TWCA Fall 2024

THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

TWCA .NET

Fall Edition 2024

TWCA Winning On, Off Fields of Play THE MISSI N

PREGAME

PREGAME

Warrior Nation, At The Woodlands Christian Academy, we strive to equip and inspire young leaders both on the field and in the classroom. We are so grateful to our fans for your support of our student athletes, and we look forward to another exciting year in Warrior athletics! Physical development is an integral com ponent of the overall school experience for our PK4 - 12th grade students. In fact, it serves as one of the four foundational pillars that make up our mission — The

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VYPE STAFF PUBLISHER VYPE MEDIA, LLC CEO Derek Dusek CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Matt Malatesta CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Tiller TWCA PUBLICATION & VYPE LOGO MARK Meadowlark Creative • carrie@artbymeadowlark.com DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Bradley Collier CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamey Wright, Alex Vinson

Woodlands Christian Academy is an independent, Christ-centered college preparatory school that integrates learning with biblical faith and spiritual growth and challenges students to reach their highest potential - intellec tually, creatively, physically and socially - for the glory of Jesus Christ. Rigorous academics, spiritual maturity, stimulating creative opportunities, meaningful social experiences, and competitive athletics have allowed us to graduate confident and well-rounded future leaders who are grounded in their faith and equipped to make a positive impact with their lives. The lessons learned on the field and the mentorship, encouragement, and life-long relationships developed between teammates and coaches are in valuable. Our coaching staff is steadfast in their commitment to implement ing opportunities for fellowship to ensure Warrior athletes recognize that only through Christ are we able to achieve such tremendous success. I am so proud of our student athletes and coaches, and I appreciate the community’s continued support of our programs. Your encouragement and enthusiasm really make a difference to our future leaders! Go Warriors and, never forget, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” (Judges 6:12b)

STAFF WRITER Matthew Ogle VIDEOGRAPHER Alex Hinson DIGITAL EDITOR Jackson DiPasquale VYPE INTERN Molly McCollum CONTACT INFORMATION MAILING ADDRESS: VYPE Media, LLC 1334 Brittmoore Road, Suite 2901 Houston, TX 77043 EMAIL: info@vypemedia.com

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VYPE is published by Vype Media, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. VYPE is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondence will become property of VYPE. EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. For editorial matters, please contact the editor. The views of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the policies of VYPE nor that of the publishers. VYPE has a clear commitment to inviting and publishing corrections of fact and clarifying errors of context. Corrections of errors and mistakes are a necessity in obtaining credibility in the magazine. VYPE supports and encourages our staff and contributing writers and photographers to make any potential error known to our editor. ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. The views and opinions of VYPE advertisers does not reflect that of VYPE High School Sports Magazine. In accordance with the NCAA Bylaws, VYPE and its advertisers have complied in all advertisements present in VYPE. SPECIAL THANKS TWCA Marketing and Communications Team and TWCA Athletics

Blessings, Julie Ambler Head of School

THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

TWCA .NET

Fall Edition 2024

ON THE COVER Photo by BRADLEY COLLIER THE MISSION: (from left to right) Arden Allison, Kate Worthington, Grayson Boeker, Beau Ellis, Flo Shirley and Reese Muzny are the faces of The Woodlands Christian Academy fall athletics.

SOCIAL TWCA

SPECIAL THANKS to Mercedes-Benz of the Woodlands

TWCA Winning On, Off Fields of Play THE MISSI N

@twcawarriors /twcawarriors /twcawarriors

@twca _ sports @twcawarriors /twcawarriors

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TWCA NEWS

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PHOTO feature

They’re Not Like Us N estled in north Houston and tucked in the piney trees of The Woodlands, sits one of the most special schools in the state of Texas... The Woodlands Christian Academy. Last year the Warriors celebrated their 30th anniversary, serving students and families with a Christ centered college preparatory alternative. The 2024-25 school year will be no different. It is going to be one of remembering the past and preparing for the future. Here are the faces of the present. The leaders of today that will make the Warrior Nation proud this fall.

Justin Abbey

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PHOTO feature

Anna Claire Usner

Logan Swan

Maddox Purvis

Prince Holiday

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Alexandra Walton

Kirby Page

Brayden Hinote

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Ashlyn Fleenor

Joey Orr

Charlotte Shearer

Victoria Crawford

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Ashlyn Culp

Tyler Seeger

Ryan Smith

Kaitlyn Bass

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Avery Purvis

Nicolette Neaher

Caroline Fletcher

Dylan Swan

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TWCA NEWS

TWCA Warrior Boosters promotes school spirit and provides support to the Athletic and Fine Arts Programs. To join Warrior Boosters, visit twca.net/boosters. Thank You to Our Sponsors!

WARRIOR BOOSTERS PRESENTING SPONSOR

WARRIOR BOOSTERS FALL SEASON SPONSOR

BANNER SPONSORS

Ameriprise Financial The Brown Family Compass Drywall

Mustard Seed Realtors Kara Powell Photography The Republic Grille

The Rodriguez Family Sovran Water The Head Team/Texas Premier Mortgage-Steve Head

Sponsors as of September 20, 2024

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VICTORY SPONSORS

The Hook Family The Klein Family

BIBLER FINNEY PANFIL PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP of Wells Fargo Advisors

The Chappelle Family

C Your paragraph text C P PROJECT Church

The Orr Family

SUPPORTER SPONSORS

The Tillman Family

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feature CHEER THE CROWD PLEASERS

THOUGH FANS MAY BE ATTENDING GAMES ON FRIDAY NIGHTS TO WATCH THE YOUNG MEN IN PADS BATTLE IT OUT, IT’S THE CHEER SQUAD THAT PROVIDES THE ADDITIONAL ENTHUSIASTIC FACTOR TO MAKE THE EVENING SPIRIT-FILLED. TWCA is no different, as the tireless efforts of coach Hannah Heard’s cheerleaders are sure to bring that extra spark to the gridiron and volleyball courts, while repping the iconic green and gold.

Laurin Reed Lily Smith

2024 Warrior Cheer

Ruby Davis

Ella Dafferner

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CHEER

Reese Muzny FEARLESS

TWCA’S REESE MUZNY HAS THAT BOUNCE. SHE ALWAYS HAS. Whether it’s an elaborate tumbling pass for cheerleading or soaring through the air in track as a pole vaulter, the kid is fearless. During the COVID-era, Muzny and her family lived in Utah where she took up... you guessed it, aerial skiing. Yes, the Olympic sport where skiers launch themselves off a ramp and do flips and twists mid-air before sticking a landing. “Gymnastics and aerial skiing really got me into cheer,” she laughed. “I love flipping, which is why cheer is the perfect fit for me because I love tumbling. That ties into pole vaulting as well. It’s all really technical when you think about it.” Muzny Full-Blast, All the Time \\ By Matt Malatesta She’s a competitor as well. She helped lead the Warriors to a first-place finish at their summer camp against private and public schools, alike. She also holds the school record for the pole vault and is looking for a TAPPS State Title in 2025. “My club pole-vault coach Greg West has been very influential in my life,” she said. “He held the school record at Texas A&M when he was there and is a great Christian. He has made me so much better over the past few years.” When not competing athletically, she’s competing in the classroom. “I am passionate about science,” she said. “I’ve been shadowing in my Mom’s dental office and I really enjoy it. I want to go into dentistry as a career and get into the business.” Like anything she has done up to this point, Muzny is not afraid to take a leap of faith. I love flipping, which is why cheer is the perfect fit for me because I love tumbling. ”

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FOOTBALL

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TRENDING UPWARDS Warriors Have Eyes on Postseason

guide The Woodlands Christian back to the postseason. Senior LB Grayson Boeker remains a beast on the defense, who’s coming off a second-team, all-district selection and holds offers from Baylor, Air Force, Navy and more. Meanwhile, fellow second-teamer Beau Ellis (Sr. RB/DB), Santiago Fernandez (Jr. RB), Landon Ho (Jr. WR) and Justin Abbey (Sr. RB) are among the numerous offensive weapons in Hull’s arsenal this fall.

COACH KOLBY HULL ENTERS HIS THIRD YEAR DIRECTING THE WARRIORS WITH THE INTENTION OF BUILDING UPON THE SUCCESSES THE TEAM SAW A YEAR AGO. TWCA has the tall task of competing in arguably the toughest district in all of TAPPS, having to face off against the likes of the Second Baptist School, Fort Bend Christian Academy, Lutheran South Academy, and now Cypress Christian on an annual basis. However, there is still plenty of returning talent that could

2024 Warrior Football

Logan Mills

Grayson Boeker

Santiago Fernandez

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MOUNTAIN MAN FOOTBALL Ellis...a Dude’s Dude \\ By Matt Malatesta

BEAU ELLIS. THE NAME SOUNDS LIKE FOOTBALL, RIGHT? The Woodlands Christian Academy captain can do just about anything on a football field, hence his position... athlete. The 6-foot-1 senior lives, breathes and bleeds the sport. “Football just teaches you so many life-lessons,” he said. “It’s about the brotherhood that it creates when you go to battle against other teams. It’s also about discipline. After a hard day of school or not feeling 100-percent, still throwing on the pads and going out in the hot Texas weather is what it’s about. It’s those habits that I can apply outside of football throughout my future.” It goes even deeper than that. It’s about the people and their influence. “Coach (Steven) Svendson has played a huge role in my life,” he said. “He’s been my football and track coach and is always there to lift me up when I’m down. He also baptized me last year. “I’ve also loved watching videos of Troy Polamalu (former Pittsburgh Steeler). His Christ-like attitude on and off the field is something I really inspire to be. Football is a very intense and heated sport, and his ability to be such a great leader and encourage his teammates is something I look up to.” Beau Ellis. Sounds like an outdoorsman, right? “My dream?” he thinks about. “I want live in a quiet place with a family in the mountains, where I can start a business that makes the world a better place. “I just have to be outdoors. I can be doing anything... paddle boarding, hiking, skiing, something. That’s just the way I’m built.” For now, Ellis will be an integral part of the Warriors’ playoff goals, while pursuing any opportunity to play the game that has molded him for over a decade. The mountains are just going to have to wait.

Beau Ellis

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It’s about the brotherhood that it creates when you go to battle against other teams.

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VOLLEYBALL

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TAKING THE NEXT STEP TWCA Young, Defensive-Oriented

Kaitlyn Bass will facilitate the attack, while Kate Worthington (Jr. OH) will be the team’s top offensive weapon. Of course, there’s plenty of depth on coach Wofford’s roster, including sophomores Ashlyn Culp, Reagan Sberna and Alexandra Walton, with several notable freshmen, which bodes well for the squad in a loaded district.

WHILE THEY DID EXPERIENCE THEIR FAIR SHARE OF UPS AND DOWNS IN 2023, THERE IS CAUSE FOR OPTIMISM AT TWCA AS SECOND-YEAR COACH WHITNEY WOFFORD HAS A BEVY OF RETURNING STARTERS WHO SHOULD MAKE THEIR PRESENCE KNOWN IN TAPPS. Spalding University-commit Victoria Crawford (Sr. L) anchors the back-line for the Warriors, alongside junior DS Logan Swan. Meanwhile, senior setter

Dylan Swan, Logan Swan Ella Dumas

Victoria Crawford, Kaitlyn Bass

Coach Whitney Campbell

Alexandra Walton, Ashlyn Culp, Reagan Sberna

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VOLLEYBALL

\\ By Matt Malatesta TOUGHEN UP, BUTTER CUP Path Has Been Paved for Youngest Worthington

KATE WORTHINGTON IS THE BABY OF THE BUNCH.

Kate Worthington

The TWCA multi-sport athlete has two older sisters who walked the Warrior halls... Lindsay and Megan. They laid the groundwork for their little sister as she would soon wear the green and gold. “Having older siblings, you learn to have thick skin,” she laughed. “You can’t let things get to you, when they are bugging on you all the time. I do look up to them. Linsday plays DI soccer (Samford) and she’s been a big influence on me. I’ve always admired her work ethic and that has pushed me to be a better athlete.” While the older sisters starred in soccer, Kate has paved her own path in volleyball. She does play soccer for the school as well. “I actually grew up playing club soccer because that’s what my older sisters did, so that is kind of all I knew,” she said. “I tried volleyball in the sixth-grade and love it. I quit playing soccer and picked up club volleyball. Two years ago, I started playing beach volleyball and it’s made me love the sport even more.” Outside of being one of the team’s top scorers, the junior has learned some valuable life-lessons along the way. “Volleyball has taught me patience and how important being a part of a team is,” she said. “I’ve definitely had to learn to be patient in God’s journey and trust his plan even throughout the season. We have a great group this year and having that cohesiveness is such a game changer.” “The size of the school allows you to be involved in so much, from clubs to sports,” she said. “That’s huge for someone like me, who loves to be busy and active. The family culture is also cool. You can be walking through the halls and people will ask about the game last night or how you are doing. It’s a very tight-knit community.” When she’s not working on volleyball or soccer, Worthington is in the books. “This might sound nerdy, but I like school,” she laughed. “I really like biology and hope to major in some kind of biomedical science in college. It would be cool to be a physician’s assistant or work in physical therapy.” She definitely has the thick skin to do it. The vibe at TWCA has also played a significant role in her development.

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CROSS COUNTRY

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CHASING A TITLE to graduation, her younger brother Roberto is beginning to make a name for himself on the trails. Additionally, Arden Allison, Hudson Howard, Elaina Formica, Flo Shirley, Maddox Purvis and Kate Winkelman aim to continue the legacy of The Woodlands Christian Academy XC as they make their way back to state contention. Earle, Warriors Always a Threat for TAPPS Championship THERE ARE FEW PRIVATE SCHOOL TEAMS THAT HAVE A REPUTATION QUITE AS ESTEEMED AS TWCA’S, WHEN IT COMES TO TOM EARLE’S CROSS-COUNTRY AND TRACK PROGRAMS. Regardless of the year or circumstances, the Warriors consistently reach the state-level and that is unlikely to change in 2024. While they will surely miss star Zoe Calimani

2024 Warrior Girls Cross Country

2024 Warrior Boys Cross Country

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SHE HAS THAT FLO Shirley Going Out as Heartbeat of TWCA Cross Country CROSS COUNTRY feature

Flo Shirley

\\ By Matt Malatesta

CROSS COUNTRY IS A TOUGH SPORT. The early hours, the heat, the distance, the mental toughness. Don’t let Flo Shirley’s sweet personality fool you, she’s a beast. “I really got into the sport because of my sister (Fern),” she laughed. “She quit dance and needed something to do and started cross country. We are really competitive between each other. Whatever she’s doing, I have to do better.” Entering her senior season, Flo is looking to go out with a bang. “I’m trying to set a personal record for myself and finish in the Top 10 at districts,” she said. “The State Meet is a tough course, and the conditions were pretty bad last year, so I’m just looking for a much better time this year.” Outside of the sport and team she loves, Shirley is much more than running. “If I could meet anyone dead or alive?” she was asked. “Probably Abby Lee Miller of Dance Moms . I watch that show every night. I love it. Maybe Sabrina Carpenter too. I love her music.” Her sister Fern goes to the University of Tennessee, so that could be her future destination. ” It’s a family and I know I’ll come back and visit when I’m in college. I love this place. “I like the Vols but could also end up somewhere like Oklahoma,” she said. “I want to go to nursing school in the future after interning at a doctor’s office this summer. I fell in love with the medical field and know I want to go that way. I think running will always be in my life, however, maybe I’ll run intramurals in college.” As her high school chapter begins the close, Shirley hopes to have left her mark at TWCA. “I’ve been here forever, and it feels like home,” she said of her school. “It’s a family and I know I’ll come back and visit when I’m in college. I love this place. “I hope I’ve set a good example here... always pushing when things get hard and being a good leader. Cross country is a team sport and I know our team has always pulled for each other. We put in so much work when no one is watching. That is the legacy I hope to have left here.” Mission accomplished. “

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Arden Allison

FORGING OWN PATH Allison Brings Unique Perspective to TWCA

\\ By Matt Malatesta

VYPE: What is your favorite movie? ALLISON: “I really like the Mission Impossible movies.” VYPE: You came to TWCA as a sophomore as a home-schooler. How was the transition? ALLISON: “It’s been great. The academics are much tougher, but the best part is the social aspect. Just meeting and hanging out with people has been the greatest part of the move. I’ve learned so much from my coaches, teachers and new friends. It’s been so much more fun and I’ve grown so much.” VYPE: What has been your childhood dream? ALLISON: “I’ve always wanted to fly planes.”

VYPE: How does cross country help you in baseball? ALLISON: Obviously, it keeps me in shape, but the running motion with my arms really helps my shoulders stay healthy. VYPE: What do you like to do outside of sports? ALLISON: “I have been involved in Boy Scouts and the Venture Crew all my life. I love camping and I’m also on a team that competes in the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP). I’ve gotten pretty good. It’s a competition where we shoot at steel targets while being timed. VYPE: What is your plan for the future after TWCA? ALLISON: “I want to play baseball at LeTourneau University. I really like the school. I love working with my hands and want to get into something like being a mechanic. I love to build and fix things.”

DUAL-SPORT WARRIOR ARDEN ALLISON HAS BEEN POUNDING THE CROSS-COUNTRY PATHS ACROSS THE CITY OF HOUSTON THIS FALL BEFORE LACING UP THE CLEATS FOR THE BASEBALL TEAM COME THE SPRING. VYPE caught up with the senior in between races, getting in the head of the long-distance runner and pitcher. He has an interesting journey. VYPE: How did you get into both sports? They are so different. ALLISON: “My Mom and I started running little 5K fun-raisers when I was like seven-years-old. When I got to TWCA, I just started running competitively. I fight with myself during every race. It’s a constant battle of not burning out... speeding up and slowing down. My Dad played baseball and got me into the sport early. I love to have the ball in my hand on the mound.”

FOR MORE PHOTOS, VISIT US ON INSTAGRAM: @TWCA_Sports

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TWCA NEWS