Fort Bend ISD August 2023

FORT BEND ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FORTBENDISD.COM

FORT BEND ISD ATHLETES VYING FOR DISTRICT, STATE TITLES THIS FALL HEADLINERS T H E

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Greetings

Being able to attend our schools’ games and support our athletes, cheer, band and dance students, is one of the things I love most about being superintendent of Fort Bend ISD. We are ready to kick off another season again and I’m excited. I am proud of our coaches and administrators who work to not only inspire our student-athletes to achieve on the field, on the court, and in the classroom, but who also help our kids develop their character and a spirit of sportsmanship. As an educator, this is a particular point of pride for me because our district is committed to building the future leaders of our community. I would also like to

congratulate leaders of our district’s Athletics Department, which supervises thousands of students in our middle and high school programs. The department’s vision, leadership and dedication are unmatched. Our dedicated leaders are a big part of the reason our students excel in area, regional and state competitions. The success of our student athletes requires a team effort, and I am grateful to work with such talented students, staff, coaches and parents. Please join us in supporting these students as we launch another semester of fall sports in Fort Bend ISD. I’ll see you at the game! Dr. Christie Whitbeck (Proud Supt) Fort Bend ISD Superintendent

Zane Zost, Ridge Point

S P O T L I G H T A R T I C L E S

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FAB Awards Leadership Summit In the Zone Flipping the Switch Fish out of Water

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STAFF PUBLISHER VYPE MEDIA, LLC

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Shane Hildreth CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Matt Malatesta CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Derek Dusek VP OF OPERATIONS & FINANCE Justin Bull CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Tiller

Always in Pursuit

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Bradley Collier CAMPUS COORDINATOR Jackson DiPasquale STAFF WRITER Matthew Ogle CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Carrie Follis CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamey Wright, Bradley Collier, Doug Brown, Lorin Cook

Welcome to another great edition of the Fort Bend ISD VYPE magazine. Through our partnership with VYPE, Fort Bend ISD will be spotlighting sports programs and our student athletes from across our great district. Fort Bend ISD coaches, staff, and student athletes plan, practice, and play to win, but our purpose goes beyond this formula. Our commitment to the student athletes of Fort Bend ISD is about so much more than putting points on the scoreboard or winning competitions. Being part of the athletic programs in our district also means that we are developing character, honor, and strong individuals all while instilling the importance of community and servitude. It is our pursuit to help our student athletes be their best; to be one’s best as a teammate, in the classroom, and in the community. Our purpose is to transform lives through

participation in sports. Our coaches equip student athletes with the knowledge and skills to perform their sport, and in addition, provide character and leadership skill evelopment that will carry them far beyond the game. The Athletic Department is proud to showcase our amazing athletic programs and student athletes of Fort Bend ISD. In the following pages, you will see a range of articles about the fantastic work of student athletes. These stories represent a small part of a larger experience of what it means to be a Fort Bend ISD Profile of a Graduate, team member, leader, and student athlete. I am proud to share with you the accomplishments highlighted within these pages. Always in Pursuit… Dena Scott Fort Bend ISD Athletic Director

CONTACT INFORMATION 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.

FORT BEND ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FORTBENDISD.COM

on the cover Photo by Bradley Collier

THE HEADLINERS: Welcome to the 2023 Fort Bend ISD/ VYPE Fall Preview as some of the district’s top athletes and teams chase titles while making memories.

FORT BEND ISD ATHLETES VYING FOR DISTRICT, STATE TITLES THIS FALL HEADLINERS T H E

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School Board Message

On behalf of the FBISD Board of Trustees, I am happy to see the start of another fall athletic season and to welcome our coaches, staff and student athletes back to competitive sports. It is always gratifying to see our students take the field and court because it represents the hard work and passion of a team. Whatever the outcome, our students display determination and discipline when competing - skills that will be useful during their educational years and beyond. The Board of Trustees takes pride in knowing that what we do in the boardroom positively impacts what happens in

classrooms and in our various extra- and co-curricular programs. We work to ensure that our students have what they need to be successful in whatever pursuit they choose. To those who show up at our games and cheer for our student-athletes, I want to say, “Thank you.” You are vital to the success of our programs. Whether you are a casual observer or an ardent fan, we truly appreciate your support of our students and teams. Here’s to a great season for all. Judy Dae President, Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees

Fort Bend Isd Board Members

Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam Vice President

David Hamilton Secretary

Kristen Davison Malone Board Member

Rick Garcia Board Member

Angie Hanan Board Member

Sonya Jones Board Member

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F . A . B . A W A R D S

FORT BEND’S ATHLETICS BEST, ALSO KNOWN AS THE F.A.B. AWARDS, TOOK CENTER STAGE THIS PAST SPRING TO RECOGNIZE STUDENT-ATHLETES AND STAFF FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE. THE INAUGURAL AWARDS SHOW HONORED STUDENTS FROM EVERY SPORT, AND IT ALSO RECOGNIZED COACHES FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN COMPETITION AS WELL. SERVING AS THE EMCEE FOR THE EVENT WAS KPRC SPORTS DIRECTOR RANDY MCILVOY. THE DISTRICT WAS ABLE TO HOST THIS BLACK-TIE EVENT WITH THE HELP OF SEVERAL SPONSORS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS. SOME OF THE SPONSORS INCLUDED VYPE, BSN AS A TITLE SPONSOR, TEXAS FARM BUREAU, GO FAN, DOMINOES, RUDY’S, AND JUPITER PIZZA & WAFFLE CO., TO NAME A FEW. THESE DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS AND CORPORATIONS ULTIMATELY SUPPORTED THE DISTRICT’S MISSION TO CELEBRATE STUDENTS AND STAFF BY DONATING THEIR TIME, TALENT, AND RESOURCES. OVERALL, THE INAUGURAL CELEBRATION WAS A HUGE SUCCESS, AND THE DISTRICT’S ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE IT THEIR MISSION TO PROVIDE PLATFORMS THAT RECOGNIZE STUDENTS AND STAFF FOR EXCELLENCE. EVENTS SUCH AS THE F.A.B. AWARDS AFFORD DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS, BOARD MEMBERS, PARENTS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE THE POSITIVES OF FORT BEND ISD. THEREFORE, THE DISTRICT PLANS TO CLOSE OUT THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR BY SPOTLIGHTING STUDENTS AND STAFF WITH ANOTHER FABULOUS F.A.B. AWARDS SHOW.

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LEADERSHIP

S U MM I T

year of impacting their schools and empowering others to follow their lead of serving others. Students will be meeting monthly and coming up with new ways to impact where they are and to encourage others to do the same. Fort Bend ISD Athletics is truly Building Tomorrow’s Future Today! If you would like to know more about this program, please reach out to the Athletic Department and we would love to share more with you. There are many ways in which you can partner with us to help support these amazing leaders. Special thanks to Katie Anselmo and her team for giving life to this project that was inspired by the Director of Athletics of FBISD, Dena Scott. We can’t wait to see what impact these student athletes will make this year, and we can’t wait till next summer when we get to do it again!

them in ways they haven’t ever imagined. The day was capped off by each of the 12 schools coming together to build beds for families in need. FBISD Athletics partnered with Cultivating Families to learn about the need for providing beds for kids within the foster care program. With their help, these amazing students and their coaches took lumber that was donated from Home Depot in Sugar Land and worked together to build 15 beds so that kids within the foster care system could have a place to sleep. With many of the student athletes never having used a power tool before, they bonded together to assemble beds in what was a highlight they will remember for life. The work isn’t done! Now these leaders will head back to their schools to help continue to build the culture of serving and leading. This amazing day is a launchpad for what will be an amazing

field is just as important as what you do on the field. By encouraging the student athletes to dig deep into their own potential and being able to lean on their team and teammates, they can bring out the best in themselves and each other. Following a most excellent Company located in Sugar Land, the group came back together to learn from the one and only, Chip Baker. Using his background of being a former teacher and coach, he knew exactly how to capture their attention. His message was heard loud and clear. It called the student athletes to Live, Learn, Serve, and Inspire! It is safe to say that the student athletes were empowered after hearing from him to Go Get It. With his words of committing your life to be bigger than just yourself, each of the participates were asked to do something that would impact food break provided by Jupiter Waffle & Pizza

ON WEDNESDAY JULY 26, OVER 120 STUDENT ATHLETES FROM ALL 12 OF FORT BEND ISD HIGH SCHOOLS CAME TOGETHER TO LEARN ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A LEADER. Selected by their respective campus coaches, these young people gave up some of their summer vacation to attend a day of learning about ways to impact the world by using tools that they already have. Each one of them have a platform for being an athlete that helps influence everyone whom they encounter. The morning started off with a great message of hope, encouragement, and useful information on what it takes to develop their character with inspiration from Stephan Mackey. He is the founder of the dynamic program called 2Words, which is a staple within all FBISD’s Athletic Programs. Using two simple words, Mackey stresses the fact that what you do off the

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Aaliya Virani, FB Austin

THE DAWG P O U N D

AUSTIN BULLDOGS The Fort Bend Austin volleyball team looks to carry the banner this Fall as they fight to get back in the postseason in 2023 as their star Adell Murray (Penn-commit) returns to lead the way. The future Ivy Leaguer will anchor the middle for the Bulldogs as they hope to improve on their fourth place finish from a year ago. New coach Trey Herrmann looks to turn the football team around, bringing a new culture and renewed energy. It’s a fresh slate for Austin football and becoming competitive in district play will be the first order of business. Water polo got their feet wet last year in a relatively new UIL sport, while Aaliya Virani and Shirina Kakulavaram will pace the cross country squads. Tennis will be led by Samar Parasmal, Rajan Parikh and Nina Gerlovich, who will be called upon to get valuable wins this Fall as they challenge for another playoff spot.

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Volleyball

Hampton Phillips

Mens Tennis

Athletic Trainers

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Cheerleading

Womens Water Polo

Nick Verdehem

Football

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Mens Water Polo

Womens Tennis

Bailey Blackburn

Womens Cross Country

Mens Cross Country

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IN THE Z O N E

MURRAY’S RESILIENCE SETS PRECEDENT FOR BULLDOG VOLLEYBALL \\ Matthew Ogle

ADELL MURRAY IS “THAT” GIRL ON THE VOLLEYBALL COURT. Born into a family of California-natives, one of whom was a competitive rower at USC, it’s almost as if Murray was born to be an athlete. It certainly didn’t take long for the Austin senior middle blocker to pick up the culture of the hardwood. “I started in third grade because I was tall,” said Murray. “I started to develop and people realized that I was athletic, so they began to put me in higher clubs. I ultimately landed where I am now – Houston Juniors. I love it because volleyball is kind of an escape for me, plus I’ve made several friends along the way.” However, Murray’s volleyball journey was not without its obstacles. She has undergone two major surgeries throughout her athletic career. The first, of which, occurred in eighth grade when she suffered a compound fracture in her ankle. As a sophomore, she suffered a dislocated kneecap. While her body may have been broken, her spirit would not falter. “I learned a lot about myself during my time on the sidelines,” she said. “Injuries are terrible. I definitely don’t want to go through that again. But, if I never got injured, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. Those experiences taught me about perseverance. So, I think I’m

“I hope to leave a legacy of hard work and grit,” she said. “Before coach [Kristin] Goodman came in – during my freshman year – the volleyball program was kind of in shambles since there was a new coach every year. With her help, I think my legacy is being able to show the classes under me that hard work – especially through my injuries – and pushing through that kind of adversity pays off. I hope they remember that.”

opportunity I could take, I honed in on academic schools. UPenn was the one that really stood out to me because it was the most welcoming. I liked the coaches and players the most, and it’s just a really great school.” Murray intends to seek out a career in psychology or neuroscience with a degree from UPenn. But, she currently has another goal in mind as she competes alongside her fellow Bulldogs one last time.

innately more hardworking because I was forced to be. Those injuries built me up more than it broke me.” That resiliency, combined with her premier athleticism and studious nature, made her a prime candidate for some of the top schools in the nation. Ultimately, Murray decided to commit to University of Pennsylvania. “I didn’t think I could go to an Ivy League school until they started recruiting me,” Murray said. “So, when I noticed that was an

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Jorden Duplechain, FB Bush

A S T A M P E D E

GEORGE BUSH BRONCOS The Bush Bronco football team is hoping to bring the swagger back to the orange and blue this Fall. Coach Allen Aldridge will lean on Sincere Timpson, who had a breakout season at RB last season. The defense is always fast and physical, but will it be enough to get into the postseason? Alori Sheppard takes the reigns as the new coach of the volleyball team, which is rebuilding. The strength of the team will be up front. Ariana Infante and Ricardo Garcia will pace the cross country squad as they are both coming off a solid 2022.

Mens Cross Country

Courtney Nguyen

Seyi Joseph

Football

Athletic Trainers

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Ronke Agunbade

Cheerleading

Ricardo Garcia

Volleyball

Daniel Fasasi

Taylah Holmes

Womens Cross Country

411: BUSH STUDENT ATHLETIC TRAINER COMBINES SPORTS; FUTURE \\ Matthew Ogle IS IN THE DOC

VYPE: Interesting. What would your go-to recipe be? VIRGIN: Probably my red velvet cookies. I make them all the time. VYPE: What does it take to be an athletic trainer? VIRGIN: You have to be committed, since you’re involved in so many games. Even when you’re at the games, it’s not like you’re sitting there cheering them on. You have to be prepared for when someone gets hurt. It takes a lot of dedication with all the practices, games and events we take part in.

The upside is that we get to take part in the memories made on the field, so that’s what keeps me here. VYPE: Sometimes your role can be overlooked. With that in mind, what would you say to the people that might not see the value in athletic training? VIRGIN: I’d tell them to spend a day in our shoes. I understand why some people might not think twice about us, but at the end of the day you’ll likely need our help at some point when it really matters, if you’re an athlete.

I feel like we do a lot for the athletics department. VYPE: What do you like to do outside of school? VIRGIN: I really like to bake. It’s been a hobby of mine since I would watch those little-kid baking shows. I would have to really watch my limits because I could not do what they were doing. Every once in a while, I’ll bake some stuff and bring it to the trainers and let them try it. I realize that I still need to be aware of my limitations, but overall, it’s really fun to do.

ATHLETIC TRAINERS GET OVERLOOKED INSIDE A SCHOOL’S ECOSYSTEM, BUT THEY ARE SOME OF THE MOST DEDICATED STUDENTS WHO WALK THE HALLS. Trainers hold an irreplaceable value to the athletics departments, given the dedication so many individuals put forth to ensure the health of the players. This is something that Fort Bend Bush’s Streetie Virgin recognized after completing his first year in the training program. As he heads into his sophomore year, VYPE spoke with Virgin to understand what it’s like behind the scenes. Here is the 411. VYPE: What got you into athletic training? VIRGIN: Honestly, I always liked sports and really enjoyed playing them. It’s always been my intention to be somewhere in the medical profession, so I put both my interests together this way. Plus, my sister did it before me, which was another reason for me to pursue a future in athletic training. VYPE: You have a little more time left in high school, so what’s been your impression of Fort Bend Bush and the training program so far? VIRGIN: I can say that it’s definitely different from what I’ve seen at other programs. It’s more hands-on and we have more responsibilities.

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Aidan Zhou, FB Clements

O N P A T R O L

CLEMENTS RANGERS The Clements Rangers football team had a successful Fall in 2022, advancing to the playoffs. How will they build on that success is the question? Gunner Chenier sounds like at Texas High School quarterback, right? He returns as a second-teamer a year ago. Carson Talley will anchor the OL and Aidan Zhou will be the primary receiver. Team tennis won their 35th district title last Fall and return Gabriel Segubiense, Elizabeth Shu, Morgan Garcia, Jastine and Justine Escamos, Amarachi Asiegbu and Logan Smith to the courts. The Lady Ranger volleyball team had a respectable year just missing the postseason. Ally Bernas and Emmy Levy will be the leaders in 2023 as the Rangers challenge for the fourth spot. Clements is starting water polo this year, while the cross country team looks to build on their Regional appearance from last Fall. Mikael Leul and Sophie Hudzietz will pace the Rangers as their lead runners.

Abigail Bazinet

Football

Curtis Counts

Volleyball

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Gunner Chenier

Water Polo

Mary Serice

Cross Country

Womens Cross Country

Mens Tennis

Mahira Mathur

Cheerleading

Womens Tennis

Mens Water Polo

David Orencia

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FLIPPING THE

S W I T C H

LEUL’S MENTALITY PROPELS HIS FUTURE AT CLEMENTS AND BEYOND \\ Matthew Ogle

medicine physician, because as a runner I know we go through a lot of injuries. It happened to my sister during her junior year. She suffered a stress fracture and we never really knew how to take care of it. That injury and the experience that my sister went through spanned for quite some time and I don’t want that to happen to anyone. That’s why I want to help other athletes to get better and be more cautious about how they treat their bodies in sports.” Leul has certainly come a long way from playing video games during the COVID quarantine. Expect him to keep pushing for more.

Given his experience, Leul should continue to see improvement as a senior. “My time here has been amazing,” he said. “Cross country is a sport where you really put all of your energy into it and it’s been fun to see how it’s changed me on multiple levels. I may not always like waking up at 6:30 in the morning, but the mental and physical discipline it’s given me is so valuable.” Competing in high school is all well and good. But it’s his motivation for his future career that helps to distinguish Leul as a runner. “In college, I would like to major in Kinesiology,” he said. “I hope to become a sports

and I was going into ninth grade,” he said. “It’s kind of funny, but when I got lazy and addicted to video games, my mom locked me out of the house and told me not to come back until I had exercised. So, I figured I’d try running since my sister was a runner and I got hooked on it, which led me to where I am now.” Clements cross country has been the perfect landing spot for him thus far. Last season saw Leul set a new personal best time of 17:42 in the 5000m run. Furthermore, he finished 12th overall in the district championship, and would go on to compete in the Region III Finals.

CROSS COUNTRY MAY JUST BE ABOUT RUNNING, FOR SOME. FOR CLEMENTS’ MIKAEL LEUL, THE DEEPER MEANING OF THE SPORT IS WHAT COMPELS THE INCOMING SENIOR. “No one likes running, repetitively,” said Leul. “But the way I see it, you get better with every step you take. It’s about improving from who you were before, which means giving everything to shave off a couple seconds on your final time. That aspect is really invigorating for me.” Leul’s journey to becoming a competitive runner is unlike any other. It first began with him getting locked out of his home due to being lazy. “Well, it was a COVID-year

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Camron Alakija, FB Crawford

N E W BEGINNINGS

ALMETA CRAWFORD CHARGERS The 12th Fort Bend ISD school opens its doors this year as the Crawford Chargers take the fields of play. Co-Campus Athletic Coordinator and football coach David Jackson prepares to rally his young troops as he comes over from Dulles High School. Veronica Johnson from Atascocita High School arrives to take over the girls basketball program and is the Co-Athletic Coordinator for athletics. Jackson and Johnson will work in tandem to set the culture for the future of this historic school.

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Lute’Ana Page

Football

Mens Cross Country

Sheman Walls

Veronica Johnson

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Alyce Kessler and Bryant Spencer

Dominick Lee

Madison Johnson

Roger Smith brings you volleyball and football games every week.

Listen to games live or if you miss one listen back on Vypefortbend.Com.

Cutline

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Brooke Jackson

Womens Cross Country

Isaiah Sellers

Volleyball

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Victor Aderungboye, FB Dulles

T H E EXPEDITION

DULLES VIKINGS The Dulles Vikings have a changing of the guard entering the Fall. Seven Lakes assistant Bill Garrey takes the head coaching post of the football team, which finished sixth in district last year. He will have a talent in TE Victor Aderungboye, who has committed to North Texas coming off a first-team season. Tyler Fleming with anchor the OL. The Vikings just missed out of the postseason in volleyball going 20-15 but graduated several seniors. New coach Jene Vanderbilt comes over from BF Terry with hopes of closing the gap in district play. Cross country and tennis look to get into the district conversation as sleepers.

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Mens Cross Country

Adrien Phan

Volleyball

Satya Anandh

Tyler Fleming

Daniel Mendez

Cheerleading

Athletic Trainers

Sofia Morales

Rachel Michael

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Mens Tennis

Emmie Quinio

Arianna Gil

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Lauren Nguyen

Synaia Thomas

Football

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Magdalena Guzman, FB Elkins

L I F E K N I G H T

ELKINS KNIGHTS The Trae Grimes-era begins at Elkins football. Grimes comes over from Dawson High School, where he ran the defense. The Knights program has developed so much talent that have gone on to the college and pro level. It is an area rich in football tradition. Elkins volleyball was on the outside looking in of the playoffs in 2022 but return hitter Leena Wilson and libero Semaj Cox to the huddle after solid seasons a year ago. The water polo team continues to develop in numbers and talent, while Zachariah Morin and Zainab Anwar anchors the cross country efforts. Watch out for tennis to up their game in 2023.

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Womens Cross Country

Jayla Hunter

Cheerleading

Mens Cross Country

Zainab Anwar

Mens Water Polo

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Leena Wilson

Luna Urbizu

Kelly Yin

Football

Saahas Ganesh

Nathan Peters

Luerae Thomas

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Womens Water Polo

Athletic Trainers

Semaj Cox

Ashley Johnson

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William Reid Remmert

Volleyball

Team Tennis

Jayden Simmons

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Joseph Stewart Jr., FB Hightower

W A T C H S T O R M

HIGHTOWER HURRICANES Hightower is a Houston-area football brand and this year is no different. Jeremy Payne (TCU-commit) will be the headliner totting the football, while Zion Kearney (OU commit) strikes fear in opposing defenses as he stretches the field. QB JoJo Stewart is the real deal. Ephrain Dotson (Rice-commit) and Kameron Reddic (SFA-commit) patrol the secondary. Look out for the ‘Canes to make a Regional run in the playoffs after going three rounds deep in 2022. The volleyball team tries to rebound this Fall with the Haile Brandon, Carrington Archer and Heavyn Bazile at the helm. Watch out for brothers Alex and Andres Agwunobi to come off the soccer field and run cross country this year.

Haile Brandon

Football

Venus Kumar

Womens Cross Country

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Dashaun Pinesette

Jaydin Woodard

Mens Cross Country

Athletic Trainers

Alex Agwunobi

Regjai Riggins

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Ephraim Dotson

Water Polo

Tennis

Volleyball

Cheerleading

Ronak Patel

A L L - P U R P O S E

HIGHTOWER’S PAYNE AIMS TO PASS ON HIS DISTINCT DRIVE \\ Matthew Ogle

With his exceptional performance as Hightower’s all-purpose back, Payne has had “opportunities” aplenty. Considering the numbers he’s put up, paired with his dual sport nature, it comes as no surprise that the Hurricanes senior ultimately decided to join a Big 12 powerhouse in TCU. “It means the world to me,” Payne said. “Not many people get an opportunity to play on a D1 scholarship, but that doesn’t mean I’ll become complacent,” he said. “You can’t waste this chance so I just have to keep working hard especially in the classroom because I’ll need the education in the long run.” The 2023 Fall season will mark the last time Payne suits up for Hightower. With that in mind, what more does the eventual TCU Horned Frog hope to accomplish as a senior? “We (the seniors) need to show the young ones character,” he said. “Yes, colleges will find you based on how well you play, but when they send out offers, your character will be what sets you apart. Getting to class on time, showing up at practice on time… we have to teach the younger class that there’s a culture here that will benefit you in the future.” There is surely more than meets the eye when it comes to Jeremy Payne. Tune in for the spectacle that he and Hightower football intend to showcase this Fall.

always Payne’s go-to sport. “I started off playing baseball,” he said. “Before I emphasized football, I always wanted to be a baseball player since I was a kid. I decided to go the dual-sport route, which is really hard because you don’t really get a break during the year. The upside is I get to stay conditioned the whole year, which really helps to boost my athleticism. However, football is what I like to focus on since it’s more fun and it’s led me to more opportunities.”

tell me so I could get better alongside him. That last year with him, was probably my favorite year thus far. He set a single-season record with six picks, so I’m going to have to set some kind of outstanding record this year. One of my goals is to possibly get the number retired and help our impact serve as an inspiration for the Hightower program and Fort Bend as a whole.” Given that he’s more easily recognized donning a helmet and pads, it might come as a surprise that football wasn’t

WHAT IS IT THAT MOTIVATES HIGHTOWER’S VERSATILE SUPER STAR RUNNING BACK, SENIOR JEREMY PAYNE? Legacy? College offers? Overall team success? Try all of the above. After taking over the No. 6 jersey – which once belonged to his older brother Julian in 2022 – Payne intends to turn the number into a legend within Hightower’s storied history. “Really, he [Julian] taught me a lot… everything he experienced,” said Payne. “He would always come back and

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Noey Do, FB Kempner

T H E

P R I D E

KEMPNER COUGARS How about the Lady Cougar volleyball team? Kempner finished third in district a year ago and won a playoff game. What will they do for an encore? Sophie Ilagan is a defensive star, while Mia Clarke is an offensive powerhouse along with Ruth Ochelli. The Cougars could vie for a district title. The Kempner Cougar football team was senior-heavy a year ago but didn’t reach the postseason. So, what will they have in store this year? Coach Troy DeGar will look to find some playmakers on each side of the ball. Water polo continues to build as a program within the school and the Big Man on Campus is tennis star Noey Do. Do is the back-to back State singles champ and leads them in team tennis. Elizabeth Werts carries the banner for cross country after advancing to Regionals in 2022.

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Javon Goss

Volleyball

Sky Bruce

Womens Water Polo

Khoa To

Mens Tennis

Mens Water Polo

Sophie Ilagan

Elizabeth Werts

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Ellis Sanusi

Kenna Negassa

Andrea Contreras

Cheerleading

Cross Country

Mia Clarke

Football

Anna Geach

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Joshua Lair, FB Marshall

T H E B R A N D

MARSHALL BUFFALOS The Marshall Buffs are a state power in football under the direction of coach James Williams. Their grads are all over the college football landscape. The Buffs are locked and loaded for another tremendous season after winning district and going four rounds in the postseason. Could a sophomore in KK Johnson be the QB1? Whoever it is, he will have a pair of great WRs in Jakayden Ferguson and Andre Feast. The defense is loaded with Joshua Lair, Caleb Chester, Isaiah Williams and Will Mitchell in the bank end. They are scary good. LB Noriel Dominguez has also transferred over from Ridge Point. Gabriela Toussant takes over the volleyball team as its new head coach. She comes over from Morton Ranch and hopes Zymia Lee-Spizer, Naomi Groguhe, Nakira Rolling and Jennifer Ruth will play larger roles in 2023.

Isaiah Williams

Football

Naomi Groguhe

Team Tennis

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Kaeden Johnson

Athletic Trainers

Reece Guillory

Jennifer Ruth

Andre Feast

Cross Country

Kevin Orantes

Volleyball

Kenyatta Sterling

Zymia Lee-Spizer

Ja’Kayden Ferguson

Alyssa Salao

Koryn Randals

Yasseiry Gonzalez

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Carrington Cook, FB Ridge Point

P U R P L E

P O W E R

RIDGE POINT PANTHERS It hasn’t taken long for Ridge Point to become the premiere program in Fort Bend ISD. The Panthers are good at everything. The Panthers went 8-0 in district last year en route to a Regional appearance in football. WR Asthon Bethel-Roman (Arkansas-commit) is a big-time playmaker for coach Rick LaFavers and will be the favorite target for QB Austin Carlisle. Utility-man Mason Dossett (Baylor) is great in space on offense. The Panthers volleyball will dominate in district again after running the table last year. The straw that stirs the drink is Lauren Battle. Kennedi Rogers and Carrington Cook are big-time players to look out for as well. The cross country team is loaded with Marya Mbaraka, Christian Decvenish, Carma Monroe and Lizbeth Salas, and tennis will continue to flex with Lindy and Hailey Niedzwecki, Rose Hinsdale, Ryleigh and Parker Will and Sophie and Charbel Tahtouh. The sport of water polo has caught on and is led by Avi Ettinger and Gianna Riffel and Abi Navarre. The girls went undefeated in district.

Lauren Battle

Cheerleading

Cole Veillon

Athletic Trainers

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Phoebe Hobbs

Mens Cross Country

Mason Dossett

Womens Water Polo

Jordan Smith

Sophie Tahtouh

Volleyball

Mens Water Polo

Zae Brown

Michael Connell

Womens Cross Country

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Football

Jourdyn Jones

Je’da Smith

Team Tennis

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Kate Cardona, FB Travis

T I G E R

T O W N

TRAVIS TIGERS Hold those Tigers… the volleyball team that is. Travis finished second in district last season and must replace some talent lost due to graduation. Kate Cardona and Ava Williams will stuff the stat sheets in 2023 as the Tigers look for a deeper playoff run. The Travis Tiger football team went 4-4 in district just outside of the playoffs. LB Tomisin Olorunfemi is an anchor on defense and Carmelo Ratliff will carry much of the offensive load at RB. Thomas Elliott will anchor the OL. Coach Trey Sissom will need all hands-on-deck to get that fourth spot. Water polo star Jack Woodruff will lead the boys team at 6-foot 7, while Victoria Danforth, Merideth Russow and Katelynn Tran will anchor the girls team. Team tennis has big potential in 2023 with a deep program.

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Riley Masterson

Nifemi Rufai

Cheerleading

Womens Tennis

Amirah Cotton

Tomison Olorunfemi

Cross Country

Randy Elizondo

Layla Williams

Athletic Trainers

Mens Tennis

Madysen Kinney

Aubrey Whited

Womens Water Polo

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Volleyball

Zara Syed

Ava Williams

Mens Water Polo

Football

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FISH OUT OF

W A T E R

TRAVIS’ WOODRUFF ENTERS FINAL SEASON IN THE POOL \\ Matthew Ogle

GIVEN THE RELATIVE INFANCY OF WATER POLO BEING AN OFFICIAL UIL SPORT, MANY ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF THE SPORT. Not only is there a physical toll, with players being required to tread water for the entirety of the match, but there is a mental aspect which Travis senior Jack Woodruff is all too familiar with. “Water polo requires a lot of mental toughness,” he said. “But, you tend to realize that this is what you’ve prepared for and you put your mind to it. The game takes plenty of teamwork and communication to succeed, which goes with any team sport.” Swimming has come naturally to Woodruff, dating back to his days in club swimming. However, he and his teammates had to pick up water polo on the fly when the program first started his junior year. “We started scrimmaging to get familiar with the sport, when the UIL first recognized it,” Woodruff said. “It was new for all of us… the coach, the team and me, especially. Learning everything was quite a challenge, but I learned to love the game and have taken off since then.” So, what serves as Woodruff’s inspiration when it comes to his athletic career? “It’s been two people – my Dad and my club swim coach,” said Woodruff. “My Dad has been teaching me

and Rodeo. That’s part of the reason I want to go to A&M. I’m very interested in animals and agriculture, so I can easily see myself doing something on that route. I would also potentially like to become a teacher or coach down the line.” Before he ironically commits himself to the land, expect Woodruff to give it his all this year, which will mark his swan-song season in the pool.

compete on the water polo team in the Fall and the swim team in the Winter. However, this will be the final year he does so, as he pursues another passion of his at the university he hopes to attend – Texas A&M. “I’m a member of the school’s FFA program,” he said. “I actually have two steers, right now – one will be going to the Fort Bend County Fair and the other I will be entering into the Houston Livestock Show

about sports my whole life, starting as a kid when we’d play football in the living room much to my Mom’s dismay. He’s been my biggest supporter when I’ve gone through some mental blocks. In regards to my swim coach, she helped me to fall back in love with the sport and convinced me to do it throughout the rest of high school.” Woodruff will be in the pool for the majority of his senior year, considering he will

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Kendron Penson, Jr., FB Willowridge

T H E N E S T

WILLOWRIDGE EAGLES The Willowridge Eagles hope to turn it around on the football field after a sub-par season in 2022. The father-son duo of Kendron Penson and Kendron Penson Jr., will lead the way. Coach Penson put his team’s hopes in the hands of his son, Junior. Junior has picked up a few DI college offers to extend his career. He has worked tirelessly at improving his accuracy and arm strength. The Eagles welcome new volleyball coach Georgia Olumoko, who hopes to turn the tide at Willowridge. Illona Gabaut Diziere and Je’Layiah Wilson are the lead runners for the cross-country program.

Alijah Harris

Cheerleading

Kyla O’Neil

Football

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Royee Wilson

Athletic Trainers

Adryon Raglin

Mens Cross Country

Antony Momon

Tarah Batiste

Womens Cross Country

Volleyball

Tennis

Tylon Rydolph

Ni’Jah Rydolph

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UNDER THE

L I G H T S

WILSON’S CHEER REPERTOIRE PROMISES A BRIGHT FUTURE \\ Matthew Ogle

WILLOWRIDGE SENIOR DESTAN’E WILSON CERTAINLY WASN’T NAMED THE 2023 FAB AWARDS CHEER ATHLETE OF THE YEAR FOR NOTHING. As captain of the Eagles’ cheer team, she has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to her craft while exemplifying the leadership role of the group. Wilson’s joyful demeanor and dedication to the cheer life began early on in her childhood. “I’ve been doing cheer since I was 10 years old, when I started at White Fine Arts Center,” she said. “It’s really built me into the person I am today and has taught me a lot of leadership skills. I’m just so grateful to be able to pass that down to my teammates and younger girls that look up to me.” Said “younger girls” include the ones she instructs during her free time. “Outside of school, I work as a tumble coach with Fort Bend Impact,” said Wilson. “In addition, I’m going to become a recreational cheer coach for Dynasty Cheer. So, even during my free time, I’m still cheering.” In addition to being one of the most recognized cheer athletes Fort Bend ISD has to offer, what’s even more remarkable about Wilson are her ensuing aspirations. “My future is sort of planned out,” she said. “I’ve been saying it since I was three years old, but I really want to become a neonatal nurse. So, I’m doing whatever

possesses, it shouldn’t shock anyone if she’s wearing scrubs one day. “If I could give a piece of advice to my freshman self, I would definitely tell her that it’s going to be hard, but you’re going to get through it,” said Wilson. “Just keep putting in the work and the outcome will be beautiful. Keep your trust and faith in God, focus on your craft and don’t let anything distract you. Just keep going.”

would have to see my brother through a bubble, and it made me want to look into what was behind the scenes of it all. After some research, I found out that neonatal nurses work with premature babies and children with birth defects. It just seemed like a calling to me.” Nursing can often be one of the more strenuous professions around. However, given the mental fortitude this Willowridge senior

it takes with education, as well as being able to cheer in college. That’s really my set in-stone plan.” Why does she intend to pursue this particular career path? “It stems from my older brother (Reginald) and cousin being born prematurely,” Wilson said. “They were really sick and they’ve been pretty small their entire lives. I remember my Mom telling me stories about how she

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