Alief ISD Spring 2026

PREGAME

As we enter the final months of the school year, there is a strong sense of momentum across the district. This is the time when preparation meets performance, when perseverance is tested, and when the collective effort of students, staff, families, and community comes into focus. In Alief, athletics and fine arts are essential to the student experience. They are powerful extensions of the classroom—spaces where students develop discipline, teamwork, confidence, creativity, and leadership. On the field, on the court, on the stage, and in the studio, our students are learning what it means to commit to a goal, work through challenges, and represent their schools with pride. ALL IN WITH ALIEF: Finishing the School Year Strong

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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 Matt Powell, Jamey Wright, Alex Vinson

The final stretch of the year reminds us that success is never accidental. It is built through early mornings and long practices, rehearsals and repetition, encouragement after setbacks, and celebrations of hard-earned accomplishments. These experiences help shape well rounded students who are prepared not only for graduation, but for life beyond Alief ISD. Our students thrive because families are engaged—supporting them at home, cheering from the stands, and reinforcing the importance of balance, responsibility, and commitment. Our Parental Advisory Committee is an integral part of our Alief ISD story and it is through your support and insight that we have been able to accomplish as much as we have. Our students succeed because coaches, directors, and sponsors invest time, care, and high expectations into every student they serve. And they grow because our community continues to show up—by attending events, supporting programs, volunteering, and championing opportunities for all students. Thank you both! Student success in athletics and fine arts is a team effort. I would like to personally thank our amazing Athletics department leadership team: Marla, Ralph and Tomas-you always put our students first and provide them with the opportunities they need to be successful in every facet of their lives, and they are working to make Alief a powerhouse in Texas! As we close out the school year, we encourage our Alief community to remain engaged and connected. Attend a game and watch the progress of the new press box. Applaud a performance. Celebrate student achievements. Your support sends a powerful message to our students that their efforts matter and that their community stands behind them. We are Alief Proud of every student who competes with integrity, performs with confidence, and gives their best in everything they do. Together, let’s stay ALL IN WITH ALIEF and finish this school year strong—because when our community works together, our students succeed.

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

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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. SPECIAL THANKS A big “Thank You” to Space City Slingers for their help with the photo shoot at VYPE Media Day!

ON THE COVER Photo by BRADLEY COLLIER START YOUR ENGINES: (left to right) Hastings’ Braylon Hall, Elsik’s Catherine Vasquez, Taylor’s McKenzie Fields, Hastings’ Erik Calderon, Elsik’s Alexandra Brooks, Taylor’s Ever Calderon, Hastings’ Leesi Vi-Ura, Elsik’s Caius Shakes and Taylor’s McKale Lee are ready to roll this spring. With Appreciation, Dr. Anthony Mays Superintendent, Alief ISD #AliefProud

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Alief ISD is Revving Up for Full-Throttle Spring ENGINES START YOUR

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