Fort Bend ISD August 2024

FORT BEND ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FORTBENDISD.COM

FORT BEND ISD BOASTS SOME OF STATE’S TOP LEADERS OF STUDENT ATHLETES BUS I NE SS BEST IN THE

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pregame

Greetings

We are excited to launch a new season of athletic events across the region and I look forward to seeing our student athletes continue to make me and our entire Fort Bend ISD family proud. I am impressed and grateful for your continued support shown to our students and programs. FBISD boasts award-winning athletics and a long record of distinction in several sports. Whether in baseball, softball, football, basketball, track and field, tennis, swimming, soccer, volleyball or golf, our student athletes

students we have here in the district. These students are supported by dedicated coaches, district athletics staff and educators who believe in their abilities and foster their natural talent. I appreciate their unified efforts in helping our students succeed as they shape these young people into leaders. Their futures will be brighter because of their time in our athletics programs. I look forward to seeing you as we cheer on our students! Sincerely, Dr. Marc Smith FBISD Superintendent of Schools

shine in their efforts, and many do so while

maintaining high academic standings. They are great example of the types of

S P O T L I G H T A R T I C L E S Alori Sheppard, Bush Jamie Alexander, Crawford

09 22 28 29 39 58 59

Kasha Williams, Dulles Kayla Matthews, Dulles Cornelius Anthony, Hightower Christi Marsh, Travis Courtnie Ratliff, Willowridge

Valerie Rivera, Bush

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Always in Pursuit

Welcome to the fourth 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 though participation in sports. Our coaches equip student athletes with the knowledge and skill to perform their sport, and in addition, provide character and leadership skill development that will carry them far beyond the game. As your Athletic Director, I know first-hand how important sports programs are to our student population because I am a graduate and three-year varsity athlete of Fort Bend ISD. My coaches and

teammates played a key role in my own personal development. Fort Bend Athletics directly impacted my life by opening doors into collegiate sports and providing me guidance as I developed into the leader I am today. Fort Bend ISD had a significant impact on my life, so much so that my husband and I moved back to Fort Bend to raise our family. I was fortunate to teach and coach volleyball for the district, eventually moving into athletic administration, and for the past year, serve as your Athletic Director. Now I serve the coaches, student athletes, and our community, utilizing many of my experiences growing up in the district. 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

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

FORT BEND ISD BOASTS SOME OF STATE’S TOP LEADERS OF ATHLETES BUS I NE SS BEST IN THE

within these pages. Always in Pursuit… Dena Scott Fort Bend ISD Athletic Director

on the cover Photo by Bradley Collier

BEST IN THE BUSINESS: Travis’ Christi Marsh, Crawford’s Jamie Alexander, Bush’s Alori Sheppard, Hightower’s Cornelius Anthony, Dulles’ Kayla Matthews, Willowridge’s Courtnie Ratliff and Dulles’ Kasha Williams represent the state’s best in the business.

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Hello, Fort Bend ISD Community!

What an exciting time to be part of the Fort bend ISD family! My fellow trustees and I look forward to a great year of supporting FBISD athletic programs across the district. We applaud our student athletes for the tremendous amount of time, effort and commitment they devote to the pursuit of excellence in a variety of sports. Character development, sportsmanship, teamwork and physical fitness are just some of

community spirit and pride through not only supporting student athletes but also students who participate in band, in color guard, on cheer squad, on dance team, in JROTC and other extracurricular groups. To our coaches, staff, parents, and business and community leaders, thank you! We could not provide the programs we do without you! Go teams! Kristin Tassin President, Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees

the benefits they reap. FBISD athletics provide fans with opportunities for

Fort Bend Isd Board Members

Adam Schoof Board Member, Position 2

Sonya Jones Board Member, Positon 5

Dr. Marc Smith Superintendent

Angie Hanan Board Member, Position 1

Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam Board Member, Positon 4

Rick Garcia Vice President

Kristin Tassin Board President

David Hamilton Secretary, Position 7

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Jajuan Davis

T H E DAWG HOUSE

AUSTIN BULLDOGS AHS is back on the scene, following an impressive Fall season in 2023 that was highlighted by the Kristin Goodman-led volleyball team which placed second in the district prior to reaching the playoffs and finishing the year with a record of 27-17. On the gridiron, the Bulldogs experienced one of the best showings seen in recent memory, as they came within inches of securing their first playoff berth in nearly a decade, and will look to do so this time around. Under the direction of coach Shaun Moore, the tennis program brings back the talents of Nina Gerlovich, Larkin Nguyen, Ishha Desai, Saïd Bennaji and Emily Thai. On the trails, expect Gabriel Pontes and Audrey Debraine to be the frontrunners for Austin after putting up respectable performances at last year’s district meet. Additionally, the girls water polo team recently took silver in the district and now eye the first place spot, while the boys continue to grow in their third year as a varsity program.

Ishha Desai

Elisabeth Edwards

Football

Cross Country

Lydia Odewale

Emma Martin

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Volleyball

Audrey Debraine

Coleman Hammond

Tennis

Cheer

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Water Polo

Kyra Hoang

Gabbie Kennedy

Cross Country

Athletic Trainers

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Roland Wyatt

Joshua Mangum

Isabella Fernandez

Larkin Nguyen

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A L O R I S H E P P A R D BUSH VOLLEYBALL

COLLEGE Prairie View A&M University

MOST IMPORTANT MENTORS Toni Smith, Alief Taylor Volleyball Coach, former Fort Bend ISD Coach My Father, Rodney Belcher, also a coach

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR CULTURE? “The culture I create is knowing that you will be better at the end of the season than what you were when you started the season. This is my second program in Fort Bend. My goal is to always leave something better than how I found it. At my previous campus, my goal was to provide opportunities for my girls to play volleyball in college. We were not known for winning, however, girls were continuing their career at the next level. “I have now been tasked with getting this program back to winning. I try to work hard at creating a positive environment. Our coaching staff enjoys the sport and being around each other and it relays to the athletes. We have created a very positive environment centered around growth. We were a very young program last season, but the future looks bright.” WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT COACHING? “I love watching student athletes develop on and off the court. I love that my athletes trust me enough to let me know what is going on in their life on and off the court. The best compliment I’ve ever received from a former student athlete was that I was her first black STEM (biology) teacher and coach she’d had. From that, she knew she could do the same thing. She is currently a teacher and coach.”

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Jaylin Johnson

BUSH BRONCOS Friday Night Lights return at Bush, as the cheer squad, band and diligent athletic trainers prepare for another season of intrigue. While they have yet to return to the postseason since 2021, there is cause for optimism on coach Allen Aldrige’s roster as he brings back several skill-position players such as Michael Richard (Sr. WR), Caleb Edwards (Sr. RB) and Antione Eakins (Sr. WR). The Broncos volleyball team still has some work to do, but should be in good hands with coach Alori Sheppard directing. Meanwhile, the GBHS cross country team will look to build on their performance at district from a year ago, with the likes of Allen Tovar, Ariana Infante, Joselyn Garcia and Serai Nyan leading the charge. T H E S T A M P E D E

Athletic Trainers

Christian Lopez

Cross Country

David Nwanodu

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Volleyball

Adrianna Ellis

Antione Eakins

Cross Country

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Adanna Onuegbu

Jaidyn Ford

Cheer

Football

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Vincent Rau

O N P A T R O L

CLEMENTS RANGERS This Fall will feature numerous groups from Clements who have something to prove. On the football field, coach Bobby Darnell and company anticipate re-entering the district conversation, after narrowly missing out on the playoffs in 2023. Similarly, the Rangers volleyball team finished sixth in the district despite having an even 21-21 record, which should embolden them this time around. Perhaps the crown jewel of CHS athletics is coach Brett Bernstein’s tennis program, which enters their fifth-consecutive season within the Top 10 rankings of the state, and will be led by seniors Elizabeth Shu, Logan Smith and Chelsea Asiegbu, as well as Morgan Garcia and Angela Shu. Clements XC is back after advancing to the UIL-6A Regional Meet, and will be headlined by Isabelle Lust, Hasnain Shakir, Sophie Hudzietz and Colin Law. In the pool, the boys water polo team recently claimed the third spot in the district and looks to build on last season’s successes, while the girls, who finished fourth, should do the same.

Ben Youssef

Cathy Zhou

Cross Country

Tennis

Morgan Garcia

Juliannamary Cheru

Football

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Cross Country

Isaac Amed

Water Polo

Magdalene Duvall

Volleyball

Nadja Nikolic

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Cheer

Aleksandar Pavlovic

Athletic Trainers

Angela Shu

Water Polo

Maggie Myers

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Famatta Everett

E N E R G I Z E D

CRAWFORD CHARGERS As the newest school in the district, there is naturally going to be some growing pains in each respective field of play. However, that doesn’t mean Crawford will be lacking talent by any means. Beginning with football, coach David Jackson will utilize the athleticism of players like Jacob Jolivet (Jr. RB), Jasyn Barrett (Jr. LB), Osagie Obasekie (Jr. OL), Nyheem Richardson (Jr. DB) and Justin Butler (Jr. WR), among others, as they compete in District 21-4A. On the volleyball court, keep an eye out for Brielle Perry (Jr. MB), Kristen Cox (So. DS), Khloe Barnes (Jr. L) and Kosaluchi Agbim (Jr. MB), who will be directed by coach Erin Smith. The Chargers cross country team had an impressive outing at district last Fall, which bodes well for the group as Aleah Jones, Manuel Flores, Famatta Everett and Leo Pan make their return.

Jacob Jolivet

Volleyball

Manuel Flores

Osagie Obaseki

Athletic Trainers

Kosaluchi Agbim

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Katelyn Rodriguez

Football

Aleah Jones

Brielle Perry

Carter Benjamin

Justin Perry

Jasyn Barrett

Kristen Cox

Cross Country

Nyheem Richardson

Ariel Bennett

Khloe Barnes

Jade Beale

Cross Country

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J A M I E A L E X A N D E R CRAWFORD TRACK AND FIELD

COLLEGE Kansas Wesleyan University

MOST IMPORTANT MENTORS Ryan Showman – Kansas Wesleyan University Women’s Basketball Coach Crystal Berndt – Colby Community College Track and Field Coach HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR CULTURE? “Track is more than just competing; it’s a team that embodies dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence both on and off the track.” WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT COACHING? “What I love most about coaching is the positive impact I can have on my athletes, colleagues and the community. I love the thrill of competing, whether winning or losing. While losing can be painful, it teaches valuable lessons. Conversely, winning brings immense fun and excitement. Additionally, I have a deep passion for sports that fuels my dedication to coaching.”

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Kate Fogleman

READY THE

S H I P S

DULLES VIKINGS Regarding the majority of the school’s Fall sports, the Vikes will have the ambition of re-entering the district conversation in 2024. In his second year with the program, coach Bill Garrey is still integrating a new culture within Dulles football, and will lean on the veteran leadership – namely from Micah Owens (Sr. DL), Divine Chinagozim (Sr. RB) and Austin Elam (Sr. LB) – to steady the course. The volleyball team is still finding their footing, but Addisyn Duncan (Jr. MB), Gabrielle St. Louis (Jr. RS) and Reina Brown (So. MH) should provide some spark for the young squad. Both water polo programs are gradually coming into their own, as they enter year No. 3 since being established, while Aidan Hernandez and Anyxa Franklin return to the fold for coach Chad Macik’s cross country team. One of the big bright spots for Dulles this year will surely be the respective tennis clubs, with coach Kayla Matthews at the helm.

K A Y L A M A T T H E W S DULLES TENNIS COACH

COLLEGE University of Houston

DISTRICT TITLES, STATE TITLES 2015, 2018 State Runner-Up, State Champion Singles 2023 Team tennis - 1 match/win away from the District Title 2023 15th Ranked in the State of Texas as a team 2024 Mixed Doubles State Qualifier

MOST IMPORTANT MENTORS Patty Priddy - Dulles Head Tennis coach Mindy Benefield - Dulles Head Volleyball/Gymnastics coach

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR CULTURE? “My coaching background began when I was 15-years old. As an athlete, I started out as a gymnastics coach to elementary-aged athletes, then moved on to being a strong athlete/assistant coach of the Dulles High School gymnastics team. I was also on the Viking volleyball team. Each of these sports molded me in knowing the dynamics of both team and individualized sports, which is perfect since tennis has both seasons. Being good teammates is the No. 1 goal for each of my athletes. Cheering for them as teammates and being there as a supporter. I really stress on my athletes to do their best on and off the courts, and to be held at the highest of standards for showing good sportsmanship. I have been honored several times from other coaches that they ‘like my kids,’ which shows they have good presence on and off the courts.” WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT COACHING? The kids... and the relationships you have with them and their families. My favorite part is knowing the athletes are enjoying their sport and performing to the best of their abilities. Win or lose, I want my athletes to hold their heads high, be proud and show good sportsmanship.”

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Mia Garza

Divine Chinagozim

Tennis

Cross Country

Amias Burton

Sean Carawan

Athletic Trainers

Anyxa Franklin

Reina Brown

Football

Cheer

Laila Randle

Mateo De Los Santos

Water Polo

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K A S H A W I L L I A M S DULLES CHEER

COLLEGE Florida A&M University

ACCOLADES 2024 Dulles HS Head Coach of the Year 2024 TGCA Cheer All Star Recognition 2023 NCA Coach Herkie Award MOST IMPORTANT MENTORS Joyce Lawson - Retired, Fort Bend Marshall HS Jennifer Nichols - FBISD Director

RECENT TITLES Recent Cheer Camp Competition Awards... 2024 1st Varsity & JV Overall Gameday 2024 1st Varsity Cheer 2024 1st JV Overall Camp Routine 2024 9 All-Americans

HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR CULTURE? “Dulles Cheer has a growth mindset. We focus on creating a culture that welcomes those new to the sport, while empowering our experienced athletes to get everyone to grow together as a team. There are no miracles or shortcuts, but an emphasis on consistent and attainable growth both on and off the sidelines.” WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT COACHING? “As a coach, I love to witness our athletes mature in their overall mentality and approach to life.”

Water Polo

Chu-Huan Wang

Jordan Ohakawa

Volleyball

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Vivian Lee

S H I N I N G A R M O R

ELKINS KNIGHTS This Fall will be one of retaliation for the Knights. Starting on the volleyball court, coach La’Kyva Bason’s girls were denied a trip to the playoffs a year ago, despite concluding the regular season with a record of 21-14, which should have them fired up for a comeback. Junior QB Romin Seymour is back to command the EHS offense on the field, with Jaden Reed (Sr. ATH), David Anigbogu (Sr. LB) and Jordan Mitchell (Jr. DB) being among the handful of additional returning weapons for coach Trae Grimes to utilize. Elkins XC enters 2024 on the heels of reaching the UIL-6A Regional Meet, and look to repeat that effort with Zainab Abwar, Zachariah Morin and Jadyn Acuna headed back to the trails following exemplary performances at district. The tennis program, led by coach Deborah Jackson, will feature a heavy supply of seniors, while the Knights water polo team looks to build on their silver finish from a year ago.

Varrun Athis Rajh

Avery Pitts

Water Polo

Tennis

Reid Remmert

Na’lyiah Smith

Cheer

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Partha Loura

Football

Athletic Trainers

Cross Country

Abigail Garrison

Eesha Dasani

Water Polo

Cross Country

Volleyball

Romin Seymour

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Camben Emanuel

C A T E G O R Y

F I V E

HIGHTOWER HURRICANES Hightower returns to the gridiron after enjoying what was easily one of the most successful years the program has seen in recent memory. The Hurricanes took the No. 2 spot in the district prior to advancing to the UIL-6A-DII Regional Finals, which is a testament to the direction of Houston Texans High School Coach of the Year, Cornelius Anthony, who now enters his fourth season as the HC. With Devyn Phillip (Jr. DL), Austin Bowen (Sr. RB), Kade Phillips (Sr. DB) and Camben Emanuel headline the roster, HHS will waste little time in making a reply to last year’s performance. On the trails, the front-runners for Hightower cross country will likely be Moris Flores, who placed third overall in the 2023 JV District Meet, with William Romero right behind him. Meanwhile, the Sharonda Marshall-led volleyball squad are on the precipice of entering playoff contention.

Simone Wiggins

Cross Country

Athletic Trainers

Faviour Agholor

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Football

Devyn Phillip

Cheer

Volleyball

Moris Flores

Tylan Johnson

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Dylan Turner

Christine Knowles

Lizeth Gil

Ladamion McDowell

McKenzy Lee

C O R N E L I U S A N T H O N Y HIGHTOWER FOOTBALL

COLLEGE Texas A&M (3-year starter, 4-year letterman)

ACCOLADES Houston Texans Coach of the Week (2019) TOUCHDOWN CLUB COACH OF THE YEAR FINALIST (2021) KHOU Red Apple Award Winner (2021) THSCA ROCK MENTOR (2022) FBISD HEAD COACH OF THE YEAR (2021-2022) THSCA Region 5 Beyond the Game Award Winner (2022) THSCA ROCK MENTOR (2023) Houston Texans Coach of the Week (2023) TOUCHDOWN CLUB COACH OF THE YEAR FINALIST (2023) Houston Texans Coach of the Year (2023) NFL Coach of the Year Finalist (2023) Selected to coach the defense of the West team in the Bayou Bowl

DISTRICT TITLES, STATE TITLES 2021 District Champs 4 State Playoff Appearances MOST IMPORTANT MENTORS My Father Cornelius Anthony Coach Rick Carpenter

DEFINE YOUR TEAM CULTURE Our culture at Hightower is to positively impact our student athletes lives for the better by teaching them the HURRICANE FOUR PILLARS OF EXCELLENCE

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT COACHING? “What I love most about coaching above the spirit of competition, above the winning and above the awards and recognition that comes along with coaching, is the influence and impact that our program is having on our community through our players. Through coaching we have the opportunity to have an eternal impact in this earth by molding great young men and women through the platform of sports. The lessons we teach our players if we are intentional will be passed down to their kids who one day in turn will pass on what they have learned from their parents to their kids and this positive cycle will continue for generations to come. I have former players that are now parents that tell me that they teach their children, The 4 Pillars of Excellence! I have coaches who are currently on my staff and coaches who are now at other programs that also teach their children as well as the players in their program, The 4 Pillars of Excellence! That is a legacy that I am absolutely proud of as a coach. My ultimate goal is to make this world a better place long after I am gone one player, one coach at a time. This “Kingdom Mindset” is my contribution to the world while I’m here and my goal is to make such a positive difference in the lives of people that they will be talking about old Coach Anthony and the impact he made long after I am gone from this earth. I’m real big on legacy and coaching provides me the platform and the influence to make a real difference in the lives of the students I serve.”

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Sydney Hatch

O P E N

S E A S O N

KEMPNER COUGARS With the UIL realignment having taken place, Kempner will be seeing a whole new group of district adversaries to contend within Class 5A. Volleyball should continue to be a strong-suit for the Coogs, after they reached the Area Round of last year’s postseason. With Joanna Okusanya (Sr. MB), Chyanne Bates (So. S) and Brooke Bridges (Sr. S) making their return, coach Jennifer Lee and company should anticipate another playoff berth. While they showed limited success last season, Kempner football shows some promise with district second-teamers Grayson Green (Sr. QB), Ellis Sanusi (Sr. LB), Mario James (Sr. WR) and Trung Le (Sr. DB) all coming back. Tennis superstar Noey Do (Rice-commit) returns to the court on the heels of securing his third-consecutive UIL-5A single State Title, and looks to complete a full sweep in his phenomenal high school career. For coach Angela Pierce’s cross country team, expect the likes of Kenna Negassa, Nadia Diaz and Santiago Pirela to flourish, while both water polo clubs continue to develop.

Water Polo

Johanna Castellanos

Grayson Green

Joanna Okusanya

Shemar Smith

Sky Bruce

Cross Country

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Cheer

Abigail Diaz

Athletic Trainers

Kenna Negassa

Noey Do

Water Polo

Football

Volleyball

Nadia Diaz

Saniya Khan

Tennis

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Jilder Zetino

T H E H E R D

MARSHALL BUFFALOES The Buffs suit back up in pads following a year in which they took bronze in the district to secure a playoff berth. While they will be facing some newer competition this Fall due to the realignment, the postseason should still be well within their reach, as coach James Williams brings back the talents of Andre Feast (Sr. WR/second-team), Isaiah Williams (Sr. DB/ first-team) and Caleb Chester (Sr. DB/second-team), just to name a few. Moving over to the volleyball court, the veteran leadership from players such as Zymia Lee-Spizer (Sr. OH), Carmen Bivins (Jr. MB), Serenity Jones (Sr. DS) and Laniah Feagins (Jr. S) will be integral in the team’s resurgence. The same can be said for the tennis program, as Yoselin Ortuno, Christian Garay, Amiya Morrow and Torien Bryant are among the numerous seniors on the squad. Meanwhile, Marshall XC will be headlined by Kenyatta Sterling, Erik Perez, Amee Artiga and Jilder Zetino.

Christian Garay

Volleyball

Football

Athletic Trainers

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Tennis

Kloe Britt

Isaiah Williams

Amee Artiga

Taylor Jones

Cheer

Cross Country

Le’Hanna-Marie Kern

Erik Perez

Lonnie Feagins

Serenity Jones

Tennis

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Andre Feast

Amiya Morrow

Rylee Parker

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Austin Carlisle

WELCOME TO THE

J U N G L E

RIDGE POINT PANTHERS In recent years, Ridge Point has been the undisputed favorites of Fort Bend ISD, in regards to their football and volleyball programs. Under the direction of coach Rick LaFavers, RPHS claimed their fourth-straight undefeated district title on the gridiron, which was followed up by a trip to the UIL-6A-I Area Round. The laundry list of returning stars includes the reigning District Offensive MVP Austin Carlisle (Houston-commit), first-teamers Dane Jones (TCU), Hugh Smith (Jr. OL), Bryson Webber (Nebraska) and Romaire Smith (Jr. DL), as well as second-team selections Jack Ward (Sr. LB), Avery Morcho (Jr. OL) and Jordan Burnett (Jr. OL). The volleyball team welcomes Louise Crite as the new head coach from Katy Taylor. She’ll have more than enough talent to work with, as District MVP Kennedi Rogers (SMU-commit), Aaliyah Smith (Rice), Jayden Robinson (Nebraska) and second-team honoree Addison Menefee each make their return. The Panthers cross country program will look to build on a strong performance from the 2023 District Meet, with Corey Labbe, Emilie Gibbs, Jared Goodwin and Sarah-Catherine Chapman leading the way. In the pool, both water polo teams should only see improvement as the sport gains more recognition.

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Julien George

Football

Athletic Trainers

Water Polo

Cross Country

Water Polo

Volleyball

Jayden Robinson

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Jared Goodwin

Zahria Davis

Cheer

Jordan Burnett

Jordan Walker

Addison Menefee

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Kennedi Rogers

Braxton McKinney

Cross Country

Rease Metro

Mariah McBride

Gianna Riffel

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Brady Slikker

EARNING THEIR S T R I P E S

TRAVIS TIGERS As one of the unequivocally consistent athletics organizations in Fort Bend ISD, Travis prepares to uphold their deep-rooted tradition of success this Fall. Beginning with their most recognizable department, both of the Tigers water polo teams enter 2024 with the highest of expectations, given that each went undefeated a year ago. The boys squad, in particular, advanced three rounds deep into the postseason, and now seeks to replicate that championship-caliber campaign. On the turf, coach Trey Sissom and company are coming off a third-place finish in the district, and bring back plenty of firepower – the most notable of which being first-team, all-district selections David Brewer (Jr. WR) and Davis Kinney (Jr. DB). Travis Volleyball also reached the playoffs last season, and will rely on the talents of first-team honorees Kate Cardona (Sr. OH) and Ava Williams (Sr. S), as well as Jayla Buford (Sr. OH) and Morgan Williams (Sr. RS) to guide the team to its fourth-straight appearance. Additionally, coach Wes Woodruff’s cross country team will be highlighted by Seth Vowell, who placed sixth overall in the 2023 District Meet, alongside Kendall Riedle, Ayden Hogue, Ayana Shakil and Andrew Stuck. Also keep an eye out for Cydni Superville, Veer Mehta and Sierra Hatfield on the tennis courts.

Kendall Riedle

Avery Adams

Athletic Trainers

Volleyball

Jaiyah Reese

Seth Vowell

Football

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David Brewer

Moni Anjous

Water Polo

Nathan Conway

Water Polo

Avery Clendenin

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Rhett Koudelka

Cross Country

Cydni Superville

Cheer

Tennis

Michelle Karaali

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C H R I S T I M A R S H TRAVIS HEAD SWIM AND ASSISTANT COACH WATER POLO

COLLEGE University of Houston - Bachelors Lamar University - Masters

ACCOLADES 2021-2022 District Coach of the Year (Travis Girls Swimming) 2015-2016 Region Coach of the Year (Travis Girls Diving) 2015-2016 District Coach of the Year (Travis Girls Swimming) 2015-2016 District Dive Coach of the Year (Travis Girls Diving) 2014-2015 District Dive Coach of the Year (Travis Girls Diving) MOST IMPRORTANT MENTORS David Bargainer – Head Swim Coach Hastings High School (Retired) Lesley Rienstra - Swim Colleague Katie Anselmo - FBISD District Aquatics Director Mike Duswalt - FBISD District Aquatics Director (Retired)

DISTRICT TITLES, STATE TITLES 2023 District Champions Girls Water Polo (Travis) 2023 District Champions Boys Water Polo (Travis) 2022 District Champions Girls Water Polo (Travis) 2016 State Qualifier Girls Diving (Travis) 2013 to 2024 Girls Swimming Regional Qualifiers (Travis) 2013 to 2024 Boys Swimming Regional Qualifiers (Travis)

RECORD: 2023 - Boys & Girls District Champions in Water Polo 2024 - Region 5 6A Qualifying Boys and Girls Swim Teams

2024 - Thomas Sassen Region 5 6A Bronze medalist in 50 yard Freestyle and 100 Yard Freestyle 2024 - Region 5 6A Final Top 8 200 Freestyle Relay – C. Nilsson, C. Aguilar, J. Woodruff, T. Sassen

DEFINE YOUR PROGRAM’S CULTURE “The culture of our aquatic program is based on a family-like environment that involves traditions and community support. Our coaching staff promotes a ‘challenge accepted’ and ‘all in’ attitude to trust the process of how we train, prepare and compete. Being present, consistent and willing is the atmosphere we present to our athletes, which creates a safe place for athletes to thrive in their sports, training with teammates and interactions within all communities.”

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C O U R T N I E

R A T L I F F WILLOWRIDGE CO-ATHLETIC COORDINATOR HEAD BOYS/GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY COACH & HEAD GIRLS TRACK COACH WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT COACHING

COLLEGE Arizona State University University of Houston

“What I love most about coaching is providing my athletes with a platform to do something that they never thought could be possible and opening up doors that will change their lives forever.” ACCOLADES 2014 and 2024- Willowridge H.S. Coach of the Year 2006 Willowridge Wall of Honor Inductee 2004 Graduated Cum Laude from University of Houston 2002 Conference USA 400-meter Indoor Champion/400 meter Outdoor Champion and Record Holder 2002 NCAA Qualifier 1999 Texas State Champion- 400-meter dash 1997 Texas State Champion – 800-meter relay member 1997 MVP (European Sports Tour, Innsbruck, Austria) 1990-1999 USA Track and Field Junior Olympic Qualifier 1990 USA Junior Olympic 4x400 relay record holder 1996 USA Junior Olympic 4x100 relay record holder

MOST IMPORTANT MENTORS Cynthia Bosie Colbert (Willowridge High School Track Coach) Mary Ayers (Willowridge High School Track Coach) Leroy Burrell (University of Houston Track Coach) DISTRICT OR STATE TITLES 2009 District 23-5A - 800 and 1600-meter relay District Champions (Dulles) 2010 Regional Qualifiers (Dulles) 2011 Regional/State Qualifiers (Dulles) 2014 Regional Qualifiers (Willowridge) 2016 JV Cross Country District Champions (Willowridge) 2017 Regional Qualifiers (Willowridge) 2018 Area/Regional/State Qualifiers (Willowridge) 2022- 2024 Area/Regional Qualifier (Willowridge) HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR PROGRAM’S CULTURE? “Whatever is in me is stronger than what is out there to defeat me.”

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Marely Aragon

F L Y , F L Y E A G L E S , WILLOWRIDGE EAGLES The district will look slightly different for the Eagles in 2024, due to the UIL realignment moving them down to Class 4A. With coach Kendron Penson steering the ship, Willowridge Football will now contend with teams such as Needville, Stafford and Navasota for the top spot in District 12-4A-I. The veteran leadership of first teamer Tylon Rydolph (Sr. LB), Royce Wilson (UTEP-commit) and Terry Wade Jr. (Jr. OL/second-team) should propel the roster in their effort to make a statement this Fall. Similarly, seniors such as Laila Morrison, Tarah Batiste, Charleia Anderson and Kyla O’Neil should buoy the volleyball team, as they make their debut in District 21-4A. On the trails, Dana Ajpacaja, Jose Cruz Cabrera, Je’Layiah Wilson and James Gonzalez will be the front-runners for Willowridge XC, while Elexis Mendez, Marely Aragon and Mayra Chavez lead a relatively youthful Eagles tennis program.

Cheer

Cameron Beasley

Jose Cruz Cabrera

Laila Morrison

Nereyda Fuentes

Football

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Volleyball

Kennedy Binder

Elexis Mendez

Shanell Alexander

Cross Country

Tennis

Athletic Trainers

Royce Wilson

Judith Rivera

Cross Country

FOLLOW US! FORT BEND ISD ATHLETICS @FBISDATHLETICS

AN INITIATIVE FOUNDED BY

THE THREE PILLARS OF THE TEXAS WAY To coach, play, o o ciate, or support The Texas Way means you commit to the following three pillars: WHAT IS THE TEXAS WAY? The Texas Way TM is a collaborative campaign between THSCA, THSADA, and 2Words Character Development to: IMPROVE the level of sportsmanship at UIL sporting events. DECREASE the number of ejections at UIL sporting events. STRENGTHEN communities and the relationships between coaches, athletes, o o cials, and fans.

Respect for Others is a commitment to give respect to all participants (coaches, players, o o cials, and fans) because of who I am, not because of what they do. Respect, The Texas Way, is given generously.

Control of Self is a commitment to give

Spirit of Competition is a commitment to give everything we have to be the absolute best we can be, and to put our team in the best position to win, but we will not sacri fi ce our integrity to do it. Competition, The Texas Way, is about more than a scoreboard.

boundaries to our thoughts, words, and actions, and to control our anger in the face of competition and adversity. Self Control, The Texas Way, is to handle adversity with class, and keep your anger in check.

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