FBCA May 2023

FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

FORTBENDCHRISTIAN.ORG

THE GREEN & GOLD OF FBCA A SYMBOL OF SUCCESS Brand the

STATE '22- '23

TAPPS 5A Div. II Football

TAPPS 5A Track & Field

TAPPS 5A Art

pregame

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Shane Hildreth CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Matt Malatesta CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Derek Dusek CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Tiller DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Bradley Collier STAFF WRITER Matthew Ogle DIGITAL EDITOR Jackson DiPasquale CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE Cameron Thomas CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Carrie Follis CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Justin Hartojo, Douglas Brown, Jamey Wright, Jaun DeLeon

great year with the boys team placing sixth at state, and one boy and one girl being named runner-up of the state tournament. The Track and Field program continued to dominate and remain a powerhouse with a TAPPS 5A State Championship for the boys and girls team, the second year in a row for the girls team. To say how immensely proud we are of all of our athletes is an understatement - we are not only proud but ecstatic for them and what they have accomplished! We hope that you enjoy this in-depth look into all that Fort Bend Christian Academy Athletics has to offer and has accomplished this year. Sincerely, The FBCA Athletics Department Aaron Carpenter Director of Athletics Deon Minor Assistant Director of Athletics

Greetings, What an awesome year of sports that we have had here at Fort Bend Christian Academy! We would like to thank VYPE Media for their partnership and for highlighting our student athletes in such a wonderful way. Through their reporting throughout the school year, photography, and this publication, we are able to showcase all of the excellent accomplishments of our Eagles and the first-class opportunities that FBCA is able to offer. The 2022-2023 school year has brought many unforgettable moments and impressive wins. It is truly remarkable to see how far our programs have come and how they are now competing at such a high level. This year, the Varsity Football team brought home the TAPPS 5A Division 2 State Championship, an extraordinary accomplishment for the program. Varsity Volleyball came off a State Championship in 2021 and was the 2022 TAPPS 5A State Runner Up. Tennis and Swim had a great run to the state tournament. Golf had a

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- Upper School Brandon Scott Assistant Director of Athletics - Middle School

FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

FORTBENDCHRISTIAN.ORG

on the cover Photo by Bradley Collier

THE BRAND: Fort Bend Christian Academy had several playmakers in 2022-23. Brady Dever, Max Granville, Bennett Warren, Bayleigh Minor, Kyra Whitman, Brooke Coleman, Jaden Araiza and Nina Singleton were headliners in the Eagles’ Nest.

THE GREEN & GOLD OF FBCA A SYMBOL OF SUCCESS Brand the

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Hadley Hodge

Faces in the Crowd The New Standard Fall Sports

6 12 14 23 31

Articles Spotlight

Winter Sports Spring Sports

photo feature

Brooke Perry

Jayden Cheng

Shea Stone

Surrell Taylor

Amber Hayes

WELCOME TO THE 2022-23 VYPE/FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY MAGAZINE, WHERE WE RECAP A TREMENDOUS YEAR ON THE PLAYING FIELDS AND IN THE CLASSROOM. FROM A HISTORIC STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP AND STATE VOLLEYBALL FINAL APPEARANCE TO AN AMAZING YEAR ON THE PITCH AND ON THE TRACK, HERE ARE SEVERAL EAGLES WHO MADE THEIR PRESENCE FELT INSIDE THE NEST. HERE ARE SOME OF THE FACES IN THE CROWD. CROWD faces in the

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photo feature

Carson Morton

Gregory Zong

Evyn Carpenter

Bryan Domino

Ava Franco

Elizabeth Ingram

Mia McCracken

Noah Benny

Ime James

Braylon Gardoni

photo feature

Reese Heflin

Matthew Brown

Benji Elizondo

Sarah Weber

Daniel Bassey

Elizabeth Ingram

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Aidin Rhodes

Jaelyn Lee

AJ West

Brooke Coleman

Skye Shell

Dan Avilés

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Feature

FBCA FOOTBALL MAKES HISTORY Standard the new \\ Matthew Ogle

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most prolific quarterbacks that Houston has ever seen. And Domino is so elusive. I mean, he could juke you out in a phone booth if he had to. Even though he was usually the focus of opposing defenses, we had so many other weapons to turn to.” Said weapons included RB Ethan Williams, WR Noah Brooks and WR/Safety Braylon Gardoni, who had a particularly exceptional year stepping up on both sides of the ball. “Obviously, he [Gardoni] was a phenomenal receiver,” said Black. “But, he just has such a high football IQ. He was a kid that we could put in defensively, and he could make plays. He has a tremendous understanding of the game and is a competitor. Any kid that has a big heart, I love putting them in situations like that because they thrive. He certainly did.” After winning the State Title, Black’s goal of “changing the culture” at FBCA seems to be coming to fruition. He has already noticed a difference in the atmosphere. “What’s great about it as a coach is, this is the first time I’ve ended the season on my own terms,” Black said. “It is great to win a State Championship because we continue to be the State Champions throughout the year. Everybody around the school has a joke. We’ll greet each other as ‘State Champion athletic director, State Champion teacher, etc.’ It’s just been really fun.” Black and his team hope to continue to lead by example at FBCA as they prepare for next season. “Now that we’ve done it [won a TAPPS-D2 Title], it’s only going to improve the culture,” said Black. “I think these kids know exactly what it takes to win the State Championship. So, it’s only going to help us going forward.”

competitive spirit. I wanted to see them be the best at whatever they competed in. That’s the attitude that I wanted to see, and that’s the direction that our football program is going.” Led by senior offensive Domino, FBCA racked up points throughout their phenomenal year. “Since his [Dever’s] junior year, there’s been no reason not to trust him,” Black said. “He is one of the playmakers QB Brady Dever and WR Bryan

was different this time around, knocking off Second Baptist School in the State Semifinal rematch (41-14). Ultimately, the Eagles emerged from the postseason as State Champs, knocking off All Saints 42-30 in the TAPPS-D2 Title Game. “My goal here [FBCA] was to change the culture,” said coach Jordan Black. “I wanted to see the young men that go to this school, whether they play football or not, have more of a

AFTER NOT HAVING ENOUGH PLAYERS TO MAKE A FULL ROSTER A FEW SEASONS BACK, COACH JORDAN BLACK TOOK OVER THE FBCA FOOTBALL PROGRAM AND THE REST IS HISTORY. In 2021 the Eagles fell to division-rival Second Baptist School in the TAPPS Semis. The program was gaining momentum. Despite losing once again to Second Baptist in district play this fall, FBCA played their best football down the stretch. Their postseason

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Fall Sports

Brady Dever

FBCA’S WARREN, GRANVILLE PREPARING TO RUN IT BACK Started just getting \\ Matthew Ogle

our strengths to go the distance.” Speaking of strengths, including the highly-sought after Warren, FBCA’s roster featured some of the best in Texas. With weapons ranging from Houston-signee Bryan Domino at receiver, QB Brady Dever (Brown signee), running back Ethan Williams, wide receiver Noah Brooks, safety Braylon Gardoni and edge Max Granville, it would seem that the Eagles were almost destined to win it all. “There’s no feeling like it,” Granville said. “I just think when playoff time came around, we really decided to lock in with each phase of the game. Seeing all your hard work pay off, that’s what the game is all about. It was a really cool experience to be a part of.” Given the considerable

A YEAR REMOVED FROM BEING KNOCKED OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS BY THEIR DISTRICT RIVALS SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL, THE FORT BEND CHRISTIAN EAGLES RETURNED WITH A VENGEANCE IN 2022. Despite starting the season with a 3-4 record, Fort Bend would subsequently win the next six games, including a 41-14 rebuttal to SBS in the Semifinals, en route to the school’s first TAPPS State Championship in their 42-30 victory against All Saints. “That experience is something you always wish for, when you’re on a team like this,” said junior OL Bennett Warren. “Everybody wants to win a State Championship at the beginning of the season. The road we took to get there, the few losses we experienced, really helped us learn how to utilize

Bennet Warren

Eagles’ front-seven, shares the same sentiment. “I’m looking forward to dominating again,” he said. “Individually, I had a good season, but they haven’t seen anything yet since I’ve got a whole offseason to improve and gain weight. And that’s just me, not even our whole defense. I want to bring some leadership and physicality to the defense and it’s going to be a scary team next year.” FBCA is just getting started as the Eagles continue to establish themselves as a TAPPS super-power. Coach Jordan Black’s group will be one worth fearing come next Fall.

number of seniors graduating at the conclusion of this semester, it would seem that this is now Warren and Granville’s team to lead heading into next Fall. “Our team will look somewhat different next year,” Warren said. “But, that’s not going to change the environment we have and the type of people we are on the field. With the returning players including Max and I, paired with some transfers coming in, we’ll have time to grow. Although it’ll be a different-looking team, our championship mentality won’t be phased.” Granville, who was a game-wrecker on the

Max Granville

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Fall Sports

SINGLETON REFLECTS ON FOND MEMORIES WITH FBCA CHEER Stunting \\ Matthew Ogle

Those friendships and relationships will carry on for the rest of my life.” Considering the success and notoriety she’s accrued as a part of Eagles Cheer, it’s no surprise that Singleton will be taking her talents to new heights. “Next year, I’ll be going to cheer at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans,” said Singleton. “I’m very excited to go there because they are defending a National Title in Cheerleading, and because cheering on the collegiate level will be a new experience for me. It’ll be nice to be a part of an entirely new family and an esteemed program like that.” Singleton’s cheerleading journey began early on in her childhood. “I first started cheering when I was about five years old,” she said. “I think that I found an interest whenever I began tumbling, cheering and stunting like so many girls in this do. Over time, I found a connection with it and made plenty of fond memories. Senior Night, Homecoming and my last TAPPS Cheer competition with the other two seniors on the team was really special, because we’ve been together for so long and it was nice to finish the whole experience with them.” It’s evident that Singleton is a “people person” and her extraverted nature will fit in perfectly when she joins Xavier-Louisiana at the conclusion of her time at FBCA.

FBCA HAS BECOME A MAINSTAY IN

THE UNIVERSAL CHEERLEADERS ASSOCIATION (UCA) GIVEN THE PHENOMENAL AND TIGHT-KNIT CHEERLEADING PROGRAM THAT’S BEEN DEVELOPED INSIDE THE EAGLES’ NEST. This is something senior Nina Singleton knows all too well, as she has been a leading figure of FBCA Cheer throughout her four-year varsity tenure. “Being a cheerleader at FBCA has been nothing short of spectacular for me,” she said. “Every year, it’s been something different and new. What’s made my senior year so special are the bonds I’ve created with my

teammates and fellow seniors.

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Green

and gold

2022 FBCA Cheerleaders

Ashlyn Rivers

Abby Bray

WHETHER IT’S UNDER THE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS OF THE EAGLES NEST OR THE HARDWOOD OF THE FBCA GYM, THE EAGLE CHEER TEAM BRINGS THE VIBE AND KNOWS HOW TO GET THE CROWD GOING. ALL THE PRACTICES, SIGN PAINTING AND EFFORT DOESN’T GO UNNOTICED AS THE CHEER TEAM SETS THE TONE FOR THE SCHOOL.

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Fall Sports

Spike fest

MINOR IS THE FACE OF FBCA VOLLEYBALL

\\ Matthew Ogle

“I tend to train for both sports on a frequent basis,” Minor said. “Towards the end of volleyball season for the school, I’ll start running with cross country to get my endurance up. So, there’s definitely an overlap in my sports, since I’m constantly preparing for what’s next. That’s what is necessary for me to succeed at a high level.” As one of the premier private school athletes around, Minor is rapidly ascending to new heights. Just how far will she and FBCA volleyball go? Tune in this upcoming Fall to see for yourself.

Despite also being a star on the track, Minor has a special appreciation for the team mentality that takes place on the volleyball court. “In volleyball, we have a really close bond since we all have to pick each other up,” she said. “That’s what is really fun about it. It’s always one team, one set, one dig, so we need that chemistry. I like it because it helps you get that much closer with your teammates.” As an elite dual-sport athlete, Minor has a detailed training regimen throughout the season that serves both volleyball and track and field.

getting more explosive. “We were working really well as a team,” said Minor. “I think we have the capability and necessary pieces on the team to go all the way next year. We will be losing both setters (Shea Stone and Emma Pekar) to graduation, but the majority of our core is returning. We’ll be fired up to run it back.” Minor lead by example in 2022, having been selected as a TAPPS first-team, all-state honoree. She was voted as VYPE’s Houston Volleyball (Private School) Player of the Year for the second year in a row.

THE VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM AT FBCA HAS BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH EXCELLENCE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, HAVING WON A STATE TITLE IN 2021. This Fall was no exception, given that the TAPPS 5A defending champions cruised to an undefeated (14-0) district championship en route to advancing to the TAPPS State Final. FBCA fell 3-1 to Liberty Christian in the Finals. The Eagles have some serious star power in middle Bayleigh Minor, who dominated as a sophomore and is only

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Sadie Brown

Matthew Brown

Hadley Hodge

\\ Matthew Ogle WRAP fall

Ivan JD

Eli Savage

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Fall Sports

FOOTBALL

AS STATED IN THE LEAD STORY, FBCA FOOTBALL MADE HISTORY IN THE FALL SEASON WINNING ITS FIRST-EVER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. THEIR 6-4 REGULAR SEASON RECORD WAS NOT INDICATIVE OF HOW TALENTED THE EAGLES WERE, WHICH IS EVIDENCED BY THEIR UNPRECEDENTED JOURNEY THROUGH THE TAPPS POSTSEASON, LEADING TO THE TEAM’S FIRST-EVER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP (42-30 WIN AGAINST ALL SAINTS). TO THE VICTORS GO THE SPOILS.

Ben Longbottom

Connor Tallas

THE ACCOLADES ALL STATE Brady Dever, First Team Braylon Gardoni, First Team Bryan Domino, First Team Max Granville, First Team Connor Talles, First Team Bennett Warren, Second Team Aidin Rhodes-Hug, Second Team Ivan Jimmy-Ducksworth, Second Team Matthew Brown, Honorable Mention ALL DISTRICT James Donovan, First Team Jackson Preng, Second Team Ethan Williams, Second Team Noah Brooks, Second Team Ben Longbottom, Second Team Emanuel Montoya, Second Team

Bryan Domino

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VOLLEYBALL

A YEAR REMOVED FROM WINNING THE TAPPS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, FBCA VOLLEYBALL (29-7 OVERALL) WAS AS DOMINANT AS EVER IN 2022. THE EAGLES CONTINUED TO ESTABLISH THEIR IRREFUTABLE SUPREMACY THIS PAST FALL, FINISHING THE REGULAR SEASON WITH AN UNDEFEATED (14-0) DIVISION RECORD TO SECURE THEIR SECOND CONSECUTIVE DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP. FBCA WOULD SUBSEQUENTLY GO ON A POSTSEASON TEAR TO ULTIMATELY BECOME THE 5A STATE RUNNER-UPS. THEY NARROWLY FELL 3-1 TO AN IMPOSING LIBERTY CHRISTIAN GROUP.

Layne Bulow

2022 FBCA Volleyball

THE ACCOLADES ALL STATE Bayleigh Minor, First Team Emma Pekar, First Team Layne Bulow, Second Team Cambry Gerardi, Second Team ALL DISTRICT Laycee McGrady, Second Team Shea Stone, Second Team Sarah Webber, Honorable Mention

Emma Pekar

Fall Sports

CROSS COUNTRY FBCA XC HAD A PRODUCTIVE SEASON WITH SEVERAL OF THEIR RUNNERS ADVANCING TO THE TAPPS 5A STATE MEET IN WACO TO CAP OFF THE FALL. THE GIRLS’ TEAM FINISHED 11TH OVERALL WITH 275 TOTAL POINTS. SYDNEY ARNOLD (23RD, 13:38.2) AND KYRA WHITMAN (44TH, 14:11.7) FINISHED IN THE TOP 50 IN THE TWO-MILE FINALE. ON THE BOYS’ SIDE, THE EAGLES ENDED UP IN THE NO. 17 SPOT OUT OF THE 25 BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL TEAMS IN TEXAS. INDIVIDUALLY, ELIJAH SAVAGE (27TH, 18:05.7) AND AARON WEST (59TH, 18:59.5) WERE THE TOP-TWO 5K FINISHERS FOR FBCA.

Daniella Herrera

2022 FBCA Cross Country

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Jude Weaver

Winter Sports

WHITMAN IS THE FUTURE OF FBCA SOCCER Back run it \\ Matthew Ogle

wherever I go, but if I have a chance to go pro, I will definitely take it.” Don’t let the shy personality fool you, Whitman has a competitive fire just below the surface.

I just fell in love with it,” Whitman said. “Every time I’m on the field, I feel more alive. So, I’ve wanted to play in college for a while now and I think I’m on the right path to do so. I probably want to study biology

Merrimack College – a DI soccer school – where she will be living out her life-long dream of playing college soccer. “My parents got me started in the sport since they played soccer, and

FBCA GIRLS SOCCER HAD AN EVENTFUL SEASON ON THE PITCH THIS PAST WINTER. After an impressive regular season, the Eagles advanced through the TAPPS postseason before narrowly falling 1-0 against San Antonio Christian in the Regional Finals. Despite their season ending sooner than they would’ve hoped, the Eagles have plenty to look forward to. Enter junior forward Kyra Whitman. “I think this team has the potential to be district champs next season,” said Whitman. “It’s been quite some time since we’ve been able to accomplish that, however, there’s a lot of talent on our team. I hope we can make it all the way to State when that time comes.” As a soon-to-be senior, Whitman will be one of the undisputed leaders on the field come next season. She will also have another summer of club soccer to hone her skills. Given the fact that several of the other players compete on club teams as well, the aspect of chemistry works in the Eagles’ favor. “Our team is very close,” she said. “We like to play with each other all the time and joke around. It’s great to have that fun atmosphere because it can help to calm our nerves. I think that kind of closeness can be one of our greatest strengths” The FBCA junior has verbally committed to the

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ARAIZA THRIVED IN LEADERSHIP ROLE FOR EAGLES Setter tone \\ Matthew Ogle

season fourth in district and advanced to the Area Round of the TAPPS State Tournament. Araiza certainly set the tone for the Eagles, having surpassed the 1,000-point career mark just before the playoffs. He was the district leader in points and assists en route to a first team, all-district and TAPPS State Honorable Mention selection. Considering the team’s youth, Araiza was expected to take up a leadership role. “I think we were the youngest team in our district, so I had to keep all the guys in check,” Araiza said. “I had a huge myself, because I knew I was able to do it. Luckily, Coach Scott trusted me to fulfill that leadership role. I just wanted to lead the guys and show people what I can do.” As he will be graduating from FBCA in the coming months, what are Araiza’s plans for the future of his athletic career? “Currently, I am uncommitted,” he said. “I am talking with some coaches and I’ve gotten some offers, but I haven’t really made a decision yet. I’m taking some time to think it over, but I’m just really excited to play basketball at the next level.” Wherever he chooses to go, the future is bright for Jaden Araiza after being the lead bird of FBCA hoops. responsibility which I essentially took on for

really take a day off. The environment prompted us to get better, which I really appreciated.” While facing off against some fierce opposition, namely TWCA and Second Baptist School, FBCA was always on the precipice of the district title. The Eagles finished the regular

Araiza. “I would say the team had an overall closer bond with each other. Coming into the season, we had a much younger roster, so we had to communicate more. We hung out pretty often outside of practice and games, which really helped with the team chemistry. No matter what, we didn’t

WITH THE ARRIVAL OF NEW COACH BRANDON SCOTT AND HIS NEW CULTURE, THE EAGLES LOOKED FOR A SENIOR TO BE THE VOICE IN THE LOCKER ROOM. No voice was stronger than Jaden Araiza’s. “The culture this year was a lot different than in previous seasons,” said

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Winter Sports

WRAP winter

\\ Matthew Ogle

Whitney Childs

2022 FBCA Boys Basketball

Gracie Peschel

Max Ortiz

Ruth Tamuno

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WITH THE CULTURE-CHANGE THAT TOOK PLACE IN COACH BRANDON SCOTT’S FIRST SEASON AT FBCA, THE EAGLES (12-12 OVERALL) ENJOYED VARYING DEGREES OF SUCCESS, PARTICULARLY IN THE BACK-HALF OF THE SEASON. LED BY SENIOR GUARD JADEN ARAIZA (DISTRICT LEADER IN POINTS AND ASSISTS), FBCA CONCLUDED THE REGULAR SEASON WITH A 7-6 DISTRICT RECORD TO SECURE THE NO. 4 SPOT AND A TRIP TO THE PLAYOFFS, DESPITE BEING THE YOUNGEST OVERALL TEAM IN THEIR DIVISION. ALTHOUGH THEY WERE ELIMINATED IN THE AREA ROUND BY ST. AUGUSTINE, THE BRIGHT SPOTS ON THE ROSTER INDICATE THAT THE EAGLES WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO GO FURTHER IN THE FUTURE. BOYS BASKETBALL

THE ACCOLADES ALL STATE Jaden Araiza, Honorable Mention ALL DISTRICT Jaden Araiza, First Team Noah Benny, Second Team Blake Scott, Second Team Eduardo Vidal, Honorable Mention Jude Weaver, Honorable Mention Ryan Welch, Honorable Mention

Ryan Welch

Blake Scott

GIRLS BASKETBALL

THE ACCOLADES ALL STATE Evyn Carpenter, Honorable Mention ALL DISTRICT Evyn Carpenter, First Team Brooke McAnulty, Second Team Ella Olson, Second Team Skye Shell, Second Team Naomi Jones, Honorable Mention

FBCA GIRLS HOOPS HAD ITS FAIR SHARE OF UPS AND DOWNS THROUGHOUT THE WINTER, BUT REMAINED COMPETITIVE NONETHELESS. DESPITE FACING A TOUGH SEQUENCE OF DIVISIONAL OPPONENTS, INCLUDING THE STATE FINALIST SECOND BAPTIST, THE EAGLES RALLIED TO FINISH FOURTH IN DISTRICT (6-6) BEFORE ADVANCING TO THE AREA ROUND OF THE TAPPS POSTSEASON. WITH SEVERAL STANDOUTS, SENIORS EVYN CARPENTER AND BROOKE MCANULTY SET THE PACE FOR THE YOUNGER PLAYERS. FBCA SHOULD REMAIN OPTIMISTIC FOR THE FUTURE OF THE PROGRAM WITH SOME TREMENDOUS YOUNG TALENT.

2022 FBCA Girls Basketball

Brooke McAnulty

Winter Sports

BOYS SOCCER

THE ACCOLADES ALL DISTRICT Oluwafikunre Kuteyi, First Team Daniel Bassey, Second Team

COACH JASON WESTFAHL’S GROUP NARROWLY MISSED OUT ON THE TAPPS WINTER TOURNAMENT DURING A REBUILDING SEASON. DESPITE THEIR SEASON NOT PLAYING OUT AS THEY WOULD HAVE LIKED, FBCA HAD VARIOUS PLAYMAKERS WHICH INCLUDED DANIEL BASSEY, OLUWAFIKUNRE KUTEYI AND MIDFIELDER EMANUEL MONTOYA (JR.), WHO MADE THEIR MARK ON THE PITCH.

Fikunre Kuteyi

2022 FBCA Boys Soccer

GIRLS SOCCER

THE ACCOLADES ALL STATE Kyra Whitman, Second Team ALL DISTRICT Kyra Whitman, First Team Sydney Ferguson, First Team Ruth Tamuno, First Team Ava Franco, First Team Lily Seifert, Honorable Mention

FBCA GIRL SOCCER PROVED THEMSELVES AS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH THIS WINTER. UNDER THE DIRECTION OF COACH HEATHER MCGIVERN, THE EAGLES RETURNED TO THE POSTSEASON, TROUNCING SAINT MARY’S HALL 6-0 IN THE AREA ROUND, BEFORE NARROWLY FALLING IN THE REGIONAL FINALS TO SAN ANTONIO CHRISTIAN BY A SCORE OF 1-0. REGARDLESS OF THEIR POSTSEASON JOURNEY ENDING SOONER THAN EXPECTED, STARS KYRA WHITMAN, SYDNEY FERGUSON AND RUTH TAMUNO LED THE WAY.

Sydney Ferguson

2022 FBCA Girls Soccer

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Aly Gregorek

FBCA GIRLS AND BOYS SWIM TEAMS BOTH ADVANCED TO THE TAPPS-DII STATE MEET TO CAP OFF AN EVENTFUL YEAR IN THE WATER. FACING OFF AGAINST THE BEST IN TEXAS, THE GIRLS’ TEAM CONCLUDED THE EVENT 16TH OVERALL WITH A SCORE OF 45, WHEREAS THE BOYS FINISHED IN THE NO. 23 SPOT WITH TWO POINTS. INDIVIDUALLY, SENIOR STANDOUT WHITNEY CHILDS PLACED FIFTH IN THE 100 BUTTERFLY (1:00.81), SIXTH IN THE 100 BACKSTROKE (1:02.46), AND WAS A KEY CONTRIBUTOR TO THE TEAM’S NINTH-PLACE FINISH (1:58.41) IN THE 200 FREESTYLE RELAY, WHICH ALSO FEATURED FARRAH CHILDS, MARY NORLANDER AND ALY GREGOREK. SWIMMING

2022 FBCA Swim

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Max Granville

Feature

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FBCA DOUBLES UP AT STATE Acomplished mission \\ Matthew Ogle

on campus. “We’re definitely moving in the right direction,” said Minor. “I think we have the talent, a great coaching staff and the kids are really buying in and committing to the craft. We’re trying to build something of a dynasty and let it be known that FBCA is a powerhouse.” Mission Accomplished.

up Matthew Brown set a new school record in the 100m dash. State runner-up Ivan Jimmy-Ducksworth also broke a school record for the shot put. Only a few months after receiving last year’s championship rings, the Eagles will have to make room in their constantly crowded trophy case back

as a coach, but it means so much more to them.” Individual champions included sophomore Bayleigh Minor, who took gold in the 200m dash (24.66s) while setting new state records in the triple jump and the 400m dash. Gold-medalist Bryan Domino broke the long jump record, while State runner

FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY TRAVELED TO MIDWAY ISD’S PANTHER STADIUM THIS SPRING WITH ONE MISSION IN MIND: REPEAT. After the girls won a State Title in 2022, FBCA has been focused on getting back to the leader’s circle. The boys track had a chip on their shoulder, wanting a title of their own. “Throughout the whole season, we’ve been clicking,” said head coach Deon Minor. “We had set high expectations for ourselves and I knew that if we could take care of business on Day 1, we’d be in the running to take State.” Suffice it to say, both FBCA girls and boys teams emerged as the TAPPS 5A State Champions as they earned 138 and 120 points, respectively. Fort Bend Christian highlighted by a complete sweep of the girls relays, which included a State record in the 4x100 (47.43). The boys won the 4x100 relay but dropped the baton in the 4x200 relay. “I gathered all my guys right before it was time to check in for the 4x400 relay,” Minor said. “I told them, ‘‘Hey, this is what it’s about. If you guys can get this, that means you earned it the hard way’. After that, they went out there and stepped up to the challenge. That means a lot took gold in nearly all the weekend’s events

Bayleigh Minor

Ivan Jimmy-Ducksworth

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spring Sports

COLEMAN LEAVING LEGACY ON FBCA T&F “DREAM TEAM” Merchant speed \\ Matthew Ogle THE TRACK AND FIELD

PROGRAM AT FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY HAS BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH EXCELLENCE IN RECENT YEARS. Given the team’s overall reputation, which includes a 2022 TAPPS State Championship, it should go without saying that the individuals who carry the banner for the Eagles are among the most elite athletes in Texas. Enter Brooke Coleman. As a senior track star, Coleman has played a key role in establishing FBCA girls track and field as a state super-power. Paired with several other star athletes, such as Bayleigh Minor, Gabbie Washington, Daniella Herrera and Brooke Perry, the Eagles’ talent is unmatched. “We have a really fun group of girls,” said Coleman. “This being my senior year, I wanted to make it as memorable as possible. Our successes along the way have made my time here invaluable.” Under the direction of coach Deon Minor, the Eagles are coached by one of the best in the business. “He (Coach Minor) has had a tremendous influence on my athleticism since he’s so well-seasoned in the sport,” Coleman said. “Although he’s taught me a lot about the mechanical and mental aspects that come with the sport, the No. 1 thing he’s instilled in us is reminding us to enjoy the experience and just have fun.”

what is the end-game for Coleman? “I want to be remembered as part of the ‘dream team’ that FBCA has created,” said Coleman. “This is such an athletically-gifted group of girls. The talent we have can’t be ignored. With that being said, I want to make sure that I leave my mark as a part of that legacy.”

“Obviously, the Air Force will be a new experience for me, but I’m not scared. I’m definitely excited to see the type of people that will help me to grow as a person and improve my capabilities while being part of the US military.” With all the preceding accolades to her name and the ones yet to come,

Coleman’s experience has not only garnered her the distinction of running the fastest 100m dash in school history (11.95 sec.), but the opportunity to continue her athletic career at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). “I’ve never been one to stray away from new experiences,” she said.

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FBCA’S DEVER GOES OUT WITH A BANG Mark making his \\ Matthew Ogle FBCA IS HOME TO SOME

academically,” he said. “The weather there is very cold, and I’ll be working with an entirely new coaching staff. It’s going to be a big adjustment but I’m really excited. Brown is the perfect place for me since the school is just an amazing and prestigious place. I’m really looking forward to it.” One key aspect of the university that spoke to Dever is the fact that he will have the chance to continue being a dual-sport athlete. Only now it will be as a Brown Bear. “Growing up, I was always a baseball-first kid. When I had some great seasons for football, I knew I wanted to keep playing both,” Dever said. “Then the chance came when I could do so at Brown. I’ve had some great conversations with Coach (James) Perry (football) and Coach (Grant) Achilles (baseball), and they were some of the driving forces behind my decision. At that point, I knew Brown was the perfect place for me to go.” Given that this is his final season at Fort Bend Christian Academy, what is it that Dever intends to leave behind? “I want people to remember me as being a good team leader and teammate,” he said. “I feel like I can leave my mark on people here, especially in baseball. We’ve got a really young team with a couple freshmen in the lineup, so I hope they would see me as a good mentor to them.”

OF THE STATE’S TOP STARS IN THE WORLD OF PRIVATE SCHOOL ATHLETICS. This year’s Big Man on Campus (BMOC) Brady Dever is no exception. After leading the Eagles to a TAPPS State Championship as the signal-caller for the FBCA team this Fall, the senior aimed to do the same on the diamond to cap off a remarkable high school career. “It’s definitely tough knowing that my high school days are coming to an end,” said Dever. “I enjoy being out there playing alongside some of my close developed into one of the most feared hitters in TAPPS. He recently became the first athlete in Texas high school athletics to surpass 100 passing touchdowns and record over 100 hits in a career. The FBCA standout will soon be taking Island, where he will be attending Brown University. “Going to Brown will definitely be an adjustment, both physically and friends who I’ve grown up with.” Dever has his exceptional talents to Rhode

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spring Sports

Naomi Jones

Landon McKenna

Austin Martinez

Lilly Coppedge

Ben Longbottom

Gabiie Washinton

WRAP spring

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TRACK & FIELD

AFTER WINNING IT ALL IN 2022, THE REIGNING CHAMPS WERE IN A PRIME

POSITION TO REPEAT THIS SPRING. UNDER THE DIRECTION OF COACH DEON MINOR, THE EAGLES PICKED UP RIGHT WHERE THEY LEFT OFF TROUNCING THE COMPETITION THROUGH EACH MEET DURING THE REGULAR SEASON. SUBSEQUENTLY, FBCA WOULD CONTINUE TO ADVANCE THROUGH AREA AND REGIONALS, BEFORE BECOMING BACK-TO-BACK TAPPS 5A STATE CHAMPIONS, ONLY THIS TIME BOTH THE GIRLS AND BOYS TEAMS WON. INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS INCLUDED SOPHOMORE BAYLEIGH MINOR, WHO TOOK GOLD IN THE 200M DASH (24.66), WHILE SETTING NEW STATE RECORDS IN THE TRIPLE JUMP (38-FEET, 3-INCHES) AND THE 400M DASH (55.14). GOLD-MEDALIST BRYAN DOMINO BROKE THE LONG JUMP RECORD (23-FEET, 3.25-INCHES), WHILE STATE RUNNER-UP MATTHEW BROWN SET A NEW SCHOOL RECORD IN THE 100M DASH (10.52). STATE RUNNER-UP IVAN JIMMY-DUCKSWORTH ALSO BROKE A SCHOOL RECORD FOR SHOT PUT (51-FEET, 0.25-INCHES).

Jordan Rodgers

Wilson Whiles

Jewel Monroe

TEAM TENNIS

2023 FBCA Team Tennis

ELizabeth Johnson

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THE FBCA EAGLE SOFTBALL TEAM REACHED THE REGIONAL ROUND OF THE TAPPS POSTSEASON. LEADING THE WAY AT THE PLATE WERE JUNIOR SHORTSTOP JAELYNN LEE AND SENIOR CENTERFIELDER EMMA PEKAR, WHILE VICTORIA HARRISON AND HADLEY HODGE LOCKED DOWN THE DEFENSE. THE EAGLES FINISHED THEIR REGULAR SEASON IN SECOND PLACE IN DISTRICT PLAY. THE EAGLES BEAT SAN ANTONIO CHRISTIAN 6-5 IN THE AREA ROUND OF THE TAPPS POSTSEASON, BEFORE FALLING TO FALLING TO ST. JOSEPH’S IN THE REGIONAL ROUND. SOFTBALL

2023 FBCA Softball

Victoria Harrison

Emma Pekar

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BASEBALL

FBCA BASEBALL HAD A SOLID YEAR ON THE DIAMOND. THE EAGLES STARTED OFF STRONG IN DISTRICT, SWEEPING BOTH ST. JOHN XXIII AND LSA BEFORE HITTING A SNAG AGAINST KELLY CATHOLIC, EMERY/ WEINER AND A RESURGING SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL TEAM. FBCA ULTIMATELY FINISHED A GAME OR TWO SHY OF MAKING THE POSTSEASON WITH AN 16-10 RECORD OVERALL. BUT, THAT DOESN’T MEAN 2023 WAS WITHOUT ITS BRIGHT SPOTS. FOR INSTANCE, SENIOR BRADY DEVER REACHED A MAJOR MILESTONE, BECOMING THE FIRST TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE TO SURPASS 100 CAREER HITS AND 100 PASSING TOUCHDOWNS IN THEIR CAREER. FRESHMEN CARSON MORTON (.508 BA, 1.70 ERA) AND LANDON MCKENNA (.403 BA, 0.95 ERA) WILL CARRY THE BANNER NEXT SEASON ON THE DIAMOND.

Cord Copley

2023 FBCA Baseball

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FORE! THE FBCA GOLF TEAM SHOWED WELL AT THE STATE GOLF TOURNAMENT. THE BOYS TEAM FINISHED SIXTH AS A TEAM, LED BY ELI WALKER CAMPBELL. CAMPBELL FINISHED IN SECOND PLACE AS AN INDIVIDUAL. JAMISON LOUIE HAD A TREMENDOUS YEAR AND ALSO FINISHED SECOND OVERALL IN THE STATE TOURNAMENT. GOLF

2023 FBCA Golf

Eli Walker Campbell & Jamison Louie

Andrew Jammal

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