work to change the culture of Hastings volleyball, along with her teammates. “I’ve grown to love the sort of volleyball through my coaches and teammates,” she said. “Before I leave here, I want to lead my team to the playoffs and beat all of our rivals. We have a really close bond as a team, and I like to be the funny one on the team. It’s important that people are comfortable around me and I try and give off a friendly vibe.” Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Udegbunam is a straight A student and is equally as competitive in the classroom. “That’s just my nature,” she laughed. “I’ll have a test in class, and I’ll be asking everyone what their grade was. I want to get a better score, every time. It pushes me.” With volleyball and school taking up most of her time, what does Noodle do when she has a free moment? “I love Marvel movies and right now I’m obsessed with Love Island UK on Hulu,” she said. “Like obsessed.” Being relatively new to the game of volleyball, having just started playing Club ball, Udegbunam is not burned out on the sport. She also has tremendous upside as her body matures and her volleyball IQ becomes sharper. She has aspirations of playing college volleyball, but either way, she will be off to a university next Fall. “When she puts it all together, she could be a college athlete,” Marshall said. “If not, she’s gonna be a heck of a vet.” That’s her Ace in the hole.

Dani Udegbunam

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HASTINGS TENNIS

feature

Due

MD Ratul

Tran Holding Team Accountable on Hardcourt

José Contreras

2023 Bears Tennis Team

COACHES

Tennis is something you can’t get good at playing a few hours a week. Our kids are diligent and keep pushing throughout the year to improve, and it has showed. I love how our team gets along and shows tremendous sportsmanship. Sure, we have to pick ourselves up after a tough loss, but that it just life. MD Ratul is our top boy, who has come so far over the years. The girls are led by Lucrecia Olususi, Yesica Pillado and Julie Nguyen. “ ” ~Yumi Tran HASTINGS TENNIS ALIEF ISD \\ FALL 2023 \\ vype.com

CORNER Lucrecia Olususi

Yesica Pillado

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HASTINGS CROSS COUNTRY

FEATURE

Run This

Carley Barron

Can Cross Country Build Off Life Lessons?

Ivanna Ngah-Aloa

2023 Hastings Cross Country Team

CORNER

Joshua Rivera

When I stared, the numbers weren’t too great. I’m also the head soccer coach, so I started to pull soccer kids because I knew I could get them to run to stay in shape for the soccer season. It kept them engaged in competition and in the classroom during the Fall. There are winners in losers in sports, right? But I like to say, it’s wisdom and lessons. That’s my philosophy. We are just trying to team life lessons here. “ ” ~Jesse Castanon HASTINGS CROSS COUNTRY vype.com \\ FALL 2023 \\ ALIEF ISD \\ 27

Santiago Castillo

Yamilet Ramirez

COACHES

HASTINGS BAND, CHEER, DANCE

feature

S trike Up the

The Hastings Bears Have a Friday Night Experience

Itzel Lazo

Rice De-nague

Itzel Lazo, Jhanaisa Prado, Makalyn Bonner, Jonathan Gumanzor, Malwa Saldanha, Rice De-nague, and Cristian Baldasso

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HASTINGS BAND, CHEER, DANCE

FEATURE

Malwa Saldanha, Jhanaisa Prado

Cristian Baldasso

Jenesis Uvillada, Dianna Aviles

Jonathan Gumanzor, Itzel Lazo, Cristian Baldasso

Makalyn Bonner

Jhanaisa Prado

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NEWS

ALIEF ISD

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ROARING LIONS

ALIEF TAYLOR HIGH

Niyelete Barras, Ivan Najera (mascot), Vanessa Noriega

Alief Taylor High S chool vype.com \\ FALL 2023 \\

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TAYLOR FOOTBALL

feature

The

Gray About More Than Just Wins and Losses

2023 Lions Football Team

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TAYLOR FOOTBALL

FEATURE

Emerson Ruiz

When I got here, I wanted to build a winning attitude. The kids thought that was just winning games, but that wasn’t it. It’s winning in the classroom, the weight room, at practice and just showing up. If you can win those aspects, those are the kids we looked for to change the culture. We found them. We started winning games and have been in the playoffs the last two years … that really helps them buy in. Over time, they will forget those wins and losses. What they will remember is the journey, the adversity, the teamwork and the lessons. That’s what I love about coaching. This is my first senior class, who came in with me. They understand our concepts now, so they can just play faster and more freely because they aren’t thinking as much. Our defensive front-seven will be our strength, while our secondary will be young. We have a great offensive line and a QB who took over after five games last season. He led us to the playoffs, so we are in pretty good shape there. Our preseason games hope to give us the confidence we need as we get into district play. “ CORNER

Aaron McCardell

Jaxson Adeoye

COACHES

Malcolm X. Haven

” ~Shawn Gray TAYLOR FOOTBALL

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TAYLOR FOOTBALL

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ALIEF TAYLOR PIERRE YAMBA HAS THE PRESENCE OF A TRUE GAME-WRECKER. Given his impressive stature and speed, it’s clear the Lions’ senior was meant to be on defense. “Defense is fast and physical,” said Yamba. “You get to hit a lot, which really appeals to me. I like the physical nature of that side of the ball.” It might come as a surprise that the edge rusher only recently started to put on the pads. “I really started playing football competitively during my freshman year,” he said. “It was during COVID, so I couldn’t really have a full season. I had already bonded with most of my teammates at that point, so the chemistry was already there for me. Plus, I couldn’t ask for better coaching, which has helped to develop my game and love the sport.” Now that he’s entering his senior year, he will take up an undisputed leadership role on the Alief Taylor roster. “It’s great to take up a leadership position because you’re helping out your teammates that way,” Yamba said. “If they need help with anything, they know that they can come to you. I can assist them with the playbook or help them to understand something on the field.” After making an appearance in the Bi-District round last Fall, Yamba and the rest of the Taylor squad have high expectations in the coming months “I’m aiming to be the Defensive Player of the Year and potentially MVP,” he said. “As a team, we’re hoping to make it past the first round to show everyone who has doubted us that we are for real. If you’ve got a hardworking group, anything can happen.” They’ll certainly have their work cut out for them, considering they compete in a district that features the likes of Shadow Creek, Pearland, and Dawson, among others. “I love competition,” said Yamba. “Every game you have the opportunity to go up against a new challenge. It only makes you better.” Under the direction of coach Shawn Gray and some experienced teammates, the Lions should expect to make the playoffs. Yamba hopes to leave something behind in the process, while following his aspirations of playing at the next level. “I definitely want to ball out my senior year,” Yamba said. “Individually, I hope to pick up some offers along the way and play in college. Something that’s also important to me is how I’m remembered. I want to be known as a likable person who’s worked hard and someone you can look up to.” Taylor’s Yamba Primed to Ball Out in Final Year The \\ By Matthew Ogle

Pierre Yamba

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TAYLOR TENNIS

FEATURE

Molina Takes Over Program She Loved

Jakayla Cooper, Alayshia Tatum

CORNER

I had such a great experience when I played here and that is the main reason I wanted to become the tennis coach at Taylor. I built so many bonds. I want to bring that energy back to the program. When you were an athlete, you were looked at differently when I was here. You were held to a higher standard and that is what I will hold my kids to as well. I’m excited to get started and build something special here. “ ” ~Paula Molina TAYLOR TENNIS vype.com \\ FALL 2023 \\ ALIEF ISD \\ 35

Jakayla Cooper

COACHES

TAYLOR VOLLEYBALL

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Taylor Volleyball Has Standards On, Off Court

2023 Lions Volleyball Team

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TAYLOR VOLLEYBALL

FEATURE

Omotola Oguns

Oluwabusola Oguns

Kearstyn Spears

CORNER

Last year, we graduated several seniors, so this season we are looking for leadership, a lot of communication and team bonding. We need to support each other through the new changes on the court. We need our upperclassmen to show our younger girls what we expect as an Alief Taylor volleyball player … a high GPA, being respectful in the hallways and classroom and being an overall good person. We have some veteran players in important positions but will lean on some newcomers to fill big roles for us. “ ” ~Toni Smith TAYLOR VOLLEYBALL vype.com \\ FALL 2023 \\

COACHES

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TAYLOR BAND, CHEER, DANCE

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Let’s Go

The Pride is Unleashed on Gamedays

Jayden Kelly

Niyelete Barras

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TAYLOR BAND, CHEER, DANCE

FEATURE

Niyelete Barras, Vanessa Noriega

William Arce, Kassandra Lopez

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TAYLOR CROSS COUNTRY

feature

Running with

Lions Learning Life Lessons Through Running

Brian Orellana

Josephine Faneye

2023 Lions Cross Country Team

COACHES Getting kids out to run is a little tough because we don’t have a cross country program in the middle schools. When they get out there, they associate it with track and field. They learn it’s nothing like that because we are running on golf courses, parks and beaches … not just an oval. It’s fun. If I can get them to the first meet, they are hooked. We are in a tough district, but we have a good team. We will have a shot of advancing. Cross country is a tough sport. You have to want to work at it. You just can’t come out at the beginning of the season and expect to be great. You have to work at it all year … it’s a commitment. What I ask of my girls is that – what you start, you finish. I don’t care if they are No. 1 in a race, but that they finish, give it their best and drop their times during the season. Let’s always do better than we did last year, while keeping up with our academics.” “ ” ~Frank Castanon TAYLOR BOYS CROSS COUNTRY ~Karen Hawkins TAYLOR GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

CORNER Ronald Quevedo

Lesli Aviles

40 \\

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