TWCA Spring 2024

THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

TWCA .NET

Spring Edition 2024

TWCA Athletes Have High Expectations for the Spring

PREGAME

Warrior Family, Serving as the Warrior Boosters Chairs for The Woodlands Christian Academy (TWCA) for the past two years has been an honor and a joy for us. We have had the privilege of building countless new friendships within our school community while working hard to foster and grow our Fine Arts and Athletic programs for our students. Many years ago, Warrior Boosters set out to raise funds to enhance these programs so that Woodlands Christian students could discover and strengthen their God-given talents. We believe it is our duty to support this mission. Our goal as the Boosters Chairs was to help make significant enhancements to the Athletics and Fine Arts programs while maintaining our state-of-the-art additions, we have been blessed to build over the years. We believe our team has met and even surpassed our mission and goals. Thanks to our Warrior Boosters supporters over the years, funds raised have been able to purchase home and away uniforms for both Middle and High School teams, athletic team equipment, a state-of

Will and Nicole Murphy

the-art weight room rivaling some college facilities, boys and girls locker rooms, a sports training room, and new flooring and lights in the David gym to name a few. Warrior Boosters also funded the Fine Arts panels, display boards, new microphones, and PA systems for the Lower School music and theatre program. Additionally, our goal was to ensure our students and families are proud to be a part of the Warrior family and share that enthusiasm with our community. We believe that the Warrior pride is loud and proud as we have seen record attendance at many of our annual events over the past two years, including the Warrior Color Run, Grand Days BBQ, the Crawfish Boil and our incredible Golf Tournament. We also saw record Booster memberships in the past few years. The growth and success of these events and membership is a direct reflection of the Warrior Boosters Committee and the volunteers who put in numerous hours working and planning these events. It has been an honor to see so many pieces of the Warrior Boosters puzzle come together which is evidence of what happens when you serve along others who share the same strong passion for our beloved school. In closing, we encourage our families to support Warrior Boosters by giving in your own way, whether it be of your time, talents or treasure. All are necessary to build and maintain the Athletic and Fine Arts programs at TWCA. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our school and pray the Athletics and Fine Arts programs are well placed to continue to soar! Will and Nicole Murphy Warrior Boosters Chairs

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PREGAME

contents TABLE of

SOCIAL

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@vypetexas @vype.houston

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03 No. 43

In the Pool

TWCA Swim Making a Splash

Softball's Keira Crosby Dialed into Game, Faith \\ By Matt Malatesta

VYPE STAFF PUBLISHER VYPE MEDIA, LLC CEO Derek Dusek CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Matt Malatesta CFO Justin Bull CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Tiller TWCA PUBLICATION + VYPE LOGO DESIGN Meadowlark Creative • Carrie@ArtByMeadowlark.com PHOTO EDITOR Bradley Collier CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bradley Collier, Jamey Wright STAFF WRITER Matthew Ogle DIGITAL EDITOR Jackson DiPasquale CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE Diana Alvarado

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For the Culture

Warrior Boys Celebrating Personal Bests in Track & Field

Diamond Girls

TWCA's Softball Team will be in the District Conversation in 2024

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The Family Business Philip Catron Enters the Final Curve of High School Career \\ By Matt Malatesta

Senior Strong

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Fuentes, Parker are Alphas for TWCA Baseball

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PHONE: 713-969-7105 WEBSITE: vype.com

God-Oriented

Desire to Inspire It’s Little Sister’s Time to Shine in TWCA Tennis \\ By Matt Malatesta

Chappelle’s Faith Instrumental in Attaining Goals \\ By Matt Malatesta

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 & COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Stephanie Olson, Michael Fonville, Matthew Reese & Kyle Rogers

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Elite Competition

The Aces

TWCA Girls Track & Field will Use Depth to Challenge Loaded District

The Warrior Tennis Team is Looking for More

ON THE COVER Photo by BRADLEY COLLIER ELEVATED: TWCA cover athletes Keira Crosby, Sarah Chappelle, Anna Claire Usner, and Philip Catron have high expectations for the spring.

SOCIAL TWCA

@twcawarriors /twcawarriors /twcawarriors

@twca _ sports @twcawarriors /twcawarriors

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No. 43

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SOFTBALL

Crosby Dialed into Game, Faith \\ By Matt Malatesta

ON THE MOUND, KEIRA CROSBY IS ONE OF THE MOST FEARED PITCHERS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. She is locked-in on her craft. Outside of the diamond, however, the junior is mature beyond her years and has a passion for her faith. “Honestly, I’m devoted to building my relationship with God,” she said. “With that, I want to be a light for others.” She even wears it on her jersey. “I chose No. 43 because that is my spiritual birthday,” she said. “April 3rd is the day I accepted Jesus Christ. When I’m out there, no matter what I’m facing, I know God is with me.” Crosby has God-given talents, which have already bore fruits of her labor. She is committed to Duke University to play her college softball. “I love how the team treats each other,” she said. “Coach pushes her athletes to be their best, both on the field and in the classroom. Her team is really bonded.” For now, Crosby will be dialing up fastballs as she leads the Warriors into the TAPPS postseason. “I want our team to work on building each other up, every day,” she said. “I know we aren’t going to be perfect but having great chemistry will take us far. I love playing school ball. It’s a fun break from the high-pressure Select Competition.” Crosby has continued to improve on her game on a daily basis and looks to have a dominant season. “Depending on how many games I pitch, I have the number of 200 strikeouts as a goal,” she laughed. “My velocity has really improved over the fall. I’m trying to hit my spots, but I’m really trying to pound it in there.” Blessed with immense talent and an unquenchable thirst for her faith, Keira Crosby will leave a legacy at TWCA as one of the best softball players to come out of the program.

FOR MORE PHOTOS, VISIT US ON INSTAGRAM: @TWCA_Sports

Keira Crosby

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SOFTBALL

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Girls

DIAMOND

2024 Warrior Softball

THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY SOFTBALL TEAM WILL BE IN THE DISTRICT CONVERSATION IN 2024. Coach Joshua Culp has taken over the Warrior team. Keira Crosby is an elite talent on the mound, and catcher Ashlyn Culp quarterbacks the defense. Reagan Rohrlich patrols the outfield and can speed around the basepaths. Marissa Clarke will also eat up innings on the mound. The Warriors are young, talented and hungry to make a name for themselves in a tough district.

FOR MORE PHOTOS, VISIT US ON INSTAGRAM: @TWCA_Sports

Marissa Clarke

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SOFTBALL

Reagan Rohrlich

Ashlyn Culp

Elaina Trevathan

Ella Dafferner

Madi London

Viriginia Finley

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BASEBALL

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SENIOR Strong

Fuentes, Parker are Alphas for TWCA Baseball

2024 Warrior Baseball

Our strength is going to be our senior leadership. We have a nucleus that really works hard and has high expectations. I’m going to lean on our catcher Chase Fuentes and pitcher Kai Parker to lead the way. They are great voices on the field. The key to this season is to stay healthy and compete in this tough district. If we can find a way to get into the playoffs and get hot at the right time, we will be in good shape. The State Champion usually comes out of our district and this year will be no different. “ ” ~Brett Cleveland HEAD BASEBALL COACH COACHES’ 6 \\

CORNER

Nick Piñon

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BASEBALL

Chase Fuentes

Kai Parker

Grant Lusk

Danny O'Brien

Gunnar Okland

Ryan Glynn

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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

VICTORY SPONSORS

The Orr Family

BIBLER FINNEY PANFIL PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP of Wells Fargo Advisors

The Tillman Family

The Chappelle Family

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TWCA NEWS

WARRIOR BOOSTERS FALL SEASON SPONSOR

WARRIOR BOOSTERS WINTER SEASON SPONSOR

WARRIOR BOOSTERS SPRING SEASON SPONSOR

MONARCH SILICA Expert Production. Exceptional Products.

SUPPORTER SPONSORS

BANNER SPONSORS

The Brown Family Compass Drywall

Kailee Mills Foundation Kara Powell Photography Mike Powell Insurance Petroleum Wholesale The Rodriguez Family

Mike Seder Group/ Nicole Murphy Realtor Soules Insurance Agency Sovran Water Texas Premier Mortgage The Republic Grille

Hometown Pediatrics Houk Air Conditioning Hughes & Cozad Orthodontics Joe Castro Plumbing

Sponsors as of March 1, 2024

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Desire--1 feature TENNIS \\ By Matt Malatesta

It’s Little Sister’s Time to Shine to INSPIRE

ANNA CLAIRE USNER HAS ALWAYS BEEN JACK USNER’S “LITTLE SISTER”. She doesn’t mind, though. “Yeah, I know I kind of grew up in his shadow, but I learned a lot from him,” she said. “When you want to be the best, you have to become obsessed with the drive to get there. He taught me how to work hard for things.” Jack and his teammates won TAPPS State golf three consecutive years in dominating fashion, and he’s now playing college golf at Texas A&M. While Jack has been at the top of the mountain in his sport, Anna Claire has forged her own journey and is also enjoying success.

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I was getting tired of following Jack around with his golf, so I started playing tennis.

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“I started in competitive cheer but by 10-years-old I wanted to do something else,” she laughed. “My parents told me it was either golf or tennis. I was getting tired of following Jack around with his golf, so I started playing tennis. I got pretty good at it, and it’s something I can do for the rest of my life. “I made it to State last year, but I was the only one from TWCA. I was looking at everyone having fun with their teams. This year, I want to bring my team. I’m encouraging everyone to work hard so we can all get there.” Usner is also a cheerleader at TWCA, hangs with her friends and shops, like most teenagers, but her true passion is kids. “I’ve always done after-school care for kids,” she said. “When you are young, you always look up to the older kids who take time to hang out with you. I want to inspire the next generation. They will always remember you for doing that.” Her plan is to study pediatric physical therapy at Texas A&M. Following her brother isn’t so bad after all. He’s been her inspiration.

Anna Claire Usner

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TENNIS

Aces

THE WARRIOR TENNIS TEAM IS LOOKING FOR MORE. Anna Claire Unser reached the State Tournament in 2023, but TWCA is looking to make more reservations for Waco this spring. Piper O’Brien and Christiana Camarillo will join Usner for the girls, while Gabriel Demandante and Gavin Bridges will pace the boys’ team.

THE

2024 Warrior Girls Tennis

2024 Warrior Boys Tennis

Gavin Bridges

Christiana Camarillo

Gabriel Demanante

Piper O'Brien

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Pool--6 TWCA Swim Making a Splash SWIM

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IN THE

2024 Warrior Swim

Sarah Powell

Alexa Perez de Arenaza

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TWCA NEWS

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BOYS TRACK + FIELD

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Warrior Boys Celebrating Personal Bests Culture FOR THE

Andrew Cockrill

Konnor Everhart

COACHES’

We are really strong in our relays and mid-distance right now. We are working to rebuild and develop some young athletes on the sprint side. For now, our goal is to compete in the district and really celebrate our personal bests. That is the culture of our program here. Whether you are our No. 5 runner or headed to State, we want to challenge each individual to reach those personal bests. “

CORNER

” ~Tom Earle TRACK & FIELD PROGRAM-HEAD COACH

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BOYS TRACK + FIELD

Beau Ellis

Omar Gayle

Roberto Calimani

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BOYS TRACK

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\\ By Matt Malatesta Family BUSINESS The

THE CATRON NAME HAS BEEN SYNONYMOUS WITH THE TWCA TRACK AND FIELD TEAM FOR YEARS. Ellie Catron passed the baton to Harry Catron, who is passing it to the last of the Catrons … Philip. “We have this discussion all the time,” Philip laughed. “My Dad ran a little bit, and my Mom didn’t. It just happened for us kids. It’s been great to be able to look up to my brother and sister on the track. To see how far they went and following in their footsteps has been really special.” The mid-distance star has high expectations for his senior season. “I want to medal at State in either the 400 or 800,” he said. “I’m really focused on my times and seeing how far I can push myself this season, wherever that takes me.” He started his mid-distance journey in the eighth grade. “Those races are the most challenging in all of track,” he said. “Especially the 800 meters … it’s brutal and very mentally challenging. That makes it fun and really challenges your toughness. It’s my thing.” When he’s not training, Catron loves to hoop with his friends and race go-carts. However, that fits in between his school work, which he takes very seriously. “I’m have a path for my future,” he said. “I want to study aerospace engineering and work for Boeing. I’m between going to Oklahoma State and Texas A&M for college. I’ve always wanted to work in that field.” “Running track has really helped me work on my time-management as crazy as that seems. You have to plan for training, school and studying. It’s worked for me.” As he hits his final curve and heads down the stretch of his high school career, he’s grateful for his time representing the green and gold. “TWCA has been an amazing experience,” he said. “The track program is really special with Coach (Tom) Earle and all my teammates. This is a family where everyone uplifts every other.” That’s the way it should be. Philip Catron Enters the Final Curve of High School Career

Philip Catron

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GIRLS TRACK

Chappelle’s Faith Instrumental in Attaining Goals Oriented GOD

\\ By Matt Malatesta

SARAH CHAPPELLE HAS LEFT A TREMENDOUS LEGACY AT THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY. But, she’s just getting started. The senior track star has hopes of setting the TAPPS Class 5A State Record in the 300 hurdles on her way out this spring, before heading to Hillsdale College in Michigan. She will be bringing her spikes with her, along with her sweaters. “I’m beyond excited for the next step of my life,” she said. “It’s a great school with a great track and field program. The mentorship, Christian culture, facilities and network are all amazing. I’ll get homesick but I’m already building a family there.” Family is everything for Chappelle. Her brother plays football at Troy University in Alabama, and her parents have mentored her throughout her life. “My parents are amazing,” she said. “My Mom is from rural Alabama. She was worried about her kids having a work ethic when we moved to The Woodlands. They have made sure that we had to work for what we wanted. It taught me an early life lesson that if you want to be successful, you have to work for it. They instilled that in us and to seek the Lord. That has grown me into the woman I am today.” The TWCA-lifer, Chappelle flipped her philosophy when she stepped foot on the track in high school. “Coming into high school, track was just for me to glorify myself … I just wanted to be fast and track was my idol,” she said. “The Holy Spirit worked in me and since then I’ve been more focused on God. Now I see track as a gift He has given me to glorify Him. My view shifted coming into ninth grade.” When she’s not training, she has a pair of unique hobbies. “I love sports photography,” she said. “I never thought I was creative but taking photos is my artistic outlet. When I’m sitting and editing my photos, I just decompress. It also keeps me involved in sports.” The other? “I do bio-technology competitions,” she laughed. “There is a thing called gel electrophoresis (the separation of DNA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). I basically extract DNA, run it through PCR and find out about different diseases and bacteria. I can nerd out sometimes.” While she is focused on the Lord and track, she also has a passion to become an OBGYN (obstetrician/ gynecologist). “That’s the plan,” she said.

Sarah Chappelle

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GIRLS TRACK

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TWCA Girls will Use Depth to Challenge Loaded District Elite COMPETITION

2024 Warrior Girls Track

We are very balanced and deep on the girls team. We have great hurdlers, throwers, jumpers, pole vaulters and sprinters. The way we will compete in the district is with our depth. Keep in mind, our district has the best competition in the state and also in the nation. Sarah Chappelle, Zoe Calimani and Jane Watkins are three seniors who will lead this team. “ ” ~Tom Earle TRACK & FIELD PROGRAM-HEAD COACH COACHES’ 18 \\

CORNER

Jane Watkins

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GIRLS TRACK

Addie Buck

Flo Shirley

Taylor Makiya

Zoe Calimani

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TWCA NEWS

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THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 2024Auction&Gala

Celebrating 30 Years

May 4, 2024 The woodlands waterway marriott hotel and convention center

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