Klein Spring 2024

KLEIN ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

KLEINISD.NET

2024 SPRING EDITION

KLEIN ISD ATHLETICS SHAKING UP THE COMPETITION

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KLEIN ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

KLEINISD.NET

2024 SPRING EDITION

KLEIN ISD ATHLETICS SHAKING UP THE COMPETITION

on the cover

Photo by Bradley C. Collier

SHAKING UP THE COMPETITION: Oak’s Rylee Ferranti, Cain’s Blaine Bullard, Klein High’s Quint Erwin, Forest’s Kyaliah Davis, Cain’s John Clark, Collins’ Za’Riya Bell-Morris and Oak’s Grace Culver are making a stir in Houston with their brilliant play. A SPECIAL THANKS TO DENNY’S

Sophie Smith, Klein Oak, Missouri-signee

I’m so proud to share with you the amazing accomplishments our students and staff have achieved so far in Klein ISD as we celebrate our “AAA” school district known for its tradition of excellence in Academics, the Arts, and Athletics. Klein ISD’s athletic success is made possible through the collective efforts of our parents, fans, and community members, and it’s a joy to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our student-athletes across both winter and spring sports seasons in Klein ISD. I was especially proud to see our elite student athletes who are set to continue their athletic careers at top universities nationwide on National Signing Day, which was a momentous occasion for our Klein, Texas community. Congratulations to these students, their families, and their coaches on this significant achievement! Together, we are a winning team, and I am honored to share in the joy of your accomplishments!

Gratefully,

My name is Brandon Baker, and I’m honored to be the Executive Director of Athletics & Student Services for this outstanding school district. I’ve been a member of the Klein ISD Family since 2007 and most recently served as the principal of Klein High School. I have a lifelong love of athletics, having wanted to become a coach ever since I was a kid in elementary school. I took that enthusiasm and focused it on being the best teacher, coach, and that I could be for students throughout my career. As the leader of Klein ISD Athletics, I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for athletics and the leadership experiences that I’ve gained with the incredibly talented student-athletes and dedicated coaches throughout Klein ISD. I’m excited to be a part of the hard work, talent, and commitment of these incredible individuals who continue to make Klein ISD a top-rated district. Your support is what fuels our students' drive and passion, ensuring the legacy of Klein ISD's Athletic Program continues. I’m excited to get to know all of you, and as we move forward, let’s continue to cheer on our student-athletes, celebrating every victory and supporting them through every challenge.

KLEIN ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Doug James

Cathy Arellano

Dustin Creager

President

Secretary

Vice President Klein ISD Parent Klein Volunteer Firefighter

Klein ISD Parent Klein ISD Grandparent

Retired Klein ISD Educator Klein ISD Parent

Ronnie Anderson Trustee

Trustee Rob Ellis

Klein ISD Alum Klein ISD Parent

Klein ISD Alum Klein ISD Parent Klein ISD Second-Generation Board Member

Dustin Qualls Trustee Klein ISD Parent

Chris Todd Trustee Klein ISD Alum Klein ISD Parent

Klein high photo feature

Caleb Evans

Gabrielle Halliburton

Jacob Ellerd, Evan Duncan, Isaac Sheeran and Kenny Nichols

Corliyah Payne, Abi Diamond, Alissa Bryant and Marckalia Celestine

THE KLEIN BEARKATS KICKED OFF THE SEASON WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS LED BY WRESTLER ISAAC SHEERAN, WHO DEFENDED HIS 2023 STATE TITLE, GIVING HIM BACK-TO-BACK GOLD MEDALS. THE GIRLS SOCCER PROGRAM STEPS ONTO THE PITCH WITH NEW LEADERSHIP, AS KLEIN HIGH ALUM KELLY BENDELE TAKES OVER THE REINS OF THE TEAM AFTER SERVING AS AN ASSISTANT COACH FOR FIVE YEARS. BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL ARE POSITIONING THEMSELVES FOR A PLAYOFF SPOT IN A TOUGH DISTRICT, LED BY CALEB EVANS AND ABI DIAMOND, RESPECTIVELY. QUINT ERWIN AND EMMA SMOTEK ARE THE HEADLINERS FOR COACH JIM SVOBODA’S SWIM TEAM. COLD FRONT

Brad Tran

Nick Ivins, Caleb Evans, Xavier Westmoreland and Xavier Zerai

Quint Erwin, Trenton Cassens and Ethan Samuels

kleinisd.net // SPRING 2024 // KLEIN ISD // 5

Klein high photo feature

Navidad Martinez, Sienna Batiste, Abby Ewing and Alissa Perez

Ethan Samuels

Kenneth Nichols & Evan Duncan

Anthony Blankenship, Brad Tran, Jared Narvaez and Enrique Ventura

Abi Diamond

Victoria Delatorre, Maria Swanson, Gabrielle Halliburton, Olivia Knight and Samantha Stephens

Marckalia Celestine

Emma Smotek, Ava McCormack, Kinnley Shanor and Kalie Shanor

Xavier Westmoreland

Alissa Perez

Klein high photo feature

Jebediah Gordon

Kamdyn Spencer

John Stewart

Tawnie Martin

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SPRING HAS SPRUNG AS KLEIN HIGH HEADS TO THE OUTDOORS FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS OF PLAY. CARRYING THE BATON FOR THE BEARKATS TRACK AND FIELD ARE KATIE KOONTS (TULSA-COMMIT) AND NALA BEST ON THE GIRLS’ SIDE, WHILE JAXON LEWIS AND TORREY PAUL HEADLINE THE BOYS SQUAD. ON THE DIAMOND, COACH BARRY SMITH HAS A LOADED LINEUP WITH BANKSTON LEMBCKE (PARIS JC), JEBEDIAH GORDON (CENTENARY) AND JEREMIAH TORRES (RANGER COLLEGE), WHILE COACH JESSICA LANGE LEANS ON KENNEDY CUTBIRTH TO LEAD A YOUNG SOFTBALL SQUAD. JOHN STEWART AND EMMA VICKERS WILL CAPTAIN THE GOLF TEAMS. OUT OF HIBERNATION

Megan Meinhardt, Kennedy Cutbirth, Alana Padill, Paityn Lee and Mikayla Holcomb

Olivia Ruiz, Katie Koonts, Amalia Gonzalez, Kamdyn Spencer and Nola Best

Cameron Chambers

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Klein high photo feature

Kennedy Cutbirth

Christopher Loorkhoor

Kendall Huch, Emma Vickers, Isabelle Thompson, Kenley Helm and Tawnie Martin

Jaxson Lewis, Torrey Paul, Christopher Loorkhoor, Rian Torres and Xavier Westmoreland

Jeremiah Torres, Javier Rodriguez, Cameron Chambers, Bankston Lembcke, Jebediah Gordon and Brody Kouns

Alana Pedilla

August Schindler, Noah Goerlich, John Stewart, Gage Peterson and Grant Nicholson

Xavier Westmoreland

kleinisd.net // SPRING 2024 // KLEIN ISD // 11

Klein high

cover story

\\ By Matt Malatesta ERWIN FOUND HIS “CLIQUE” IN KLEIN SWIM A VIBE

“I’m looking at getting to state,” he said. “I also want to go back to the Junior Nationals and eventually swim in college.” Erwin found himself in the pool. “I tried all the sports growing up,” he said. “I just found my clique with swim. I love being with my friends and I also like getting up early to practice. It makes me feel like I’ve done something during the day.” What does he listen to before a big race? “This sounds weird, but I listen to country music ballads,” he said. “Something like Jimmy Buffett or Kenny Chesney. My heart rate is super high during a meet, I need something to calm me down.” Outside of the pool, Erwin is the outdoorsy-type. “I love to fish, bike, hike and water ski,” he said. “I love the beach or biking the trails of Colorado. I could see myself travelling to state parks across the country when I’m older and being a part-time park ranger. I’m also dabbling into art a little bit.” His uniqueness doesn’t stop there. “I’m big into reading about history,” he said. “My favorite subjects are Henry Ford and Alexander Hamilton. They are really fascinating.” QT Erwin beats to his own drum, which is unique in the world of high school where everyone is trying to just fit in. That sets him apart as he swims upstream in pursuit of his goals.

“What really kept me inspired happened during my freshman year,” he said. “Every season, Coach Svoboda pulls up one swimmer from the junior varsity to swim in the varsity district meet. He picked me. That has really kept me going. It gave me so much confidence.” Two years later, he has lofty goals entering the 2024 season.

I would be QT.” It has stuck ever since. “I know when you run it together it sounds like cutie,” he laughs. “I get that all the time. It’s a conversation starter, for sure.” Erwin enters his junior season as one of leaders of the Bearkat swim and dive team, specializing in the 200 butterfly and 50 freestyle.

WHEN A NICKNAME FITS, IT JUST STICKS. Quint “QT” Erwin loves the story. “One of my closest friends is named Quinn and I am Quint,” he said. “Coach Svoboda would call out ‘Quinn’ and we would both turn and head his way. It was super confusing and annoying for all of us. Coach made the decision that he would be Quinn and

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Cover story

Klein cain

\\ By Matthew Ogle CAIN’S CLARK IS THE LIFE OF THE PARTY GOOD VIBES ONLY

“The college recruitment is honestly a blessing. I can’t thank God enough for it. That motivates me to go harder, because I know that everybody is going for my head and wants to be where I am. Because of that, I know that I’ve got to bring it every game, every practice and every workout.” It’s not only his work ethic that sets Clark apart from the rest, however. His greatest asset is far less tangible. “I feel like I’m a pretty cool guy to talk to,” he said. “I tend to interact with everyone. I guess my being a good vibe makes me unique. Being sociable is useful anywhere you go, so that’s going to help me in life.” It’s no wonder that he and his teammates have the chemistry they do. “We’re not only friends on the court,” Clark said. “We do stuff off the court together which correlates the game, and that’s why we’re so well-rounded and play so well together. “The most fun memory I have with the guys is during my sophomore year, when we were in Dallas for a tournament. We were all in the hotel and brought our SplatRBall guns. We stayed staying up late, getting keys to each other’s rooms and messing with each other. It was great.” With another year left in his high school career, there’s still plenty of time for more memories to be made. Perhaps a district title and more?

combination for my skill-set and height.” Clark has programs such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M, Texas and Sam Houston State, among others recruiting him during his junior season. But, it all starts at home for the Klein Cain hooper. “My biggest motivation is definitely my family,” he said. “I want to make sure that my family is straight and get them in a better place down the line.

basketball league and ever since then I just kind of fell in love with the game.” Despite his humble beginnings, Clark’s journey thereafter has ascended him to become one of the top college prospects in the state of Texas in the Class of 2025. “I feel like what gives me an edge on the court is my rebounding ability,” said Clark. “I have a high motor when I’m playing, so I feel like both of those aspects provide a useful

HAVING A 6-FOOT-8 FRAME WITH THE SKILL-SET TO BACK IT UP TENDS TO BRING AUDIENCES TO THE CONCLUSION THAT JOHN CLARK HAS BEEN A STAR ATHLETE ALL HIS LIFE. However, it might come as a shock that Klein Cain’s premier power forward wasn’t always the picture of athleticism you see now. “When I was younger I was a pretty chubby kid, so my Mom wanted me to get into sports,” he said. “She signed me up for the YMCA

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Klein cain photo feature

Morgan Nance

Ava Cuellar

Jose Sandoval, Landon Clark, Jake Cruz and Ramal Anglin

Jada Colbert

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THE BIG MAN ON CAMPUS THIS WINTER FOR KLEIN CAIN IS UNDOUBTEDLY JOHN CLARK, WHO IS GUIDING THE HURRICANES TO A POTENTIALLY HISTORIC SEASON AS THEY PURSUE THE TEAM’S FIRST DISTRICT TITLE. CAMRYN BECK AND JADA COLBERT CREATE A DYNAMIC DUO ON THE GIRLS’ SIDE OF THE COURT. ON THE PITCH, TEAGAN MADDUX AND COURTNEY CALLANAN HEADLINE COACH CHRISTIE MESTAYER’S CLUB WHICH NARROWLY MISSED THE POSTSEASON IN 2023. THE BOYS AIM FOR A RETURN TO THE PLAYOFFS, WITH ADRIAN CHAVIRA AND SAMUEL REYES LEADING THE ATTACK. GABRIELLA VON HAVEN AND JAKE CRUZ WILL CAPTAIN THE WRESTLING TEAM. THE HURRICANES ARE EXPLOSIVE IN THE POOL, ALWAYS CHALLENGING FOR A DISTRICT SWIM TITLE. JAMES GOTTFRIED (BROWN-COMMIT) IS A NAME TO REMEMBER. STORM WARNING

Eric Rangel

Talyn Naylor, Gabriella VonHaven, Allison Gonzalez and Madison Mansour

Nick Delgado, John Clark, Koye Rondeno and Braden Fobbs

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Klein cain photo feature

Braden Fobbs

Lola Hackradt, Jada Colbert, Camryn Beck and Sariah Fuentes

Landon Clark & Jake Cruz

Rebecca Wylie, Jordyn Sims, Ava Cuellar and Ava Mendez

Riley Sadosky, Nathan Martinez, Adrian Chavira and Samuel Reyes

Nathan Martinez

Catherine Benavente, Morgan Nance, Courtney Callanan and Isabel Garcia

TaylorLee Goebel, Eric Rangel, James Gottfried and Christopher Harris

Koye Rondeno

Lola Hackradt

Klein cain photo feature

Carlo Almendarez, Justin Gilmore, Ian Standlee, Cooper McEnroe and Blaine Bullard

Joshua McGown

Felicity Hamilton, Daisha Rodgers, Kiyah Rawls, Tirea Reed and Journey Jones

Darius Rodgers

Amia Shead & Reighlyn Jefferson

AS THE CLOUDS PART FROM THE WINTER SKY, THE SPRING LOOKS TO BE SUNNY FOR KLEIN CAIN. ON THE GOLF COURSE, ZOE HOBBS AIMS TO CAP OFF HER HIGH SCHOOL CAREER IN STYLE BEFORE HEADING TO ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM. THE BASEBALL TEAM HAS TREMENDOUS TALENT, SUCH AS BLAINE BULLARD (TEXAS A&M), COOPER MCENROE (NORTHWESTERN STATE), AND IAN STANDLEE (ARMY), WHICH SHOULD ENSURE A PLAYOFF BERTH. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DIAMOND, COACH ERIN PLEDGER WILL NEED TO HAVE BIG SEASONS FROM SOPHOMORES AMIA SHEAD AND REIGHLYN JEFFERSON ON THE MOUND. KLEIN CAIN BOYS TRACK IS GOING TO BE INCREDIBLY BALANCED WITH AN ASSORTMENT OF ELITE SPRINTERS, JUMPERS AND THROWERS. THE GIRLS ARE LED BY FELICITY HAMILTON AND SOPHOMORE JOURNEY JONES. BRIGHT FORECAST

Kiyah Rawls

Layla Mendez, Yaretzi Islas, Kaylee Kang, Taylor Theriot and Zoe Hobbs

Tyrell Willis, Darius Lewis, Darius Rodgers and D’Vonte Williams

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Klein cain photo feature

Leilaniz Nieves, Delilah Gonzalez, Amia Shead, Reighlyn Jefferson, Jazmine Freeman and Madison Luark

D’Vonte Williams

Lex Barlow, Keaton Blume, Joshua McGown, Jaxson Dittmer and Jake Robinson

Daisha Rodgers

Ian Standlee

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Cover Story

Klein collins

\\ By Matt Malatesta KLEIN COLLINS’ BELL-MORRIS A BIG PIECE TO TIGERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP PUZZLE ONE BLOCK AT A TIME

however, the superstar athlete enjoys being a kid. “I love anime, listening to ‘Lil Boosie and dancing,” she laughed. “I’m in the outfield just dancing away between outs and especially during my walk out song.” And, of course, building Legos.

she explained. “Then outfielders who can hit, and that is me. I have taken a few visits and I’ve found that I want to go Division I, but not too big of a DI. I’m looking for a smaller school and when I step on the campus, I’m like ‘wow’. A fun program with a nice environment.” In the meantime,

Bell-Morris had a big sophomore season at the plate and patrolled the outfield for Klein Collins and in summer ball. Her abilities have drawn the attention of college scouts and her phone is starting to ring. “In recruiting, colleges take pitchers and catchers first, then middle infielders,”

KLEIN COLLINS SOFTBALL DOMINATED DISTRICT PLAY IN 2023 AND ADVANCED TO THE THIRD ROUND OF THE POSTSEASON. BUT THAT ISN’T THAT FAR-FETCHED, SEEING THAT THE TIGERS HAVE REACHED THE STATE FINALS AS EARLY AS 2012 AND 2019. They have that look again heading into 2024 with the likes of Texas State signee Savannah Carter and Northwestern State signee Ary Garcia leading a talented senior class. However, junior Za’Riya Bell-Morris will continue to build her high school resume after a breakout season last year. She could be the key to the Tigers’ run for Red and Charline McCombs Field and the State Tournament. “I like positivity,” Bell Morris said. “We have that in this team… a good vibe. We have great pitching, defense and we are an explosive team on offense. We lost to Langham Creek in the third-round last year, but I think we have the pieces in place to make it all the way to State.” Speaking of pieces, when Bell-Morris isn’t running down softballs in the outfield or punishing pitchers in the batter’s box, she is settling into her favorite hobby. “It sounds crazy, but I love building Legos,” she laughed. “If I got one Christmas gift, I would want a Lego set. I just built a Bonsai Tree of Legos. It is beautiful! I don’t know, with all it takes to be a student-athlete, it helps me breathe, focus and lock in to connecting blocks. It’s how I take time for myself.”

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Klein collins photo feature

Andrea Nunez

Sofia Palma, Meadow Kessler, Taylor Welker, Gisselle Garza and Mya Young

Sam Hinson, Boedy Zentz, Ryland Abad and Ryan Kelley

Almoni Malone, Aaron Perez, Gregory Jackson and Frederick Taylor

Makayla Noe, Raegan Mulloy and Loricia Awad

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THE KLEIN COLLINS TIGERS OPENED THE WINTER POUNCING ON THE COMPETITION, WITH THE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM DOMINATING THE DISTRICT AS AN AREA POWER, LED BY CHRISTIN CALLENS (ST. MARY’S-COMMIT). ADDITIONALLY, FRESHMAN A’NIYAH HARMON HAS BURST ONTO THE SCENE AND WILL BE A FUTURE STAR IN THE CITY. THE BOYS HAVE BATTLED FOR A PLAYOFF SPOT BEHIND THE STELLAR PLAY OF SENIORS AARON PEREZ AND GREG JACKSON III. JAKE BERRARA (UT-TYLER) WILL LEAD THE BOYS SOCCER PROGRAM, WHILE MEADOW KESSLER (BLYNN) WILL ANCHOR THE KC DEFENSE ON THE GIRLS’ SIDE. MAKAYLA NOE IS A SPEEDSTER IN THE POOL AND IS COMMITTED TO ST. PETER’S UNIVERSITY. THE WATER POLO TEAM SHOWED MARKED IMPROVEMENT THIS SEASON. ON THE MAT, ANIYEA DICKERSON (HOWARD) AND ASHON FOSTER HEADLINE THE WRESTLING TEAM. CLAWS OUT

Grace Davis, Grant Showan, Taegen Hejl, Tommy Watson, Kamryn Carson, Luke Johnson and Gabriella Vazquez

A’Niyah Harmon, McKinley Coleman, Brooklyn Bailey, Alana Fontenot and Christin Callens

Dedrick Young, Jayden Flagle, Ashon Foster and Daniel Chacon

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Klein collins photo feature

Ulises Diaz, Godfrey Ponce, Jake Berrada, Andres Palma and Bridge Mwambukiri

Godfrey Ponce

Sam Hinson

McKinley Coleman

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Mya Young

Loricia Awad

Gregory Jackson

Andrea Nunez, Aniyea Dickerson, Darlyn Medrano and Gabriella Martinez

kleinisd.net // SPRING 2024 // KLEIN ISD // 25

Klein collins

photo feature

Khalia Duffy

Tori Petrovich, Meadow Kessler and Angelina Dinh

Jacob Vasquez

Jonathan Juarez, Dylan Jasek, Grayson Murillo, Chase Madden, Brice Romero and Quinton Jefferson

Jarrod Penright

KLEIN COLLINS HAS SET ITS SIGHTS ON GOLD, ESPECIALLY IN SOFTBALL. THE TIGERS WENT THREE ROUNDS DEEP IN THE PLAYOFFS A YEAR AGO, AND CURRENTLY MAINTAIN THAT CHAMPIONSHIP-CALIBER LOOK WITH SAVANNAH CARTER (TEXAS STATE-COMMIT), ZA’RIYA BELL-MORRIS, AND ARIANAYS GARCIA (NORTHWESTERN STATE) ALL RETURNING TO THE DIAMOND. QUINTON JEFFERSON (RANGER COLLEGE), ALONGSIDE PITCHERS CHASE MADDEN AND GRAYSON MURILLO HAVE BIG-GAME EXPERIENCE FOR KC BASEBALL, AS THEY ALSO SEEK A RETURN TO THE POSTSEASON. ON THE TRACK, DAVID JOHNSON (TEXAS A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI) LEADS THE BOYS TEAM, WHILE BROOKLYN BARGER (SFA) WILL RACK UP POINTS FOR THE GIRLS. MEADOW KESSLER (BLYNN) WILL PROVIDE LOW SCORES FOR THE GIRLS GOLF TEAM, WHILE NOAH GUINN WILL AIM TO SHOOT UNDER PAR FOR THE BOYS. FEAR THE ROAR

Arianays Garcia

Ahnye’ Jones, Brooklyn Barger, Khalia Duffy, Ava Flugence and Laila Holliday

Noah Guinn, Timo Pozza, Ethan DeHoyos, Grayson Murillo and Jacob Vasquez

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Klein collins photo feature

David Johnson

Arianays Garcia, Za’Riya Bell-Morris, Savannah Carter, Devyn Davenport and Mia Quiroga

Lalla Holliday

Angelina Dinh

David Johnson, Micah Washington, Evan Ealy and Andrew Jones

Jonathan Juarez

SCHOLAR STARS

Chris Gant

Elijah Boone

Jaxon Dicus

Christin Callens

Alyssa Brown

Savannah Carter

Edward James Gottfried

Baylor University Cheer

Texas State Softball

Stephen F. Austin Football

St. Mary’s University Basketball

Brown University Swimming

Stetson University Football

University of North Texas Football

Hunter Hendry

Zoë Hobbs

Robert Graves

Lawson Jacobs

Felicity Hamilton

Kathryn Koonts

Michael Martinez

University of Alabama at Birmingham Golf

University of North Texas Track

Tulsa University Cross Country

Texas A&M Commerce Football

Samford University Cross Country/Track

University of St. Thomas Baseball

University of Incarnate Word Track

Talyn Naylor

Tucker Parks

Rodney Ojo

Jabari McAlmont

Daniela Mendez

Antoine Milon

Gibson Pyle

Rice University Football

Western Kentucky Football

University of Houston Cross Country

St. Mary’s University Wrestling

Northwestern State Football

University of Nebraska Football

Prairie View A&M Football

Ahmir Robinson

Matt Scott

Tirea

Ary Santana-Garcia

Lucas Scheerhorn

Anya Rodricks

Kennedy Rinehart

Reed

University of Houston Track & Field

Sam Houston State Cheer

Northwestern State Softball

University of Texas Baseball

University of LA Track

University of Texas Rowing

Kennesaw State Football

Darryl Young

Sophie Smith

Michael Wilson

Central Arkansas Football

Arkansas Little Rock Track

University of Missouri Softball

30 \\ KLEIN ISD \\ SPRING 2024 \\ kleinisd.net *Current as of February 2024

FOOTBALL Sam Coleman • Texas Wesleyan Brock Dodge • Hendrix College Mason Faye • Oklahoma Baptist Jabaris Gaines • Langston University Jabre Gaines • Langston University Kolin Garner • Blinn Junior College Carson Johnson • Midwestern State University TJ Jones • Blinn Junior College Carson Johnson • Midwestern State University Will LeBlanc • UT Permian Basin Jaxon Lewis • Southern Nazarene University Brady Marshall • Sul Ross State Isaac Mooring III • UT Permian Basin Abhinav Pothuri • Washington University Kory Pradia • Texas Wesleyan University Beldon Smith • Midwestern State University Kamrin Waddy • Bethany College Kelvin Williams • Benedictine University GOLF Meadow Kessler • Blinn College Emma Vickers • Bluefield University LACROSSE Jazzmin Jackson • University of Charleston Kyndell Jackson • Anderson University BASEBALL Chase Childs • Dallas Christian College Tanner Cooper • Hill College EJ Garcia • Coastal Bend College Jeb Gordon • Centenary College of Louisiana Austin Hardy • Wharton Junior College Gage Kooyers • Cisco College Bankston Lembcke • Paris Junior College Reed Osborne • Western Texas College Javier Rodriguez • NJIT Makoy Stone • UT Permian Basin Josh Szabo • East Texas Baptist University Jeremiah Torres • Ranger College

SOCCER Jake Berrada • UT Tyler Ariana Diaz • McPherson College Gabrielle Halliburton • Maryville College Riley Knox • St. Edwards University

SOFTBALL

Trinnity Blatz • Angelina Junior College Keirsten Bradshaw • Angelina Community College Mia Quiroga • University of St. Thomas Brielle Moreland • University of Mary Hardin Baylor Dani Reynoso • San Jacinto Community College

VOLLEYBALL Olivia Murillo • Colorado School of Mines Kinslee Smith • Erskine College Alexis Waddy • Erskine College Faith Williams • Odessa College Maggie Hunt • Nebraska (Kearney) Makayla Noe • St. Peter's University SWIM WRESTLING Abby Ewing • University of Jamestown Kennedi Lewis • William Penn College Isaac Sheeren • Lander University

Klein Forest photo feature

Shayda Fletcher, Mar’Reonna Little and Kaiya Carter

Jeidi Diaz

Kory Pradia, Trenton Burkhalter Jr., James Dancy and Leonardo Salazar

Nadine Sanchez

Matthew Johnson

THE KLEIN FOREST GOLDEN EAGLES HAVE BEEN A BASKETBALL POWER UNDER THE DIRECTION OF LONG-TIME COACH CARY BLACK. OMAR DAVIS, MATTHEW JOHNSON, DAMARIAN JACKSON, AND CHASE SANDERS ARE THE LEAD BIRDS AS KLEIN FOREST CHASES A PLAYOFF SPOT. THE GIRLS ARE A GUARD-HEAVY GROUP WITH THE LIKES OF KAIYA CARTER, SHAYDA FLETCHER AND NEIMAN BERRY RUNNING THE FLOOR. SOCCER COACH LUIS OCHOA HOPES TO GET OVER THE HUMP IN 2024 AFTER NARROWLY MISSING THE POSTSEASON LAST YEAR. MARVIN JUAREZ AND DENNY ALCANTARA LEAD THE ATTACK, WHILE ALEJANDRA ROMO AND DARLA ARTOLA HEADLINE THE GIRLS TEAM. THE WRESTLING PROGRAM HAS INCREASED IN NUMBERS, WHILE SENIOR ELIZABETH MACIAS GIVES THE SWIM TEAM VALUABLE EXPERIENCE. RISE UP

Leila Garcia

Denny Alcantara, Marvin Juarez, Anthony Zavala and German Garcia

Ximena Medellin, Arizel Aguilar, Hayley Castro and Elizabeth Macias

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Klein Forest photo feature

Hayley Castro

Omar Davis

Kaiya Carter

Tamia Sabari-Brown, Jade Turner, Jeidi Diaz and Heven Turner

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Maxine Bravo, Nadine Sanchez, Alejandra Romo, Darla Artola, Leila Garcia and Samantha Ventura-Guerra

Damarian Jackson, Omar Davis, Chase Sanders and Matthew Johnson

Kory Pradia

Denny Alcantara

Klein forest

cover story

\\ By Matt Malatesta KLEIN FOREST’S DAVIS BUILDING ON IMPRESSIVE TRACK RESUME THE 411

THE KLEIN FOREST GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD TEAM EARNED A PAIR OF GOLD MEDALS AT THE STATE MEET IN 2023 AS THEY CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THEIR ILLUSTRIOUS RESUME ON THE OVAL. So, what will the Eagles do for an encore? Back on the oval is junior sprinter Kyaliah Davis, who helped lead Klein Forest to gold in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays in Austin. “We are great at relays because we are really close as a team,” she said. “You have to have great chemistry to get the stick around the track. The hand offs win or lose the race for you and we practice really hard at it.” While the girls’ team had a tremendous 2023, winning silver at State, the boys took gold. “We practice together and are all great friends,” she said of her boy counterparts. “They make us better, but we always argue with them about who is going to win State. It’s all in good fun.” As the track season turns from practices to meets, Klein Forest and Davis will have a bull’s eye on their backs as soon as they get off the bus. They welcome the competition. In our 411 feature, we get into the head of one of the state’s top sprinters… Kyaliah Davis. VYPE: What makes a great track athlete? DAVIS : It’s really 20-percent athleticism and 80-percent mental. If you are mentally strong, the track part will take care of itself. VYPE: What is your dream car?

DAVIS: My Dad. He coaches me in AAU track and he has really pushed me to where I am today. VYPE: How did you get into track? DAVIS: My sister started running, so I just followed her early on. She quit after a month and I’ve stuck with in ever since.

DAVIS: Arkansas VYPE: What is your favorite movie? DAVIS: Really, any scary movie. VYPE: W hat can you see yourself doing in 10 years? DAVIS: Being a veterinarian. VYPE: Who is your inspiration?

DAVIS: A Dodge Challenger VYPE: Where is your dream vacation? DAVIS: Hawaii VYPE: What is your favorite place to eat? DAVIS: That’s easy, Wing Stop. VYPE: What is your dream college?

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KLEIN FOREST HAS EMERGED AS A STATE POWER TRACK AND FIELD SCHOOL. THE BOYS WON THE CLASS 6A STATE TITLE IN 2023 AND IN 2019 UNDER THE DIRECTION OF LEGENDARY COACH REMON SMITH. BACK ON THE TRACK IS STAR AHMIR ROBINSON (INCARNATE WORD) AND SENIOR TEAMMATES JOSEPH AJAYI, LAWSON JACOBS (UL-L) AND KYZLER JOHNSON. WATCH OUT TEXAS, HERE COME THE GOLDEN EAGLES, BUT IT’S NOT ONLY THE BOYS. THE GIRLS FINISHED SECOND AT THE STATE MEET IN 2023 AND ARE LOADED AGAIN. THE LADIES WON THE 4X100 AND 4X200 RELAYS AT STATE AND LOOK TO DEFEND THEIR TITLES. KYALIAH DAVIS, MAR’REONNA LITTLE AND AVIA JONES WILL ANCHOR THE TEAM FOR COACH SHANNON WRIGHT. MICHAEL MARTINEZ (ST. THOMAS) AND BELDON SMITH (MIDWESTERN STATE) ARE NAMES TO LOOK OUT FOR ON THE DIAMOND, WHILE SENIOR SHORTSTOPS JAYLA TOLEDO AND MARIAH VASQUEZ ARE ATHLETIC AROUND THE BASES FOR THE SOFTBALL TEAM. ON YOUR MARK

Shiliane Kent, Zuhnyae Little, Keniya Simpson, Janiyah McDonald, Makayla Baptiste, Ayana Lowe, Kyaliah Davis, Avia Jones, Maddison Evans and Tenia Morris

Ahmir Robinson

Jayla Toledo

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Klein Forest photo feature

Jayla Toledo, Lily De La Torre, Mariah Vasquez, Izabella Diaz and Alicia Martinez

Avia Jones

Kaiden Sziy

Avery Warren, Chloey Garcia, Jaquelin Garcia, Gabrielle Apodara, Sydney Vo and Angelina Huynh

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Kyzler Johnson, Lawson Jacobs, Ahmir Robinson and Joseph Ajayi

Michael Martinez

Francisco Chapa, Kaiden Sziy, Michael Martinez, Beldon Smith, Logan White and Andrew Flores

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Klein oak photo feature

Bella Leggiero & Kaitlyn Kelly

Brennan Webb

Kira Schkade, Riley Knox, Trinity Jefferson and Grace Culver

Laita Perez

Maci Mote

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AFTER MAKING SCHOOL HISTORY WITH AN APPEARANCE IN THE 2023 REGIONAL FINAL, COACH JOSHUA ERVIN HAS SET THE BAR HIGH FOR KLEIN OAK HOOPS. THE PANTHERS WILL EARN A PLAYOFF WITH THE HELP OF ISAIAH WALKER, BRYSON HOLMES, AND BRENNAN WEBB. THEIR FEMALE COUNTERPARTS ARE THRIVING, WITH FRESHMAN MACI MOTE LEADING THE WAY. KHLOE VAUGHN AND KIANA VEGA PROVIDE SUPPORT IN SCORING AND EXPERIENCE. ON THE PITCH, THE GIRLS SOCCER TEAM IS AIMING TO SURPASS THEIR THIRD-ROUND PLAYOFF APPEARANCE FROM A YEAR AGO. THE PANTHERS BRING BACK SCORERS GRACE CULVER AND RILEY KNOX. MEANWHILE, THE BOYS ARE LOOKING TO RE-ENTER THE DISTRICT CONVERSATION. REIGNING STATE CHAMPION RYLEE FERRANTI HEADLINES A TALENTED WRESTLING GROUP, WITH ASPIRATIONS FOR A REPEAT. ISABELLA LEGGIERO AND ANDREW CARLSON LEAD A YOUTHFUL SWIM TEAM. PANTHER PRIDE

Miguel Lamadrid

Dino Navarro, Jayden Jones, Christian Aranda and Carter Canizaro

Bryson Holmes, Isaiah Walker, Brenna Webb and Noah Franklin

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Klein oak photo feature

Christian Arando

Maci Mote, Khloe Vaughn, Kiana Vega and Londyn Colon

Michael Reese

Jonah Marquez & Andrew Carlson

Dino Navarro

Bryson Holmes

Chloe Hanes, Laita Perez, Rylee Ferranti and Malaina Jones

Riley Knox

Khloe Vaughn

Alexis Hernandez, Miguel Lamadrid, Wilmer Quintero and Michael Rees

Kira Schkade

Noah Franklin

Klein oak Cover Story

\\ By Matthew Ogle OAK’S FERRANTI IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN LOCKED IN

statement feels more like a promise than a prediction. But, just how is it that Ferranti maintains this level of laser-focus? “I’ve always had things going on in my life. It can all pile up on you, if you let it,” she said. “If I always have something to keep striving for, that just keeps me going and focused on the good things. “If I want to be the best of the best, nothing is stopping me, except for myself,” she said. With maturity beyond her years, coupled with her unwavering determination, it won’t come as a shock to see Ferranti live out her dreams in the near future. The first step is an undefeated State Championship in her junior season.

Ferranti isn’t done, yet. “I feel like I can always improve,” she said. “If you don’t have that mindset, then you’ll never get better. Thinking you’ve hit your peak just slows you down. My goal this year was plain and simple – I wanted to go undefeated.” Mission accomplished. Her goals don’t end at the high school level. Ferranti naturally has her sights set on even greater ambitions. “Long-term, I intend to take this to the collegiate level and I’m eventually going all the way up to the Olympics,” said Ferranti. “I don’t care how good of shape I need to get in or the mental pressure that comes with it. If I put my mind to it, I will get there.” Considering all she has already accomplished, that

a sport that made me feel welcome for my size, and I’m used to being physical having grown up in a house full of boys.” It was a decision that undoubtedly paid off, given that the Klein Oak junior would go 46-3 and win State in the 185-pound weight class as a sophomore. She would go undefeated and win another state title this winter. “At first, I didn’t know that I had won because I thought we were in the second period when it was actually the third,” Ferranti laughed. “After they made the announcement, I was just thinking, ‘Wow, I did it’. I took a big breath of relief because I had put so much effort into it. Having all of that pay off was surreal.”

THE TERM, “BEING WISE BEYOND ONE’S YEARS” IS THROWN AROUND FAIRLY OFTEN TO DESCRIBE SPECIAL STUDENT-ATHLETES. Klein Oak’s Rylee Ferranti is one of those special athletes, who truly manifests that notion into reality. While she has dabbled in numerous sports over the years, including football, softball, baseball, basketball and swimming, Ferranti would eventually find herself on the wrestling mat. “I was actually going to try football my freshman year because I’ve always been a bigger girl since I was little,” she said. “But, then I found wrestling and my coach told me I was a perfect fit because of my strength and size. It was

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KLEIN OAK BASEBALL CARRIED THE BANNER LAST YEAR, AS THE PANTHERS WON DISTRICT EN ROUTE TO REACHING THE THIRD ROUND OF THE POSTSEASON. THE PANTHERS ARE LOADED ONCE AGAIN, WITH MATT SCOTT (TEXAS-SIGNEE) AT THE PLATE, AND MAKOY STONE (UT-PERMIAN BASIN) ON THE MOUND. GAGE KOOYERS AND AUSTIN HARDY ANCHOR THE DEFENSE. THE SOFTBALL TEAM ALSO REACHED THE POSTSEASON IN 2023, AND WILL RELY ON OFFENSIVE MVP SOPHIE SMITH (MISSOURI) TO PROVIDE POWER AT THE PLATE AND SLICK FIELDING FROM THE SHORTSTOP POSITION. GIRLS GOLF IS YOUNG AND TALENTED, WHILE BRODY POLZIN PROVIDES EXPERIENCE FOR THE BOYS. DARRYL YOUNG IS ONE OF THE TOP JUMPERS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, WHILE THE KLEIN OAK GIRLS RELAY SPRINTERS SHOULD CHALLENGE TO REACH THE REGIONAL MEET. TITLE CHASERS

EJ Garcia, Makoy Stone, Tanner Cooper, Matt Scott, Gage Kooyers, Austin Hardy and Reed Osborne

Taylor Kerns, Lindy Morvan, Aniyah Ramirez, Alexa Smothers and Londyn Colon

Darryl Young, Jacob Everson, Justin Hart, Kensington Vidito and Hunter Hendry

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Klein oak photo feature

Rey Rodgers

Tanner Cooper

Anjali Nair, Gabby Gonzales, Lauren Ybarra, Ann Katherine Smith and Allie Hensley

Trinnity Blatz

Lauren Ybarra

Katelyn Havemann, Brielle Moreland, Trinnity Blatz, Carly Zahn, Sophie Smith and Aubrey LaCour

Kinsington Vidito

Austin Hardy

Rey Rodgers, Cooper Nixon, Brody Polzin and Carson Sellers

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Klein oak photo feature

Londyn Colon

Katelyn Havemann

Makoy Stone

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