Alief ISD Fall 2024

ALIEF ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

ALIEFISD.NET

High Expectations for the Latest Class of Athletes Set to Rep Alief This Fall mark LEAVING THEIR

PREGAME Greetings Alief ISD Friends and Families,

As the new school year kicks off, I’m thrilled to start my new role as the Assistant Superintendent of Support Services. Having been with Alief ISD for over 25 years, I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this incredible community. My family also has strong ties to Alief. My mom is a retired Alief teacher and my daughter is currently a teacher and cheer coach in our district. With three generations invested in Alief, it’s more than just a place we work; it’s where we feel deeply connected and at home. Alief is about our dedicated people, rich history, and passion for traditions and excellence. From our supportive families, enthusiastic students and hardworking staff, it’s a true team effort that makes this district special. I’m honored to be part of our journey forward and to contribute to our ongoing success. Our collective commitment to education and a strong sense of community is what sets us apart, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together this year.

Reflecting on my experiences as a former student-athlete and musician, participating in sports and music helped shape who I am today. I recognize the incredible impact sports and the arts have on personal growth. Teamwork, discipline, resilience, creativity, and perseverance are just a few of the invaluable life skills these activities teach. These experiences taught me the value of hard work and dedication, and I see these same qualities in our students every day. In my new role, I’m dedicated to ensuring that our facilities and the services that help our schools run smoothly are top-notch. I recognize the importance of providing our students with a safe, clean, and motivating environment where they can learn and grow. From maintaining our buildings to overseeing new construction projects, my goal is to support our students and staff in every way possible. This year, I’m particularly excited for our families to see the exciting upgrades we’ve made, including enhancements to our athletic and academic facilities. These improvements reflect our commitment to providing the best possible environment for our students to thrive. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Alief ISD. Together, we can make this school year exceptional and lay the foundation for even greater success in the future. Warm Regards, Vinson Lewis Assistant Superintendent of Support Services

PREGAME

Alief ISD Family & Friends, Alief ISD athletes are gearing up for the 2024-2025 school year and our facilities are doing the same! This year, we are excited about the upgrades to our facilities that will positively impact more than half of our athletic programs. The 2024 varsity football season will kick off with spectators taking in a video scoreboard towering over the south end zone, which is guaranteed to greatly improve our spectator experience. More importantly, our new scoreboard will provide our CTE students with real world work experience they will be able to use in college or the workplace. Crump is not the only location receiving an upgrade. Almost every secondary facility in Alief ISD will be receiving a new scoreboard, so stay tuned as we transition from sport to sport.

Scoreboards are not the only items on our “to do list.” Almost every athletic facility is getting an upgrade. The Alief and Taylor fields are in the process of being turfed, which will help prevent injuries, lower game cancellations, provide better playing conditions for PeeWee football and allow more locations for our epic elementary field days! In addition to the fields being turfed, the resources provided by Alief ISD taxpayers will improve four tracks, three baseball fields, two softball fields and the Alief tennis complex. Needless to say, our maintenance and construction departments will be busy! On behalf of our student athletes, I would like to thank you, our taxpayers, for providing the resources to help our students and student-athletes thrive. As an Alief ISD parent and a k-12 product of the district, I have seen and experienced firsthand how the investments we make in our students today pay dividends and bring life to the Alief ISD community tomorrow. We appreciate each of you! I look forward to seeing you at the field, on the courts, and in the stands supporting our Alief ISD student athletes. Let’s make the 2024-2025 school year an epic one! Like I tell my coaches … LET’S GROW INTO GREATNESS!! Marla Brumfield Lewis Director of Athletics

ISD Board of Trustees

Secretary

President

DR. LILY TRUONG Vice-President

RICK MORENO

DR. DARLENE BREAUX

Trustee

Trustee

Trustee

JENNIFER KEY

ANN WILLIAMS

Assistant Secretary

JANET SPURLOCK

DR. GREGG PATRICK

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PREGAME

Welcome Back, Alief ISD!

SOCIAL

@vypehouston /vypetexas

@vypetexas @vype.houston

Zig ZIgler once said, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” When we debuted this magazine last school year, I had no idea how successful it would become. To see our student-athletes recognized in such a major way is not only a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletic department, but to the students themselves; many of which are balancing school, work and their personal lives. Our children are resilient and they do not allow the adversities they may face to deter them from their success story. Not only are they talented on the field, they are just as talented off the field. Many of our students are involved in extracurricular activities, serve in leadership roles on campus, volunteer in their communities, and are among some of the top students in their respective classes.

VYPE STAFF PUBLISHER VYPE MEDIA, LLC CEO Derek Dusek CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Matt Malatesta CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Tiller

ALIEF ISD PUBLICATION & VYPE LOGO MARK Meadowlark Creative • carrie@artbymeadowlark.com DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Bradley Collier CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamey Wright, Alex Vinson

STAFF WRITER Matthew Ogle VIDEOGRAPHER Alex Hinson DIGITAL EDITOR Jackson DiPasquale VYPE INTERN Molly McCollum CONTACT INFORMATION MAILING ADDRESS: VYPE Media, LLC 1334 Brittmoore Road, Suite 2901 Houston, TX 77043 EMAIL: info@vypemedia.com

Our dedicated team of educators and staff have been working diligently to prepare for the upcoming year. We have so many exciting programs and initiatives planned to enhance your child’s learning experience, and we look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s educational journey. Your involvement and collaboration are key to our success, and we encourage you to stay engaged with school activities, attend meetings, and communicate regularly with teachers and staff. Our talented team of three, Director of Athletics Marla Brumfield Lewis, and Assistant Directors Ralph Dela Rosa and Tomas De La Rosa, and their campus coaches have been working feverishly throughout the summer to prepare for the upcoming fall season. Our student athletes have been on a strick regime of intense workouts as they set their sights on an exciting season. If you have passed by Crump Stadium lately, you may have noticed the construction of our new digital scoreboard. This scoreboard will light up our stadium and provide visitors on both sides (and drivers passing by) an interactive experience. We can’t wait for you to see it. There is nothing more important than supporting our students. I encourage you to purchase tickets and show up for our kids. They need us and seeing you in the stands cheering them on, win or lose, gives them the confidence they need to continue. I look forward to seeing you at our first scrimmage on August 22nd and our first home game of the season on August 30th. Let’s show everyone that we are Alief Proud!!

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.

Best Regards, Dr. Anthony Mays Superintendent of Schools #AliefProud

ALIEF ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

ALIEFISD.NET

ON THE COVER Photo by BRADLEY COLLIER Leaving Their Mark:

@AliefISD /AliefISD @alief _ proud

SOCIAL

(Clockwise) Elsik’s Bissinatt Abdelasis, Hastings’ Santiago Castillo, Hastings’ Victoria Adebambo, Taylor’s Jaxson Adeoye, Hastings’ Ike Okafor, Elsik’s Reilarean Phillips, Taylor’s Lesli Aviles and Taylor’s Kearstyn Spears grace the cover of the 2024 Alief-VYPE Fall Preview.

High Expectations for the Latest Class of Athletes Set to Rep Alief This Fall mark LEAVING THEIR

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ERSONALITIES

With the beginning of the 2024-25 Alief ISD Athletics calendar underway, fans are in for a show as Friday Night Lights return. From Elsik, to Hastings, to Taylor, the coordinated efforts of the football teams, bands, cheer squads, and dance troupes are sure to promise a spectacle this Fall. The same can be said for the tireless efforts of each respective volleyball, cross country, and tennis program, who look to stand out amongst some newer competition. As the season finally arrives, the race for district titles begins now.

Sarabi Cecil HASTINGS

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Anislady Chavez ELSIK

Emily Tran HASTINGS

Eliot Jimenez TAYLOR

Haven Living ELSIK

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Tay'Ron Hughes ELSIK

Tracy Hicks TAYLOR

Coreaun Jackson HASTINGS

Kory Huynh TAYLOR

Victoria Anumudu ELSIK

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Catherine Maldonado HASTINGS

Hazael Perez ELSIK

Triston Brooks HASTINGS

Josue Ferrufino TAYLOR

Abimbola Afolabi ELSIK

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PHOTO feature

Peytan Lewis ELSIK

Angel Reyes HASTINGS

Melton Nwaugo TAYLOR

Nicole Ngo TAYLOR

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Monica Colina TAYLOR

Raiyan Khan HASTINGS

Yael Ruiz ELSIK

Sara Cruz TAYLOR

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PHOTO feature

Sharon Omolusi TAYLOR

Wayne Orogbo HASTINGS

Jenesis Uvillada ELSIK

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NEWS

alief isd

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MIGHTY RAMS

ELSIK HIGH

Elsik High School Est. 1975

Bissinatt Abdelasis charging opposition THE vype.com \\ FALL 2024 \\ ALIEF ISD \\ 11

ELSIK FOOTBALL

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All Signs Pointing Towards Greater Success from Elsik Football stock rising

go-to guys in the receiving corps should include second-teamer Tay’Ron Hughes and junior Dajon Patterson, with an offensive line anchored by juniors Praise Adaramola and Jay’veon Ruff. The strong-suit for the Rams, however, will undoubtedly be their defense, as they bring back first-team selection Zion Omo (LB), Onyedikachi Ikoro (LB), Avery Malveaux (LB/ second-team), and do-it-all ATH Reilarean Phillips, among others. This might very well be the year that Elsik breaks the playoff drought that began in 2016.

ALIEF ELSIK FINISHED THE PREVIOUS FALL SEASON WITH A RECORD OF 4-6, WHICH WAS A VAST IMPROVEMENT COMPARED TO THE RESULTS THIS PROGRAM HAS SEEN IN RECENT MEMORY. Shea Rodriguez enters year three as the Rams’ head coach and things should only continue to trend upward for this team with all the talent returning to the gridiron. Young up-and-comer Brandon Smith Jr. (RB) is coming off a remarkable freshman debut, and currently has a handful of D1 offers, including Texas State, Tulsa and UTSA. The field general for Elsik will be Kaden Mendenhall, who enters his junior year behind center. His

2024-25 Rams Football

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ELSIK FOOTBALL

FEATURE

Avery Malveaux

Brandon Smith

Dajon Patterson

Jalen Cooper

Shawn Ward

Kaden Mendenhall

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ELSIK FOOTBALL

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REILAREAN PHILLIPS IS AS UNIQUE AS HIS NAME. When you mention his name to coach Shea Rodriguez, his eyes light up. “What can’t this guy do?” second-year head coach Rodriguez said. “He’s just so raw athletically, once he figures out how good he can by, the sky is the limit.” The 6-foot-1, 190-pound ball of fast-twitch muscle will play offense, defense and special teams in 2024 as the junior continues to hone his game. “I feel like I haven’t even played my best football,” he said. “This upcoming season, people will see what I’m fully capable of.” With tremendous upside and versatility, Phillips has a gapped-tooth smile as big as Texas and a big personality to match. “I’m so thankful for these college who have showed so much interested in me,” he said. “Houston was the first to offer and it took off from there. It has really inspired me to get in the weight room to get bigger and faster.” Baylor, Ole Miss, Washington State and SMU have also offered, among others. “What I’m doing now is watching a lot of film to learn from college and NFL players and how they play their position. “I love how Michigan runs their defense and how Kyle Hamilton plays his position for the Baltimore Ravens. I love Jaire Alexander also (Green Bay Packers).” As the Rams continue to develop into a playoff contender under Rodriguez, Elsik will rely on Phillips to improve on its 2-5 district record from a year ago. “We are really talented, and this will be a big year for us,” he predicts. “I’ll play anywhere to help my team … linebacker, running back, receiver. I do love playing outside linebacker, though. It gets me in space where I can hit people.” When he’s not watching Friday Night Tykes or anime, Phillips is on the game … like everyone else this summer. “I can’t wait to see myself on the game (EA College Football 25),” he said. “That is a dream of mine.” Stay tuned. This dream is coming true. Elsik’s Phillips has Elite Talent, Smile to Match \\ By Matt Malatesta that dude

Reilarean Phillips

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ELSIK VOLLEYBALL

FEATURE

Elsik Volleyball Prepared to Defy Expectations This Fall upset alert

Prisca Aroh Jamya Fields Lena Mambo

2024-25 Rams Volleyball

Even though we’ll be playing some equally tough competition as we did last year, our mindset is to go in and give them a big run for their money. They have this chip on their shoulder that they’re better than everybody, but I feel that we have some sleepers who are capable of pulling some upsets. “ ” ~Coach Alyssa Lantz ELSIK VOLLEYBALL CORNER vype.com \\ FALL 2024 \\ ALIEF ISD \\ 15

PLAYERS WATCH TO Prisca Aroh (Sr. MB/OH) Jamya Fields (Sr. MB/OH) Lena Mambo (Sr. S)

COACHES

ELSIK TENNIS

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Marquez Anticipating a Dominant Season for Her Team first serve

2024 Elsik Girls Tennis

2024 Elsik Boys Tennis

I feel that we’re going to do way better in the district this year, now that we moved over to a new one. We’re going to come out on top more often, due to all the work that’s been put in over the summer. That’s going to carry over into the spring tournament season, but I’m confident that we can get some Regional qualifiers with this group. “ ” ~Coach Jennifer Marquez ELSIK TENNIS COACHES 16 \\ ALIEF ISD \\ FALL 2024 \\ vype.com

CORNER Larry Aponte Ashtyn Davis

PLAYERS WATCH TO

Larry Aponte Ashtyn Davis Jocelyn Lopez Julissa Nochez Yael Plascencia Ruiz

ELSIK CROSS COUNTRY

FEATURE

Numerous Elsik Runners Expected to Qualify for State in 2024 trail blazers

2024 Elsik Cross Country

SPOTLIGHT

I just want to see improvement, from both myself and my teammates. You can’t just make something happen out of nowhere. You have to set a goal for yourself and see it through as the season progresses. If you have the right people in your life to motivate you, then that’s something that can also help to push yourself to the limit. “

Jacob Ordonez

Kimberly Gutierrez

ATHLETES WATCH TO

Jesus Baltazar Andrew Benitez Kimberly Gutierrez Jacob Ordonez Hazael Perez

” ~Bissinatt Abdelasis (Sr.) ELSIK CROSS COUNTRY BACK-TO-BACK STATE QUALIFIER vype.com \\ FALL 2024 \\

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Elsik Band, Cheer and Dance Ready to Hype Up the Crowds under THE lights feature ELSIK FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Elsik Cheer

Mayrem Romero

Elsik Dance

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ELSIK FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

FEATURE

Elsik Band

Zakiya Jones

Elsik SportsMed

Alexandra Brooks

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FIGHTING BEARS

HASTINGS HIGH

Hastings High School Est. 1972

apex predators

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HASTINGS FOOTBALL

FEATURE

Three-Star Okafor Has a One-Track Mind \\ By Matthew Ogle LASER-focused

ATHLETES LIKE IKECHUKWU OKAFOR COME FEW AND FAR BETWEEN ON THE GRAND SCALE OF HOUSTON-AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL. Coming off an impressive year in which he racked up 86 tackles and eight sacks to secure a second-team, all-district nod, Okafor has been a vital component to Hastings’ imposing defensive line, opposite of fellow senior Smith Orogbo (Texas commit). As the 6-foot-3, three-star edge-rusher laces up his cleats for one final campaign, it’s given him the opportunity to reflect on his journey. “I’ve been playing since I was 12,” he said. “At first, I didn’t even like the sport because I didn’t know what to do. But then, my coach at the time pulled me to the side and told me, ‘you can really go somewhere far with this one’. “Since then, the coaches have put me through hell to get me where I am today, but the results show why. They’ve been great motivators throughout my journey. There’s no other way to put it.” By the same logic, his decision to continue his playing career at the University of California followed a parallel reasoning. “Right back to the coaching,” said Okafor. “Coach (Andrew) Browning (defensive line coach at Cal), that’s my dog. I really love the coaching staff and the culture they have over there. They truly care about their players. I’ll have to get used to their beaches though since the water’s cold, but I think I’ll fit right into that program.” The Hastings senior chose to become a Golden Bear over numerous other DI programs who sent an offer his way, such as Pittsburgh, Tulsa, Houston, Texas Tech and UNT. While his physical stature and capabilities as a defender make it easy for him to stand out on the turf, the way Okafor chooses to spend his time off of it has become increasingly more mainstream. “I actually love watching anime,” he said. “Demon Slayer has been my go-to mostly. That new season they just released was great, but I’m really looking forward to the final trilogy they’re working on.” As he makes his final appearance donning the black-and-gold this Fall, the Bears’ star defensive lineman will have one goal in mind. “I want to make it to the playoffs, man,” Okafor said. “I want to be a dog on the field before moving on to Cal. I’m going to be graduating early and leaving in January, so I’ve got to make the most of the time I have left here.” Sounds like a pretty straightforward objective. Given his track record, Okafor is unlikely to leave any questions unanswered as he and the Bears seek to fulfill it.

Ikechukwu Okafor

Jacob Romero

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HASTINGS FOOTBALL

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Carter Returns to Take Over Hastings Program a new era

2024-25 Bears Football

Azeem Solabi

Kameron Hines

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HASTINGS SOFTBALL

FEATURE

Syncere Nealy Ricardo Mena

Madden Harvey Micah Onwuchuruba

Smith Orogbo

CORNER

Atlin Hayes

Our motto this year is going to be ‘F.R.E.E. – Focus, Relentlessness, Energy and Execution’. If we can focus in a relentless pursuit and have the energy to execute, I think we’ll be on the right path. That’s the culture that we’re trying to build here. Work ethic won’t be a problem, so now we just have to get back to knowing what it feels like to win, and learn how to do it. “ ” ~Coach Michael Carter HASTINGS FOOTBALL

PLAYERS WATCH TO Madden Harvey (Jr. QB) Kameron Hines (Sr. WR) Syncere Nealy (Sr. RB) Ike Okafor (Sr. DL) Cal-commit Smith Orogbo (Sr. DL) Texas-commit

COACHES vype.com \\ FALL 2024 \\

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HASTINGS VOLLEYBALL

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Hastings Volleyball Ready to Thrive in New District trusting THE process

over the offseason, but there will be plenty of talent remaining as Hastings enters a new district via the UIL realignment. Senior Ma’Kaylee Martin (OH) will likely lead the offensive attack, while Sydney Nollie (Jr. S/DS), Jada Strickland (Sr. DS) and Zuri Nollie (Sr. DS) patrol the perimeter. Additionally, senior Coreaun Jackson can play any position on the floor.

IN 2023, THE BEARS VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM ENJOYED WHAT WAS EASILY THE MOST SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN THEY’VE SEEN IN A DECADE, GOING 19-21 OVERALL. While they were just narrowly on the outside of the playoff picture, there is still cause for optimism as they make their way back to the court this Fall. There will be new leadership in the head coaching spot, as Sharonda Marshall moved on to Hightower

2024-25 Rams Volleyball

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HASTINGS VOLLEYBALL

FEATURE

Jada Strickland

Sydney Nollie

Ma'Kaylee Martin

Zuri Nollie

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HASTINGS TENNIS

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Positive Vibes Only for Hastings Tennis ready TO rally

2024 Hastings Girls Tennis

2024 Hastings Boys Tennis

The most important thing that I want these kids to learn out here is to really have a competitive atmosphere, but also stay very supportive of each other. With tennis, it’s a little bit more of an individual game, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t constantly working together and cheering each other on. As long as we can push ourselves in this friendly environment, that’s what it takes to succeed. “ ” ~Coach Heidi Tran HASTINGS TENNIS COACHES 26 \\ ALIEF ISD \\ FALL 2024 \\ vype.com

CORNER

Armando Hernandez

Vivi Lam

PLAYERS WATCH TO

Victoria Adebambo Armando Hernandez Saheed Shofu Emily Tran

HASTINGS CROSS COUNTRY

FEATURE

Castonan, Rodriguez Setting the Bar High for Hastings XC putting IN THE work

2024-25 Hastings Boys XC

2024-25 Hastings Girls XC

CORNER

“

Karen Lazo

Santiago Castillo

Something I always stress to each new group that comes in is that they need to be committed. If you’re going to do it, do it right. You can’t successfully compete in this sport unless you’re willing to give 100-percent of your effort.

ATHLETES WATCH TO

~Coach Jesse Castanon HASTINGS BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Carley Barron Santiago Castillo Manuel Figueroa Karen Lazo Catherine Maldonado Cristhian Marin Dahlia Rashid Angel Reyes Joshua Rivera

I think I try to instill family values in the program. That goes a long way in training, whenever they’re together and they feel like there’s always a teammate to lean on. You can see the difference in their work, and how much harder they’re willing to push themselves. ~Coach Morgan Rodriguez HASTINGS GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

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COACHES vype.com \\ FALL 2024 \\

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Hastings’ Friday Night Faces bringing feature HASTINGS FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Olayeni Fatubaro + Angel Murray // Hastings Cheer

Aniya Bhola + Derika Olivares // Hastings Athletic Training

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HASTINGS FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

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FEATURE

THE e E

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e n r E N R

Braquel Molin + Sarabi Cecil // Hastings Dance

Itzel Lazo + Jonathan Umanzor // Hastings Band

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ROARING LIONS

TAYLOR HIGH

Taylor High School Est. 2001

Jaxson Adeoye

top OF THE food chain

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TAYLOR VOLLEYBALL

FEATURE

Spears the Key Ingredient to Taylor Revival \\ By Matthew Ogle MASTER chef

THROUGH EACH PASSING VOLLEYBALL SEASON, EVERY PROGRAM REQUIRES AN INDIVIDUAL WHOSE INFLUENCE CAN TRANSCEND JUST A STAT-SHEET IN ORDER TO FIND SUCCESS. Fortunately for Alief Taylor, the team’s pivotal setter Kearstyn Spears has embodied that role and then some. However, her skill-set began production long before stepping onto varsity as a sophomore. “I’ve played volleyball since I was about four years old, and joined AAU when I was nine,” she said. “So, I’ve been in the volleyball industry for almost all of my life. One of the things that I’ll take from this high school experience is probably the chemistry I’ve built with my teammates, and the ones I’ll have in the future. “The actual skills I’ve learned throughout from my coaches is something else I appreciate, especially with the amount of time they’ve dedicated to my development.” Said development could lead to this senior Lion finding herself on a collegiate court someday. “I just visited Dillard University (New Orleans), and I did like it,” said Spears. “So, I’m going take that route, and hopefully make my way towards a scholarship to play there. In terms of a career, I want to enter nursing school. “At Taylor, I’m in the Health Science program and we do clinicals at the local hospital, so I’m very interested in that pathway. I know that’s a tough field to get into, especially if I’m going to be playing volleyball, which means time-management is going to be big for me.” If that wasn’t enough to prove how multi-talented she is, Spears undertakes an additional hobby on the side. “During my free time, I like to bake,” Spears said. “I can make a few dishes, but I usually tend to stick with desserts. My best is my ‘monkey-bread’ – a type of banana bread – that I make when I can.” But, back to volleyball. While Taylor has gone through somewhat of rough patch in recent years, a change in scenery with a new district, paired with the mentality that Spears shares with her teammates could prove to be the definitive factor in their return to the postseason. “It’s definitely going to take some hard work and determination,” she said. “As a team, I don’t think we were confident enough and I feel like we just gave up too soon. But, this is my senior year. I don’t want to go winless in the district again. Therefore, we need to work hard for it.” The first serve will be here in an instant, so expect this group to make their case to re-enter the district conversation with the leader it needs.

Kearstyn Spears

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TAYLOR FOOTBALL

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Taylor Football Invigorated for a Postseason-Return locked in

2024-25 Lions Football

Patrick Carter

Logan Gray

Ca'Ruth McCormick

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TAYLOR FOOTBALL

FEATURE

Dillion Whiteside

Christopher Fierris

Derrick Hicks

We’re definitely approaching this new year and division with the intention of winning a district championship, to ensure that we make the playoffs. I think this is a great opportunity, not only for our program but for our community as well. Just to show some signs of success in football when it comes to the season. “ ” ~Coach Shawn Gray TAYLOR FOOTBALL CORNER vype.com \\ FALL 2024 \\ ALIEF ISD \\ 33

Mustafa Aboaba

PLAYERS WATCH TO Mustafa Aboaba (Sr. DL)

Jaxson Adeoye (Sr. RB)

Logan Gray (Sr. QB)

Dylan Harris (Sr. ATH)

Melton Nwaugo (Sr. CB)

COACHES

TAYLOR VOLLEYBALL

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Same Talent, Different Opponents Could Bode Well for Taylor VB NEW beginnings WHILE LAST FALL FEATURED VARYING DEGREES OF SUCCESS FOR THE ALIEF TAYLOR VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM, THE UIL REALIGNMENT COULD POTENTIALLY OFFER THE SQUAD MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO REACH THE POSTSEASON. Coach Toni Smith brings back a bevy of starters as they look to match up against newer competition, such as Fulshear, Foster and George Ranch. Senior Kearstyn Spears has been a staple for the team from the setter position, which is unlikely to change anytime soon. Saniya Williams (Jr. OH), Mykah Edison (So. OH) will provide the offensive pressure, alongside junior middle-blockers Amaiya Wade and Omotola Oguns. Meanwhile, senior libero Nicole Ngo will shore up the Lions’ defense.

2024-25 Lions Volleyball

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TAYLOR VOLLEYBALL

FEATURE

Mykah Edison

Amaiya Wade

Saniya Williams

Omotola Oguns

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Molina Stressing More Than Just Tennis at Taylor TAYLOR TENNIS THE mental game

feature

2024 Taylor Girls Tennis

2024 Taylor Boys Tennis

COACHES

What I love about my team is that we’re very cohesive. So, I really try to emphasize teamwork with them while keeping things relaxed. They already put so much pressure on themselves, starting with practice, and I do see that in them. One thing that I want to focus on this year is having a strong mental game, and that they can come to me for anything. I’m here to help them become better student athletes. “

CORNER

Bright Peter

Paulo Galindo

ATHLETES WATCH TO

Paulo Galindo

” ~Coach Paula Molina TAYLOR TENNIS

Kory Huynh

Elizabeth Nguyen

Bright Peter

36 \\

ALIEF ISD \\ FALL 2024 \\ vype.com

TAYLOR CROSS COUNTRY FEATURE ONE team, ONE purpose

Taylor XC About More Than Racing

2024 Taylor Boys Cross Country

2024 Taylor Girls Cross Country

I try to incorporate a sense of togetherness... to pull for each other. When you’re running — work hard, train hard — but when we’re at the race — it’s critical to support one another as a family. That’s one of the most rewarding things to see as a coach, along with watching them grow into young adults. “ CORNER

Cristian Rodas

Leslie Yanes

ATHLETES WATCH TO

Emily Chavez

Eliot Jimenez

” ~Coach Frank Castanon TAYLOR CROSS COUNTRY

Bryan Ramirez

Cristian Rodas

Leslie Yanez

COACHES vype.com \\ FALL 2024 \\

ALIEF ISD \\ 37

The Taylor Gameday Crew is Set to Rep the Pride TAYLOR FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS FRIDAY NIGHT sights feature

Taylor Cheer

Taylor SportsMed

Makayla Yemitan

Anthony Bonilla

38 \\

ALIEF ISD \\ FALL 2024 \\ vype.com

TAYLOR FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

FEATURE

Taylor Band

Cenia Brock

Paula Amoko

Crystal Alvarado

KJ Feathers

Ke'Lise Smith

Jonathan Chay

ALIEF ISD \\ 39

vype.com \\ FALL 2024 \\

NEWS

ALIEF ISD

2024-2025 academic calendar

july

august

september

Important dates august 1-9 PROFESSIONAL DAYS august 12 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL september 2 STUDENT/STAFF HOLIDAY october 9-11 FALL BREAK october 14 STUDENT HOLIDAY november 5 STUDENT HOLIDAY november 25-29 THANKSGIVING BREAK december 23 january 3 WINTER BREAK january 6 STUDENT HOLIDAY january 20 STUDENT/STAFF HOLIDAY february 17 STUDENT/STAFF HOLIDAY

s m t w t f s 1 2 3 4 5 6

s m t w t f s 1 2 3

s m t w t f s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

7 8 9 10 11

12 13

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8 9 10 11

12 13 14

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

11

12 13 14 15 16 17

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

28 29 30 31

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

29 30

october

november

december

s m t w t f s 1 2 3 4 5

s m t w t f s 1 2

s m t w t f s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

6 7 8 9 10 11

12

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

8 9 10 11

12 13 14

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

10 11

12 13 14 15 16

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

27 28 29 30 31

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

29 30 31

january

february

march

s m t w t f s 1 2 3 4

s m t w t f s 1

s m t w t f s 1

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

9 10 11

12 13 14 15

9 10 11

12 13 14 15

march 10-14 SPRING BREAK

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

march 17 STUDENT HOLIDAY

26 27 28 29 30 31

23 24 25 26 27 28

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

aprIl 18 STUDENT/STAFF HOLIDAY aprIl 21 STUDENT/STAFF HOLIDAY may 26 STUDENT/STAFF HOLIDAY

april

may

june

s m t w t f s 1 2 3 4 5

s m t w t f s 1 2 3

s m t w t f s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

6 7 8 9 10 11

12

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8 9 10 11

12 13 14

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

11

12 13 14 15 16 17

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

may 29 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

27 28 29 30

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

29 30

calendar legend

gradIng perIods

1 ST NINE WEEKS: AUGUST 12-OCTOBER 8 (4 1 DAYS) 2 ND NINE WEEKS: OCTOBER 15-DECEMBER 20 (43 DAYS) 3 RD NINE WEEKS: JANUARY 7-MARCH 7 (4 2 DAYS) 4 TH NINE WEEKS: MARCH 18-MAY 29 (50 DAYS)

FIRST & LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS

STUDENT HOLIDAY/LONG RANGE PLANNING

STUDENT & STAFF HOLIDAYS

TEACHER WORK DAY

40 \\

ALIEF ISD \\ FALL 2024 \\ vype.com

NEWS

ALIEF ISD

SCHOOL HOURS 2024 - 2025

PRE-K + ECSE @ EARLY LEARNING CENTERS 8:15 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.

PRE-K + ECSE @ ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Full Day - 7:55 a.m. – 3:20 p.m. Half Day -

AM: 7:55 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. PM: 11:45 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOLS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 7:55 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.

ALIEF EARLY COLLEGE, ELSIK, HASTINGS, AND TAYLOR HS: 7:10 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS 8:35 a.m. – 3:50 p.m.

KERR HS: 7:05 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS 8:40 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

ALC: 8:45 a.m. - 4:20 p.m.

FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL BELL SCHEDULES, PLEASE VISIT THE SCHOOL WEBSITE.